Sara Plourde
/
NHPR
NHPR's In Our Backyard project is exploring the state of local democracy and dialogue across New Hampshire, in town meeting season and beyond.
We're looking at how rising polarization, misinformation and disinformation is shaping debates on all kinds of local issues. But we're also trying to share stories about how people across the state are trying to build connections and common ground with their neighbors in the current political moment.
Your voice is an essential part of this reporting. If you'd like to share your thoughts about local democracy or civic engagement in New Hampshire, please email us at voices@nhpr.org, or leave us a voicemail at 603-513-7790. Click here to learn more about how to get involved.
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The select board has put the brakes on a longstanding theater contract and discussed a public art ban. Those issues will now go to voters in the spring. -
A Webster resident used New Hampshire law to unearth evidence of an illegal sale of town land to a public official last year. Now she's being recognized for her work. -
A veteran and security analyst spoke out after her fallen brother’s name was invoked, without her family’s consent, as part of the recent campaign to eliminate ballot-counting machines in New Hampshire. -
With a mix of hope and frustration, volunteer-led energy committees in towns across the Granite State are making progress on climate solutions. -
The Croydon Village School is at the center of a battle over what public education should look like, who should pay for it and whether small town democracy is working as it’s meant to. -
Natalie Quevedo moved to Winchester a few years ago. Now, she’s one of the town’s newest selectboard members — one of many new faces elected across New Hampshire in this year’s town elections. -
“Creando Líderes para la Comunidad,” or “Creating Leaders for the Community,” is a ten-week program is designed to help Latino immigrants in southern New Hampshire learn how to use their voices to advocate for others. -
Black community leaders opened up about struggling to feel valued, understood and safe at work, in medical settings and other largely white spaces in New Hampshire. But they were also clear: Their experiences are not monolithic and not defined only by the challenges they’ve faced. -
At a recent training, local librarians explored how to create spaces where people could gather to talk about issues affecting their communities, to learn about local political candidates and more. -
Amid growing polarization, a group of people in New Hampshire is working to bring people from all political leanings together for productive, civil dialogue.
