Attention Platforms Keep Us Focused on What's Breaking,
We Want to Find What's Building
Stories of individuals and communities pushing for, and getting, results
In a world that feels increasingly divided, overwhelming, and algorithmic, it can be hard to find stories of action. But change is happening in city halls, courtrooms, faith communities and neighborhoods across the country. Stories of ordinary people creating extraordinary change from wherever they stand.
The Mess (Opportunity!)
Algorithmic news leaves us feeling helpless and overwhelmed
Feeling Used by the News?
All day, the Attention Platforms deliver streams of overwhelming headlines. Federal policies that feel wrong. Stories that make you angry or worried. Problems that seem too big to solve. And they do it on purpose because your attention is their product.
It's easy to feel like nothing you do matters. Like change is impossible. Like you're powerless to even make a contribution, however big or small.
But here's what the algorithmic attention economy misses: While platforms feature what's breaking down, constructive things are being built up. Every. Single. Day.
Our Idea
We find the stories that demonstrate change is possible
Stories That Inspire Action
Real communities → Real stories → Real change
We Look For What Else Is Going On
Every week, we find the stories that demonstrate what's possible. The legal victories protecting rights. The spiritual communities providing sanctuary. Local governments standing up for their values.
These are real communities solving real problems, creating real change. They're evidence that when ordinary people organize, extraordinary things happen.
Think of it as your regular reminder: If they can do it, so can we.
What You'll Find in Every Issue
Real stories of folks taking action and creating results
Individual Courage
Teachers, healthcare workers, public servants, and ordinary citizens choosing conscience when it matters most, regardless of the source of pressure.
Legal Victories
Strategic court cases blocking policies communities oppose, constitutional challenges protecting rights, and legal advocates winning battles that seemed impossible.
Local Government Innovation
City councils, mayors, and state governments creating policies that reflect their communities' values and protect their residents.
Grassroots Organizing
Community groups, mutual aid networks, and neighborhood coalitions solving problems through collective action and creative solutions.
Spiritual Communities in Action
Churches, mosques, and synagogues adapting their ministries to protect vulnerable neighbors and provide sanctuary when their communities face threats.
Community Resilience
How neighborhoods support each other through crisis, disaster relief efforts that work, and communities building the world they want to see.
See These Story Types in Action
Want to see exactly what a 3½ Percent newsletter looks like? Check out our sample issue featuring real stories of communities creating change.
Browse Sample Newsletter →Why We're Here
Research shows that when just 3½ percent of a population actively participates in sustained campaigns, they create inevitable change.
Across the country, millions of people are already doing the work. They're organizing in their congregations, running for local office, supporting their neighbors, and building the foundations for the change we need. We want to contribute to elevating them.
The question isn't whether change is possible. The question is whether you can see it happening.
The Research
Political scientist Erica Chenoweth found that no nonviolent campaign has failed when 3½% of the population actively participated. We track the communities and movements building toward that critical mass.
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