What should we make of the growing budget controversy in Wisconsin, and what is unfolding in Ohio, New Jersey, California, New York and elsewhere? Individual states, and the nation as a whole, are at impasse over what to do. As more people take up sides, the shouting gets louder and shriller. How can we move forward from here?

There’s a conversation I keep finding myself in with different people: that the fastest, even most effective way to create community change is to “scale” national programs. People who push “scale” usually have sound intentions and an appealing sense of urgency to get things done. But how can we scale programs so they actually fit the very communities we want to help?

You’ve probably heard about it – the new Chrysler ad, which is more about the city of Detroit, than about cars. I often say one of the most important steps any community can take, especially hard hit ones, is to generate stories of self-trust and hope – civic parables, really. Well, this is one of the best examples of such stories I’ve ever seen.

After last night’s State of the Union message and the Republican response, where to now? While the House Chamber was more civil last night during the president’s speech, civility alone will not generate the progress Americans yearn for. Instead, specific actions are now needed. Here are five key steps for us to focus on.

There’s been much debate since the Tucson shootings about the mental health of Jared Loughner. Many people want to know, who is to blame for his state of mind – the community or only himself? Also, what new laws governing mental illness and the involuntary detention of individuals should be on the books to prevent this kind of tragedy in the future? But here’s another question: what is our role in people’s mental health?

This weekend’s Arizona shootings should be taken as a shot across our nation’s bow – and nothing less. The country has reached a new boiling point when it comes to over-heated political rhetoric. At issue: how will we react? Will different sides in our politics use this as another excuse to assess more blame to the other side, or will we rise to the occasion? You and I can make this choice.

The past few years have brought an increasingly divisive and acrimonious political atmosphere. But, it’s still clear that people want to come together, people want to be a part of something larger than themselves, people want to act. The good news is people are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work. We must tap into this energy and spirit as it can launch us forward.