Ideas We Should Steal

Universal Child Care

Massachusetts legislators are working to make their state the first to provide free, high-quality care for children. In Pennsylvania, doing so would bring more women to the workplace—and could add $6 billion to the economy

By Jessica Blatt Press
Citizens of the Week

Teens Teach Technology

The vaccine may be here, but many seniors are still feeling disconnected from loved ones. These students are helping them feel less alone.

By Sam Haut

Mindfulness for Minors

A local nonprofit has shown measurable progress in helping Philly public school students stay on track through training in an unexpected skill: meditation

By Jessica Blatt Press

A New News Narrative

A youth-led after-school media program helps young Philadelphians cover issues important to, and about, them. Are you listening, big media?

By Katherine Rapin
The Citizen Recommends

The COmmunity VIDeo Resiliency Project

Big Picture Alliance’s screening of youth-created films explores how the pandemic has affected young people—and the resilience they continue to show in the face of adversity

By Christina Griffith
Guest Commentary

Reflections from a First-Time Voter

A Penn student looks back on a whiplash year that forced her to confront her own assumptions: How could she preach voting when she wasn’t sure she’d vote?

By Calista Lopez

The Power of Snapshots

While Covid-19 has forced the closure of many after-school programs, Photography Without Borders continues to empower North Philly youth with cameras, connections—and confidence. And now, the students’ work has gone national.

By Jessica Blatt Press
The Citizen Updates

Catching Up With Hallee Adelman

With the hit documentary The Social Dilemma and her latest children's book, the author, filmmaker and philanthropist continues to empower young people

By Jessica Blatt Press

“A Caress to the Soul”

The Philadelphia Lullaby Project, launched this year by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute with World Cafe Live, strengthens bonds among parents, babies and communities

By Jessica Blatt Press
Integrity Icon 2020

Meet Thomas Quinn

The Central High School social studies teacher is empowering our city’s youth to exercise their most profound civic right: voting

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy