The hottest Community Engagement Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

Is Social Media Becoming 'Hollow Media'?

In Bed With Social • 277 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social media Artificial Intelligence User Experience Digital Culture Community Engagement
  1. Social media is increasingly becoming artificial, with bots and AI taking over real human interactions. These digital companions might seem helpful but they are not real friends.
  2. The rise of AI and superficial connections is causing loneliness, as people miss out on genuine interactions. Meaningful relationships require vulnerability and real dialogue, which AI can't provide.
  3. Some new platforms are showing that authentic connections can still exist. Apps focused on shared hobbies or interests are creating real communities, reminding us that human experiences are vital to social networks.

Resist apocalypticism

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 399 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Civility Political Discourse Social relationships Community Engagement
  1. Don't believe that one election can change everything. Elections happen often, and while they are important, they aren't the end of the world.
  2. It's crucial to keep relationships strong during political disagreements. Value your friendships and family over being right about politics.
  3. Choose kindness and respect when discussing differences. Focus on understanding each other instead of seeing disagreements as personal attacks.

Phoenix Screenings of "Fault Lines" Documentary

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 126 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Documentaries Economic issues Community Engagement
  1. There will be two screenings of the documentary 'Fault Lines' in the Phoenix area, focused on the housing crisis. It's a chance to learn more about this important topic.
  2. The documentary is praised for being accurate and avoiding common myths about housing economics. It's recommended for anyone interested in the housing situation.
  3. After the first screening, there will be a discussion panel. It's a good opportunity to engage with the topic and ask questions.
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Why should you care about an indirect cost?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2155 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Research Funding Policy Changes Community Engagement Epidemiology
  1. Indirect costs are essential for research. They cover things like rent and internet, helping researchers do their work effectively.
  2. A proposed cut in indirect costs could greatly harm universities and their communities. This could lead to job losses and less innovation, affecting everyone.
  3. Researchers need to do a better job of connecting with the public. If people understand the importance of research funding, they may be more likely to support it.

Hope and camaraderie are stronger than fear

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1900 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Changes Health Communication Community Engagement Mental health
  1. Hope helps us get through tough times, even when things seem scary. It reminds us that positive change is possible.
  2. Working together and sharing our stories makes us stronger. It shows the real impact of policies on people's lives.
  3. Even when problems feel overwhelming, small wins matter. Many people are fighting for better public health every day.

Open Thread 354

Astral Codex Ten • 2615 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Crime Policy Political Opinions Community Engagement Justice System
  1. You can talk about anything you want in this open thread, like asking questions or sharing ideas. It's a space where people can engage freely.
  2. A commenter points out that the current punishment for shoplifting isn’t being enforced well, which leads to confusion about law enforcement practices. It seems tough laws are in place, but they aren’t effectively used.
  3. There are discussions around political opinions, including some responses to a post about Trump. People are sharing various viewpoints on political endorsements and policies.

Friday Thread: OPEN CHAOS THREAD

Culture Study • 1923 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Online behavior Mental health Community Engagement Cultural Trends
  1. There is a lot of tension and stress in the air right now. It seems people are feeling overwhelmed and anxious about various issues.
  2. When people get upset or anxious, they often take it out on others online. This shows how intense the emotions are right now.
  3. Having a space to share and discuss these feelings could help let off some steam. It's good to talk about what's bothering us.

The Origins S11 Preseason is LIVE!

The Lunacian • 414 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Game Development Virtual Economy Community Engagement
  1. The Origins S11 Preseason has started, allowing players to try new features like the Haunted House and Axie Delegation. Get ready for exciting gameplay and rewards!
  2. Players can earn extra rewards by entering the Haunted House battles and testing upgraded Runes. Winning can give you a chance for cool prizes!
  3. Three special tournaments are coming up, giving players a chance to test their skills. Be prepared to compete for prizes in the Preseason Era Cups!

So, Who is a Missionary Anyway?

DruGroup • 99 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Global Issues Cultural perspectives Community Engagement
  1. Missionaries have a specific role that involves moving to different cultures. They are not just people living out their faith locally; they make significant sacrifices to spread the Gospel in areas that lack it.
  2. Calling everyone a missionary might make the term lose its meaning. If everyone is labeled as a missionary, it may reduce the motivation to support those who are dedicated to full-time missionary work.
  3. Proper missionary work focuses on reaching unreached people groups. This involves intentional efforts to spread the Gospel to those who have never heard it, highlighting the importance of cross-cultural missions.

The Uncertain Future

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3577 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spiritual beliefs Community Engagement Hope Optimism
  1. Many people feel uneasy about the uncertain future and believe something bad is coming.
  2. Attending a Bible-believing church can bring optimism and a sense of charity, encouraging community engagement.
  3. Excessive focus on politics and news can lead to feelings of dread and hopelessness, while disconnecting from technology and connecting with nature can help improve mental well-being.

The Old Woman Who Hexed Summer

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2296 implied HN points • 05 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology Book recommendations Poetry Community Engagement
  1. The author reflects on the joy of home nesting, finding comfort in familiar objects and creating enchantment through personal belongings.
  2. The newsletter introduces upcoming storytelling events exploring mythic stories to inspire and provide insight during difficult times.
  3. Book recommendations and poems are shared to encourage reflection and exploration of British folklore and the magic within everyday routines.

Can anyone save Piccadilly Gardens?

The Mill • 707 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Urban planning Public Space Community Engagement Social Issues
  1. Opinions are divided on the state of Piccadilly Gardens, with many people agreeing that it is currently a mess and needs improvement.
  2. The redesign of Piccadilly Gardens is a work in progress, with the council investing money in landscaping changes and consulting residents on new designs.
  3. Concerns about safety and anti-social behavior in Piccadilly Gardens persist, but some see potential in turning the space into a thriving, well-managed public area.

The decline continues

Disaffected Newsletter • 1998 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Public Policy Community Engagement Political culture
  1. People are feeling more demoralized and hopeless in their daily lives. This feeling is like a constant annoying noise that they can't ignore, affecting their mood.
  2. Everyday behavior and rules of civility are declining. There seems to be a lack of respect and common courtesy in public spaces, making it a more dangerous and frustrating environment.
  3. Many people don't seem to agree on following basic rules anymore. This breakdown of etiquette is leading to confusion and chaos in social interactions, like drivers not knowing how to handle intersections.

Church Revitalization Models

DruGroup • 79 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Community Engagement
  1. Church revitalization is about helping struggling congregations become healthier and more impactful. Many revitalizing churches are older and smaller, worried about closing down if things don't change.
  2. There are different models for revitalizing churches, like the Restart Model, where a church undergoes major changes to become like a new congregation, or the Chapel Model, where churches focus more on sustaining their current ministry without big shifts.
  3. Successful revitalized churches often share qualities like strong leadership, a clear mission, and a welcoming environment for newcomers. Small churches can sometimes adapt more quickly to changes than larger ones.

Can Weekley Hall Wood become another Stanwick Lakes?

NN Journal • 815 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Activism Environmentalism Local Governance Community Engagement
  1. A local community successfully campaigned to save a meadow from being turned into warehouses, showcasing the power of people coming together.
  2. The developer's plan was rejected due to concerns about biodiversity and the landscape, highlighting the importance of protecting natural habitats.
  3. The activist leading the campaign hopes to transform the area into a country park and is prepared to continue fighting against future development plans.

We’re still here!

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1815 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Community Engagement
  1. YLE has reached its 4th anniversary with continuous growth and a dedicated audience.
  2. The YLE audience is globally diverse, primarily in North America and Australia, with a strong trend of educated readers interested in healthcare and science.
  3. Looking into the future, YLE plans to expand its content beyond virus-related topics, engage more in local health issues, and diversify its audience.

New discovery features, chat paywall settings, and recent Substack meetups

Substack • 497 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Product Updates Community Engagement User Experience Content creation Business Model
  1. Substack has introduced a feature that allows free subscribers to see some chat replies, but only paid subscribers can read full threads. This is a way to encourage upgrades.
  2. There's a new invite button for chats, letting subscribers invite friends to join the conversation, which helps grow the community.
  3. The search feature is now better on mobile, and readers can find related notes easily, making it simpler to discover new content.

Berkeley’s Culture War : EE vs. FF

The Discourse Lounge • 493 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local government Public Safety Transportation Policy Community Engagement
  1. Measure FF aims to improve road safety and conditions in Berkeley by funding street repairs and pedestrian enhancements. It is supported by most city leaders and focuses on creating safer streets for all users.
  2. Measure EE is backed by a coalition that opposes bike lanes and limits funding for road safety improvements. It proposes a lower tax but isn't as effective in maintaining pavement quality.
  3. The main conflict is between those wanting a more car-centric urban approach and those advocating for safer, multi-modal transportation. Voting for FF supports progressive road safety for a growing population.

v0.0.1: Open Source GitHub repo review

The Open Source Expert • 79 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Open Source GitHub Software Development Project management Community Engagement
  1. Getting a repo's setup right is important. A good description and a clear README help users understand the project quickly.
  2. Having key documents like a Code of Conduct, License, and templates for issues and pull requests makes collaboration smoother.
  3. Using labels for issues helps keep everything organized, making it easier to find what you need in a busy project.

Christchurch Library and the secret it keeps from parents and the community.

A B’Old Woman • 839 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Community Engagement Youth Programs
  1. A program called 'Rainbow Drop-In' at Christchurch Library is not well advertised, making it hard for parents to find information.
  2. This program is run by an outside group called InsideOUT, which doesn’t provide clear information or communication to parents.
  3. There are concerns about the program's safety and transparency, especially regarding the involvement of vulnerable youth without parental consent.

Heaven is High and the Emperor is Far Away

Polymathic Being • 113 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social media Mental health Public Perception Community Engagement
  1. Don't let fear from social media take over your life. There's plenty of good around you if you look for it.
  2. Remember that political news is often far removed from your daily reality. You have control over how much it affects you.
  3. Take action in your local community. Get involved and focus on what truly matters to you, instead of constantly worrying about the emperor.

Links to Consider, 10/20/2024

In My Tribe • 334 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Human connection Community Engagement Family Dynamics Cultural shift Technology impact
  1. It's important to connect with nature, family, and community for a happy life. These connections help us feel more fulfilled and supported.
  2. Privatizing bank regulation could lead to fewer financial crises. A monitoring group could help keep banks in check without relying on federal agencies.
  3. Cultural changes have made raising kids more difficult over time. As society shifts, fewer families having many children reduces support for larger families.

The State of Things in Coffee Shop America

Max Meyer Blog • 609 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
🍲 Food & Drink Community Engagement
  1. Coffee shops in America reflect the country's current state of change, facing challenges like inflation and racial tensions.
  2. Small coffee businesses face unique struggles, such as closures, employee disputes, and safety concerns.
  3. Regional coffee shop cultures and community support play a significant role in the success and revival of local coffee businesses.

💪 Empowering community stewards to cultivate prosocial norms

New_ Public • 294 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Community Engagement Social Platforms
  1. Making group norms visible is important for encouraging positive behaviors.
  2. Providing tools and guides can help stewards establish prosocial norms in online communities efficiently.
  3. Extending stewardship recommendations to group members can help promote a culture where everyone plays a role in maintaining healthy community standards.

Big Dumb Adventure Housekeeping Updates

Splattern • 79 implied HN points • 02 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Travel Writing Adventure Community Engagement Life lessons
  1. The blog rebranding from Splattern to Big Dumb Adventure is complete, making it easier to share new adventures. It's an exciting fresh start!
  2. A fundraiser for building a children's cancer hospital in sub-Saharan Africa has launched, highlighting a meaningful cause to support.
  3. It's important not to stress too much about life decisions. Things will fall into place when the time is right, so focus on enjoying the journey.

Out of office

Substack • 549 implied HN points • 22 May 24
🎭️ Culture Writers Creative Process Community Engagement Work-life balance
  1. Taking breaks is important for creativity. Many writers find that the best ideas come when they're relaxed and not working.
  2. Readers often support writers in taking time off. When writers communicate their need for a break, subscribers usually understand and appreciate the honesty.
  3. Some writers plan ahead by scheduling guest posts or using past content during their time off. This helps maintain a connection with their audience while they recharge.

Sex self-ID in New Zealand has a 'get out of jail' card for service providers.

A B’Old Woman • 619 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Legislation Public Policy Social justice Community Engagement
  1. In New Zealand, the new sex self-ID law allows people to change their recorded sex easily online. However, service providers can still choose to restrict access to single-sex spaces.
  2. Service providers are not legally required to let men who identify as women into women's areas. Their decision to do so is voluntary and could come with potential risks.
  3. Allowing men into women's spaces can make some women feel unsafe or uncomfortable, even if no incidents happen. Women's rights to single-sex spaces should be respected.

What Goes Without Saying

Rough Diamonds • 128 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Societal Issues Personal Growth Community Engagement Moral Values
  1. It's important to distinguish between things that seem good and things that are truly good. Always look for the real value behind what's presented to you.
  2. We should strive to do better in our own lives, even if society has problems. It’s about taking action in your own local context instead of waiting for everyone else to change.
  3. Cut out pointless busywork in organizations. Focus on efficiency and ensuring that every task contributes to meaningful outcomes.

Kwasunga

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Cultural Exchange Running Health & Wellness Community Engagement
  1. Running at your own pace is important for staying healthy. Trying to match someone else's speed can lead to injuries.
  2. Connecting with local people can happen through activities like soccer, which breaks down language barriers and builds friendships.
  3. There are different views on help and support, and while some locals seek aid, it's crucial to approach these situations with understanding and patience.