Pedestrians Educating Drivers on Safety: Atlanta, Georgia

With a primary goal of increasing pedestrian safety throughout the Atlanta region, this organization has won policy victories and manages an innovative web-based system that allows residents to report barriers to safe walking directly to the appropriate city or county agency.

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Gardens for Growing Healthy Communities: Denver, Colorado

A community/academic partnership transforms vacant lots into community gardens in urban neighborhoods throughout Denver, creating new opportunities for physical activity, healthy eating and social connections among community residents, survivors of abuse and homeless people.

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The Fenway Alliance: Walkability in a Commercial District: Boston, Massachusetts

A powerful coalition of 20 well-respected arts, culture and academic institutions revitalizes a cultural district by improving walkability through major infrastructure projects in Boston, Massachusetts. Although focused in a commercial district, their efforts demonstrate innovative roles for large-scale institutions in improving the built environment. Their work is focused on attracting African American and Latino pedestrians from nearby schools and communities.

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Boston Lead-Safe Yard Project: Boston, Massachusetts

An innovative partnership focusing on Roxbury and Dorchester in Boston, Massachusetts uses affordable techniques to minimize exposure to lead in inner-city yards-a contemporary environmental hazard linked to developmental disabilities and learning delays, particularly among children under six, living in older, urban homes.

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Center for Economic Security: Muskegon, Michigan

Working intensively in the low-income city of Muskegon, Michigan, this relatively new organization is galvanizing support for a local, sustainable food system and hopes to get a statewide initiative on the 2010 ballot that will declare healthy, sustainable food as a right for every Michigan resident.

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Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

This statewide advocacy center works at the nexus of nutrition, hunger, and poverty as it coordinates a network of nutrition activists and professionals to advocate for statewide legislation to improve school nutrition, increase participation in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, and increase the minimum wage.

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Philadelphia Mural Arts Program: Philadelphia, PA

Utilizing a grassroots model, this effort engages community members, including ex-gang members, in the creation and painting of murals that improve aesthetics and transform neighborhoods in urban, economically disenfranchised communities throughout Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Library Cards for All: Salinas, California

A partnership between the Salinas Public Library and local school districts provided all students with library cards, free of charge and application-free. This simple, yet innovative, change in practice has resulted in more young people reading, engaging in meaningful opportunities, having a safe place to gather, and connecting with their community.

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