NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
Political scientist Robert Putnam told Judy Woodruff that strengthening the country’s democracy would begin with grassroots efforts by people stepping up in their own communities. Those efforts will be her focus this year and she begins by visiting a down, but not out, community in California that’s fighting for a comeback, one round at a time. It’s part of her series, America at a Crossroads.
View the transcript of the story. News alternative: Check out recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Where is San Bernardino located?
- When was San Bernardino named an All-America City?
- Why did San Bernardino's economy decline?
- What is Project Fighting Chance?
- Who has taken on the public art movement in San Bernardino?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
James and Deborah Fallows, authors of "Our Towns", say that when it comes to addressing the fundamental issues facing towns like San Bernardino, the community members who live through these challenges every day are the ones best equipped to help inspire change.
- What are some ways mentioned in the video that San Bernardino community members are working around these issues? How has the community adapted to the new economy?
- What are other ways that a community like San Bernardino can work together to improve issues such as kids migrating away from the town after graduating? Brainstorm and discuss with a classmate.
Media literacy: Think about the most important issues facing your community. (If you don't know, how can you find out?) Once you have an issue or two in mind, think of ways that you and other members of the community can work together to create solutions. Where could you find more information to help you plan your strategy?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
San Bernardino's Garden of Health is another way that the Inland Empire community is taking action to improve their quality of life.
To learn about another community from California fighting back against adversity, complete this Daily News Lesson on how teachers and students are helping each other get through the devastation caused by recent wildfires.
Written by Gianfranco Beran, PBS News Hour Classroom's production assistant, and News Hour's Victoria Pasquantonio.
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