Patch To Tell American Story in New Series

We're inaugurating a new series for our Patch readers here and across the country: "Dispatches: The Changing American Dream."

Every day, you see national stories on the economy, politics, social issues, health and policy. Debates seem to be raging about unemployment, the housing market, the national debt, education and the nation's infrastructure.

American families, business leaders, workers and entrepreneurs are trying to adjust to trying times.

Patch wants to explore the effects of these challenges locally--in our town and neighborhood.

We already know that many businesses are putting off expansion plans, people are without jobs, college students are having to leave school and governments are juggling funding priorities.

But there are a lot of Americans learning new ways to contribute and finding innovative solutions to problems--using tools and connections that didn't exist just a few years ago.

We will continue to tell the stories of Columbia as they relate to these national debates.

For example, nationally there is a discussion on whether home ownership is still the American dream, and we've already reported  that some Marylanders still see it as a sign they’ve ‘made it.’ We've also told the story of , 36, who has five children and started using the food bank for the first time this year, reflecting the fact that in this economy, food banks are stretched thin as residents who have lost their jobs are seeking help for the first time.

We’ve also told your stories about education, and the poignant importance a diploma still holds. Recently, ), who had dropped out of a segregated school at age 12 and received her diploma equivalency just two days before she died at age 85.

We'll keep after those issues and uncover others with the aim to elevate them with context and perspective. You also may see your local stories highlighted as examples in a national forum.

"Dispatches" will be built upon the compelling narratives and snapshots we unearth across our almost 900 Patch sites.

We look to you to help guide us: Tell us what issues and stories in Columbia are part of what makes up your American Dream.