Long before COVID-19, Fresno had been pushing toward economic revitalization. Its downtown had recently become a vibrant spot for locals, with restored sculptures and murals, food trucks drawing diverse crowds, and public gatherings for artistic, cultural, and music events. These gains come from a place of struggle. Fresno is the fifth most populous city in … Continued
“Say his name. George Floyd.” It does not matter what led to his arrest. The response was horrific, and yet, sadly, a common occurrence deeply rooted in our history. We must also say their names: Ahmaud Arbery. Sandra Bland. Michael Brown, Jr. Philando Castile. Marquette Frye. Eric Garner. Atatiana Jefferson. Trayvon Martin. Renisha McBride. Tony … Continued
The recent acts of prejudice, police brutality, and killing of Black Americans have been appalling. We grieve alongside those who feel pain, anger, sorrow, and desperation in response to the latest series of events in a long and tragic history. FUSE Corps unequivocally condemns this violence and the structural racism that enables it. We stand … Continued
Veronica Njodinizeh (2016-17) is founder of VNIZEH Consulting, a purpose-driven firm focused on creating equity and opportunity for young people. As a FUSE executive fellow, Veronica worked with Long Beach, California, to implement a comprehensive violence prevention plan that included elements of My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) — an initiative launched by President Barack Obama to … Continued
This FUSE-produced story was originally published on Next City. The odds of being pulled back into the criminal justice system once you’ve been in it are high — nearly 70 percent go back within three years. Washington D.C. is taking a new approach to breaking that cycle: helping justice-involved individuals beat those odds by changing … Continued
We’re proud to welcome the FUSE Spring 2020 cohort, armed with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Read about what compelled them to join FUSE for a year of public service and social impact. Norvell Thomas Norvell is working with the L.A. County Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services to streamline its operations so … Continued
“[FUSE] illustrates the creativity and energy with which much of civic-level America in responding to a medical and economic emergency unprecedented in our lifetimes.” – James Fallows, The Atlantic “…Right at this moment, most of what’s positive in the country is happening at the local, statewide, and regional level—rather than that of national guidance or … Continued
A version of this FUSE-produced story was originally published on Cities Today. The numbers are staggering. More than 26 million people have filed for unemployment during a five-week period since the U.S. started responding in earnest to the COVID-19 crisis. Small businesses exhausted the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program in just 14 days, and as … Continued
As FUSE fellows are working within their agencies to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, these are some of the resources they’re surfacing and deploying. Here, we provide a curated list of examples to inspire replication: CHILDREN & YOUTH DIGITAL DIVIDE DISASTER RESPONSE EDUCATION ELDERLY ASSISTANCE EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE FOOD SECURITY HOMELESSNESS SAFETY GEAR SMALL BUSINESSES & … Continued