Health

Guide to Caring for Vulnerable Youth

This guide examines the challenges facing vulnerable youth in America and the role communities play in protecting—or failing—them. Drawing on research into child welfare, justice, and systemic inequities, the series highlights how overlapping crises—from hidden abuse and neglect to the criminalization of childhood—can shape young lives and limit opportunity.

The first article explores America’s hidden crisis in child welfare, revealing how children in foster care, detention, and institutional settings often experience neglect, exploitation, and harm. The second article examines the justice system, showing how poverty, racial bias, and punitive laws push youth into detention rather than opportunity, and how restorative models can offer alternative pathways. Together, these pieces illuminate the structural and moral dimensions of caring for children, emphasizing that awareness and understanding are the first steps toward meaningful change.

Two more articles will be added, exploring the intersections of poverty and health, and practical, investment-based models for youth opportunity. Readers are invited to reflect on a central question: Does your community care about children?

START

Guide to Death Literacy

Reynard Loki, The Observatory

As people live longer and face increasingly complex end-of-life decisions, understanding death and dying has never been more important. This guide explores the emerging movement of death literacy, offering practical tools, knowledge, and community resources to help individuals navigate mortality with clarity and confidence. From fostering open conversations about death to exploring near-death experiences and preparing for end-of-life care, these articles provide insights into how we can approach death as a natural, supported, and meaningful part of life.

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Guide to Language Arts and Writing

Danica Tomber, Madeline VanArsdale, The Observatory

Humans have long used storytelling to make sense of the world—and to shape how it is understood. Storytelling is a powerful tool that takes many forms, extending beyond fiction into nonfiction and everyday communication. Literature and other forms of writing help develop our critical thinking, awareness, and curiosity. The Observatory Guide to Language Arts and Writing explores how narrative functions as a tool—for understanding ourselves, connecting with others, imagining new possibilities, solving problems, and questioning the status quo. The guide highlights how language and storytelling shape not only expression, but perception, meaning, and action.

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Guide to Writing as a Caregiver: Stories, Gratitude, and Healing

Birgitta Vaivai-Soderberg, The Observatory

The United States is facing an unprecedented care crisis, with millions of Americans providing essential care to relatives and friends living with chronic conditions, disabilities, mental health challenges, or age-related needs. Despite serving as a lifeline for loved ones, informal caregivers often lack the public support they deserve. As a result, many experience significant emotional, physical, and financial strain. Finding convenient and flexible ways to practice self-care is therefore critical.

Writing can be one powerful way for caregivers to do this. Through journaling, storytelling, and other forms of writing, caregivers can process difficult emotions, gain new perspectives on their experiences, and explore evolving aspects of their identities. Writing can also connect caregivers with others who share similar challenges.

Beyond personal healing, storytelling can help caregivers build community and advocate for stronger care policies. This guide explores several forms of writing and storytelling that can help caregivers reflect, cope, and heal—while also contributing to a more supportive care system for everyone.

Birgitta Vaivai-Soderberg