October 2, 2007 | Read Time: 1 minute
To foster a discussion about how to solve tough social and health problems in Baltimore, a nonprofit group last month started a blog that features the writings of government and charity leaders.
Entries on Audacious Ideas, which was created by the Open Society Institute-Baltimore, include:
- An essay on how the dichotomy between public, charter, and private schools is a false one. Such institutions should all be part of a “supportive, connected ecology that embraces innovation and a rethinking of what cities, neighborhoods, and schools offer,” writes Andres Alonso, chief executive officer of the Baltimore City Public School System.
- A plea for better data on health problems to get more citizens concerned about them. “I believe the problem is not lack of interest – it’s lack of local data. Communities respond to the pile of trash in front of them because it’s their pile of trash. The solution is to have compelling health data available on as local a level as possible,” writes Joshua M. Sharfstein, the city’s commissioner of health.
- A suggestion that parents and other adults stand out on their porches, stoops, or front sidewalks in the morning and afternoon to support children on their way to school. “Think how much safer and more nurtured our children and youth would be if there were just a few adults on each block who smiled at them, said good morning, told them to hurry up, and wished them a good day,” writes Jane Sundius, director of education and youth development programs at Open Society.
What do you think of these suggestions? Have other cities set up similar blogs to swap ideas? Share your thoughts by clicking on the comments link below.
