Collaboration Results in a Feel-Good Datebook About Neighborly Actions

Stories of locals making the world a better place from Good Neighbor Stories blog have come to life thanks to collaboration with a Bay Area group called Reach and Teach.

“Be a good neighbor, share good stories” is at the heart of a blog about locals making the world a better place and now their stories are coming to life on the pages of an inspirational datebook.

The Good Neighbor Stories 2013 Datebook features articles and photos of Bay Area volunteers and organizations that are making their communities a better place — including Cupertino teen Yasmine Davis, who with her family launched Make a Birthday Wish to throw birthday parties for children in need.

The book is a collaboration between journalist Pam Marino, creator of the Good Neighbor Stories blog, and Reach and Teach, a peace and social justice learning company.

“Our goal is to inspire people to be good neighbors and make their communities just a little brighter throughout the year,” Marino said. “We’re also excited about shining a light on some really awesome people and groups who are making a real difference to others.”

In addition to the uplifting stories and full-color illustrations, the 8 ½-inch x 5 ½-inch spiral-bound datebook includes inspirational quotes for each week, reminders of holidays and important dates from a diverse array of perspectives, and generous space to jot down appointments and special occasions.

For users with smart devices who want to find out more about the people and organizations in the datebook, each story comes with a QR Code that when scanned takes them to full-length stories on the Good Neighbor Stories website.

The datebook’s eye-catching design is by Oakland-based Design Action Collective. Currently in pre-order, it will come printed in late October on recycled materials with soy ink by Inkworks Press in Berkeley.

Marino launched Good Neighbor Stories in 2010, drawing on both her reporting background and a lifetime of volunteer experiences to share positive stories of Bay Area volunteers and nonprofits. The site also serves as a valuable resource to those looking for opportunities to volunteer or donate, as well as to nonprofits seeking to increase their reach. 

Reach and Teach is a peace and social justice learning company, working to transform the world through teachable moments. Through both the Reach and Teach website and a brick-and-mortar store at 178 South Boulevard, San Mateo, the company offers books, films, music, curriculum, games, toys, fair trade gifts, and other products focused on peacemaking, gender equality, and sustainable living. 

If you’d like more information, e-mail pam@goodneighborstories.com.