The New Dream Blog
In our blog, we feature stories, tips, and commentary from contributors around the world on topics ranging from
consumerism and parenting to how to live a fuller life with less. Enjoy!
Interested in contributing a guest post? Please review our submission guidelines.
How the Pandemic Helped Me Rediscover Local Markets
by Kelley Dennings | June 9, 2020
Kelley Dennings shares how the challenges of grocery shopping during a pandemic reconnected her to local markets, and prompted an innovative yet old-fashioned approach to finding toilet paper.
Solutions to the Pandemic Are Hiding in Plain Sight
by Ashley Colby | June 8, 2020
Normally, in times of crisis, we look to the technocrats—highly trained doctors, technologists, and bureaucrats—for answers. What if we looked to how communities take care of each other instead?
Our Emerging Normal: Share Your Thoughts with Us
by New Dream | April 28, 2020
We welcome any reflections you wish to share about this moment in time, as you and those around you more deeply question what we prioritize and consume—and as we all continue to seek individual and collective well-being.
Why I Stopped Combing Through Chemicals and Took My Hair Care Into My Own Hands
by Jasmine Curtis | February 18, 2020
Many of the hair and beauty products marketed to Black women—from dyes and relaxers to lipsticks and makeup—pose serious health and environmental risks. Jasmine Curtis wants to change that.
"The Struggle in Rural Kentucky, Being a Black Producer, Is Real"
May 10, 2019
New Dream speaks with Tiffany Bellfield about the challenges she's faced as a business woman of color, and her contributions to her community as a holistic farmer, producer of botanical products, wellness practitioner, convener of women’s retreats, and mom.
Youth Perspective: Seattle Is Dying, At Least for Longtime Residents and Job Seekers
by Alexis Arambul | May 3, 2019
New Dreamer Alexis Arambul discusses a challenge facing more and more U.S. cities: a lot of people who need work simply can’t afford to live in the places where work is offered.
Youth Perspective: Why We Need Equity and Empathy to Move Our Communities Forward
by New Dream | April 16, 2019
Former Youth Fellow Josmar Torres talks about the challenges facing his community and the important roles that empathy and political change can play in creating a brighter, more equitable future.
What You Want From New Dream: Key Themes and Messages on Equity and Consumption
January 14, 2019
New Dreamers share their thoughts about the connections between consumerism, class, and race; our new focus on equity and consumption; and what you’d like to see from New Dream in the future.
Expecting a Baby? Embrace the Gift of Community Supported Postpartum (CSP)
by Kerry Ingram | January 10, 2019
When someone you know is about to welcome a new baby into their family, offer them the gift of a supportive community through CSP.
The Gift of Connecting with the Past
by Moira Silva | December 7, 2018
New Dreamer Moira Silva shares the experience of creating a truly meaningful gift for her family: the gift of interviewing her great aunt.
Christmas Is About Presence, Not Presents
by Sarah Allison | November 9, 2018
New Dream Youth Fellow Sarah Allison shares her experience and faith-based values around keeping the Christmas holiday focused on transformation and healing.
Facilitating a New Dream
by Selena D. Cozart | November 7, 2018
Facilitator Selena Cozart explains how our current social and political climate presents us with a unique and irresistible opportunity to engage in discussions of equity and justice.
Tales from a Tech-free Summer Camp
by Eli Austin | October 11, 2018
A recent high school grad shares a lesson for young people about the benefits of getting off our devices and out into nature.
Film Review: “Sorry to Bother You”
by Alexis Arambul and Sarah Allison | September 13, 2018
Two New Dream Youth Fellows have a conversation about Boots Riley’s cringe-inducing satire of racism and capitalism in America.
Consumption, Gentrification, and You
by Josmar Torres | September 12, 2018
New Dream Youth Fellow Josmar Torres explains why gentrification is a perfect example of how consumption and capitalism can combine to undermine communities.