Book excerpt: This book is about the work, vision, and passion of dedicated individuals in communities across America, told through their own voices and through photos of them and the places they live. The real-life stories capture the enterprising spirit of people who are bringing about positive change and making their small piece of the world a better place to live. The book transports us to neighborhoods where people are taking risks and overcoming social, personal, and economic differences to improve their local environment and transform their own lives. Eli Reed, Lynn Davis, Sylvia Plachy, Dawoud Bey, and Danny Lyon are among the photographers who contributed to this book. CD included.