State Policy Network
America At Its Best
SPN announces new content series to celebrate those individuals and organizations who are working to contain the health, economic, and societal impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

A content series to celebrate those individuals and organizations who are working to contain the health, economic, and societal impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Our peaceful and prosperous society is dependent upon the strength of our institutions. This is especially true in times of crisis. And, it’s in times of crisis when Americans from every walk of life rise together to make a difference in their community.

It could be the small step of delivering groceries to a neighbor or restauranteurs helping families by providing meals for children who no longer have access to school meals or neighborhoods banding together to sew masks for healthcare workers. Time and again we see individuals and institutions large and small emerging to fulfill the needs of our communities.

Economist Peter Boettke likens the crucial interdependence of institutions to a three-legged stool where each leg represents:

  1. Economics institutions
  2. Political/legal institutions
  3. Social/cultural institutions

America is best when each leg is strong.

As SPN board member Adam Meyerson of The Philanthropy Roundtable says, “America at its best emerges right now.  We see Americans taking charge as concerned citizens, such as neighbors helping neighbors, especially when expected government help is too slow to alleviate suffering. There are so many people in communities working together to find creative solutions. In crises of the past, Americans have risen to the challenge.”

Joe Tappe, a North Carolina distiller turned hand-sanitizer-producer (Source)

State Policy Network recognizes that now more than ever it’s important to recognize those extraordinary Americans who inspire us through their commitment to face our challenges together.

Our new series, America At Its Best, celebrates those individuals and organizations who are working to contain the health, economic, and societal impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Stories in this series


Additional stories from the states

Innovators and entrepreneurs

New Hampshire: Dean Kamen, DEKA Research and Development Corp.
The inventor of the Segway is adapting and speeding up supply lines to provide medical equipment and personal protective equipment to the medical community. His project FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) helps students explore STEM careers. FIRST groups around the world are working and collaborating on designing and developing ventilators to meet the growing need. (Submitted by the Josiah Bartlett Center)

Neighbors helping neighbors

Washington: Noelle Wiggins
Noelle, a Washington Policy Center Young Professional committee member, is working through an organization called Reach to help the homeless in Seattle since many of the other service organizations have scaled back shelter capacity and efforts to feed the homeless. Reach is delivering food twice daily and raising money to feed their community’s needy. Watch Noelle’s story and be inspired by her commitment to her community and those who are most vulnerable. (Submitted by Washington Policy Center)


Share stories from your community

Do you have an example of America At Its Best that you’d like to share? Let us know, and we’ll work to share it through our channels.

Submit your story here.

Categories: News
Organization: State Policy Network