Dispatches: The Changing American Dream

Patch is excited about bringing a new series to its readers: "Dispatches: The Changing American Dream."

News stories debating the nation's debt ceiling, unemployment figures, the yo-yoing stock market and how businesses are fairing in today's economy are published everyday. At Patch we understand that national figures are important, but we also realize that a conversation about how residents, businesses and organizations in our community are weathering this economic storm is also valuable.

We know there is not one American Dream and we want to explore the dreams of people in our community and what they are doing to reach those dreams. At a purely local level, we want to know where we, as Roxborough-Manayunk neighbors, fit along these lines.

Nationally, there's a debate about which government-building efforts are "shovel-ready." Locally, we know development has not ceased in the area. Even in trying times, Manayunk has celebrated the opening of a number of small businesses this summer including , , and Yunk's is set to open by summer's end. And at the end of September, Manayunk will host its second annual Eco-Arts Fair that focuses on forward-thinking business ideas and encourages "green" initiatives.

Nationally,educators, government officials and parents are concerned about cuts to education. Locally, we know Roxborough and Manayunk schools will be struggling to make ends meet this school year. Although Roxborough High School had a banner year last year, we know that with a lack of funding, teachers and programs.

"Dispatches" will be built upon the compelling vignettes and snapshots we unearth across all of our Patch sites.

And, of course, we want your help: Tell us what issues and what stories in Roxborough and Manayunk go to the heart of your American Dream.

This is a unique moment in the history of our country, and Patch is uniquely positioned to explore and amplify the stories that capture that moment.