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Community Stories

When the Community Tool Box hosted the Out of the Box competition, we were amazed by the inspiring stories of change that were sent in from across the globe. When the competition concluded, we realized that each of the stories we received deserved to be shared and celebrated, and so each month we continue to adapt new stories to feature on this page. The work described in these examples covers a wide range of areas, from protecting the environment to preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS, to addressing Millennium Development Goals to rallying neighborhoods together for change, and improving the public's health. These stories exemplify the amazing efforts that are being undertaken in the every corner of the earth to improve communities and make a better world.

The power of communities to take action is a wonderful thing to behold, and we hope that you will find inspiration for your own work in these examples.

We have also compiled stories of communities taking action in response to COVID-19. View stories.

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The National Office of Drug Control Policy has identified a growing national concern regarding the increase use, misuse and abuse of prescription medications in the past five years. In 2013, the Royal Oak Community Coalition developed an innovative, out-of-the-box program to address this public...

Mending Fences Program is a FREE service for qualified homeowners (low-income, senior, vet, disabled) living in houses that need minor repairs, replacements and renovations necessary for home safety. This program is about revitalizing our city and eliminating blight with a community of...

After holding a Town Hall Meeting on Prescription Abuse, the Drug Free Task Force decided to look into ways to get medications out of the hands of those who might misuse them and ways to keep medication from being disposed of ways that were harmful to the environment. The group educated...

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Community Innovators

  • Health
  • Environment
  • Disaster Management
  • Economic Development
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