We're excited to inaugurate a new series for our Tiverton and Little Compton Patch readers: "Dispatches: The Changing American Dream."

Every day, the national media is full of stories about how American families, businesses and neighbors are adjusting to these trying times. There are so many changes happening so fast, it's dizzying: national debates about unemployment, foreclosures, debt, religion, government and private enterprise all touch on fundamental ways in which we see ourselves and our communities. At Patch, we want to explore that conversation on a daily basis so we can better understand how our neighbors are adjusting to the challenges and opportunities that surround us.

We don't think there's one American Dream, but a multitude of American Dreams which a multitude of people are working toward. Looking out across nearly almost 900 Patch sites, we see businesses holding their breath deciding whether to expand; college graduates returning home because they can't find jobs; and senior citizens bringing boarders into their homes to help pay their bills. We also see bold new volunteer efforts, inspiring stories of local businesses that succeed because they innovated, and locals who have taken these trying times as a signal to engage more, not less, in their government.

At the purely local level, we want to know where we, as Tiverton and Little Compton neighbors, fit along these fault lines.

In Tiverton many small business owners, from the gas station owner dealing with the gyrating price of a barrel of oil, to the salon owner losing clientele who are watching their own wallets, have indicated they've felt impacted by the recession. 

In Little Compton, local government has steered a lean ship and remained resourceful amidst less revenue coming in due to less housing sales and construction as a result.

But both towns push forward vigorously.

Residents have exhibited a wealth of volunteerism and a vision to build on their positives, such as helping those less fortunate, keeping crucial programs in public schools, putting in hours of free labor to help their town, continue striving to attract new business and weighing its long term plans.

"Dispatches" will be built upon the compelling vignettes and snapshots we unearth across all of our Patch sites.

And, of course, we want your help: Tell us what issues and what stories in Tiverton and Little Compton go to the heart of your American Dream.

You are always welcome to call me at 401-374-6286 or email me at matthew.sanderson@patch.com. I look forward to sharing Dispatches with you.