Identifying Local Opportunities

Reduce harsh sentences for drug crimes

• https://www.gainesville.com/opinion/20200126/editorial-reduce-harsh-sentences-for-drug-crimes
• In this article, published on January 26, 2020, the author is stating that Congress is in the process of passing legislation that could reduce harsh sentences for people convicted of drug related crimes. The author explains how loosening the mandatory minimum sentence for specific drug offenses could save taxpayers as much as $50 million. These savings could be spent in other areas, including drug treatment and job training programs for inmates, which would better protect public safety. If this legislation is passed it could affect as many as 4,800 inmates in Florida's prison system. 
• The problem: A good portion of the money Floridians pay in taxpayer dollars are currently spent putting people convicted of drug trafficking offenses in jail, even though the majority of cases are nonviolent. 
• The people: Floridians, current and future drug trafficking offenders, police, Florida lawmakers, or members of Congress. 

Ending the silence about mental illness

• https://www.gainesville.com/opinion/20200127/gabrielle-benefield-ending-silence-about-mental-illness 
• In this article, published on January 27, 2020, the author is explaining the importance of recognizing the symptoms of mental illness, especially when it comes to our youth. The author shares the effects of not recognizing the signs of mental illness and suggests ways of preventing these things from happening before it's too late. She stresses the importance of being open and honest about mental health and suicide and not letting them continue to be "taboo" subjects that are swept under a rug. She shares the resource NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) Gainesville and the End the Silence event, which is a free presentation for students, parents, and teachers to learn how to open up about their emotions in healthy ways.
• The problems: 1. Failure to recognize the role mental illness plays in the behaviors of youth 2. Denial or "stigma" that is associated with mental illness 3. Poor or no health insurance coverage for mental illness
• The people: Children, teens, parents, caregivers, healthcare professionals, or educators. 

Wide support needed for equity support

• https://www.gainesville.com/opinion/20200127/editorial-wide-support-needed-for-equity-effort
• In this article, published on January 27, 2020, the author states that the city of Gainesville is experiencing socioeconomic disparities among residents. The author explains that the leading institutions in the community are contributing to these disparities by failing to recognize the role they play in terms of engaging with the marginalized and underserved residents. The city held an equity kickoff to begin the process closing these gaps by setting community-wide goals, including 100% literacy rates for all third grade students. 
• The problem: There are immense racial and socioeconomic disparities in the Gainesville community. 
• The people: Gainesville city commissioners, residents, institutions, city government, business owners, school board, or elected officials. 

As Clarence Thomas arrives to teach, some students protest

• https://www.gainesville.com/news/20200127/as-clarence-thomas-arrives-to-teach-some-students-protest
• In this article, published on January 27, 2020, the author is stating that students of UF's law school are protesting at the announcement that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas will be co-teaching a two-week class in the law school. Students are protesting due to the fact that the justice has been accused of workplace sexual harassment back in 1991 by Anita Hill. With the recent explosion of the "Me Too" Movement and the Kavanaugh trial, students have been seen on campus wearing shirts that say "Believe Survivors." According to the students, the goal of the protest is to make a statement to the university that students would like to have more input about which speakers come to campus.
• The problems: 1. Lack of student input about which speakers come to campus 2. Lack of training and measures to prevent assault on campus
• The people: UF students, faculty, staff, alumni, law school, law dean, Supreme Court, sexual harassment perpetrators, or sexual harassment survivors.

Stop the senseless destruction of springs

• https://www.gainesville.com/opinion/20200128/robert-knight-stop-senseless-destruction-of-springs
• In this article, published on January 28, 2020, the author is stating that the once translucent-blue rivers and springs from 25 years ago are now being destroyed as the state continues to make groundwater withdrawals and fertilizer inputs. The author states the importance of healthy springs in our community, especially the endangered wildlife that live here and the other bodies of water that are connected. The author stresses that the health of our local springs play a vital role in the health of our local ecology and economy. 
• The problems: 1. Declining flows of water to the Santa Fe River and Ichetucknee Springs 2. The state continues the issue additional groundwater extraction
• The people: Residents, wildlife, city government, visitors, DEP, governmental agencies, politicians, or state water managers.