Guest Submissions

Custom Pages   |   October 17, 2017

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of… Versailles?

Blog   |   by Mark Valentine   |   July 25, 2012

For many people, the unlikely stars of "The Queen of Versailles" are iconic expressions of the American Dream.

Living the Dream: "Mindful Minimalist" Tamela Rich

Blog   |   by Edna Rienzi   |   June 16, 2014

On a cross-country motorcycle trip, Tamela realized that she had spent her first 40 years overpacking for life.

Great Summer Reads: Recommendations from New Dream's Board

Blog   |   by New Dream   |   June 18, 2013

We asked our Board members for their favorite recent books on consumerism, community, and more. Check out their diverse and inspiring picks.

What Happened to Self-Reliance and the Do-It-Yourself Ethic? (Part 1 of 2)

Blog   |   by Addison Del Mastro   |   June 13, 2012

Fixing things ourselves can help relieve the money stress that many of us feel—but only if we're able to actually do the work.

Christmas Is About Presence, Not Presents

Blog   |   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.

What Happened to Self-Reliance and the Do-It-Yourself Ethic? (Part 2 of 2)

Blog   |   by Addison Del Mastro   |   July 6, 2012

Self-reliance and the “can-do” spirit aren't gone. They're just dormant, drowned out by a fast-paced lifestyle and cheap consumer goods.

Easy Steps to Waste-Free School Lunches

Blog   |   by Tovah Paglaro   |   September 25, 2012

By choosing to forgo packaged or cafeteria food, we can teach our children healthy eating habits and minimize the garbage that ends up at landfills.

Be There for People: Life Lessons from a Fifth Grader

Blog   |   by Jen Patterson   |   April 9, 2019

New Dreamer Jen Patterson shares her experience working as an academic coach and being personally challenged and inspired by a student's poem.

Living the Dream: Wall Street Defector Sam Polk

Blog   |   by Edna Rienzi   |   August 4, 2013

At age 30, former hedge fund trader Sam Polk walked away from Wall Street to start a new life of volunteerism and personal growth.

To Succeed, the New Economy Needs the Left, Right, Center—and God

Blog   |   by Emilie Dubois   |   July 24, 2012

Who wouldn’t want to live in a place where warmer, gentler versions of economic exchange are the norm? But it's still a hard sell for America.

Challenge Toolkit: Simplify Your Holidays

Custom Pages   |   March 19, 2018

New Dream Evolves: Young Leaders Question Consumption

Blog   |   by Amy Hartzler   |   August 15, 2018

In July, New Dream gathered 10 Youth Fellows in Boston for focused sessions on the complex landscape of consumption and possibilities for future efforts.

Helping Communities Think Systemically: An Interview with Eleanor Sterling

Blog   |   by Lisa Mastny   |   January 19, 2012

Sterling talks about the need for “big-picture” thinking to address the world’s most pressing environmental and conservation challenges.

Overcoming Party Pressure: SoKind Tips for a “Good Enough” Birthday Party

Blog   |   by Edna Rienzi   |   November 4, 2014

Last month, SoKind celebrated a big milestone — its one-year anniversary! As a gift to you, we've gathered our favorite tips for hosting birthday celebrations that focus on more fun and less stuff...more joy and less stress...and more love and less waste. Read on for celebration inspiration and practical tips.