Introducing The Renewal Project: A Social Newsroom at America’s Intersection of Innovation, Community and Social Good

Allstate and The Atlantic launch social-first website and newsroom
Jun 13, 2016 2:00 PM ET

NORTHBROOK, Ill. and WASHINGTON, D.C., June 13, 2016 /3BL Media/ — Allstate and Atlantic Media Strategies (AMS), a division of The Atlantic, today announced the launch of The Renewal Project, a social-first website and newsroom that will spotlight individuals and organizations advancing social good and contributing to civic innovation in America.

The Renewal Project, created and run by AMS, the creative agency and consulting arm of The Atlantic, will publish original articles and share relevant ideas, poll data and community snapshots across multiple platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Among the featured organizations is Feedback, a global initiative that aims to end food waste by partnering with local organizations, chefs and governments to increase awareness of the issue. The Renewal Project will celebrate local heroes and foster a national online conversation about innovation and civic engagement.

“Hope and fueling positive change is the inspiration behind this work,” said Sanjay Gupta, executive vice president of Marketing, Innovation and Corporate Relations for Allstate. “Allstate and its 10,000 small business owners know that meaningful progress happens at the local level. Local innovators are finding unique solutions to tough challenges and renewing America from the ground up. The Renewal Project shares these stories of individuals and organizations who are making communities stronger and helping people live a good life every day.” 

The Renewal Project is part of an ongoing two-year editorial and marketing partnership between Allstate and The Atlantic. Additional elements include:

● The Renewal Series: A yearlong series of events around the country convening local innovators and community leaders to talk about progress at the grassroots level. 

● The Renewal Awards: In 2015, Allstate and The Atlantic recognized six local organizations driving positive change in their communities at a social innovation summit. The call for public nominations for the next round of Renewal Award winners will begin the week of June 13. 

● The Allstate-Atlantic Media Heartland Monitor Poll: Over seven years and 25 polls, the Heartland Monitor Poll has explored Americans’ shifting economic attitudes and experiences. Learn more about Heartland data here.

● Editorial Journalism: A series of articles on TheAtlantic.com that chronicle the changing economic realities facing America. The Atlantic's reporters canvas the country to bring local stories to a national audience.

The Atlantic’s first Renewal Series event, sponsored by Allstate, will kick off on June 14 in Charlotte, NC, with a conversation about civic entrepreneurship and economic opportunity with Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts, community leaders and residents. Future events are planned for Phoenix and Cleveland this fall.

“Since 2009, Allstate has supported our coverage—on the web, at events, and in polling—of the ways Americans are adjusting to rapid changes in the economy,” said Bob Cohn, president of The Atlantic. “With The Renewal Project, we expand that partnership to a new platform designed to reach audiences primarily through social and mobile distribution.”

An editor’s note introducing The Renewal Project is available now. Follow the project on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Allstate
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life’s uncertainties through auto, home, life and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance, Encompass and Answer Financial brand names. Now celebrating its 85th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is widely known through the slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®.” The Allstate brand’s network of small businesses offers auto, home, life and retirement products and services to customers in the United States and Canada. In 2015, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners gave $36 million to support local communities. Allstate employees and agency owners donated 230,000 hours of service across the country.

About The Atlantic
Founded in 1857 and today one of the fastest growing media platforms in the industry, The Atlantic has throughout its history championed the power of big ideas and continues to shape global debate across print, digital, events, and video platforms. With its award-winning digital presence TheAtlantic.com and CityLab.com on cities around the world, The Atlantic is a multimedia forum on the most critical issues of our times—from politics, business, urban affairs, and the economy, to technology, arts, and culture. The Atlantic is the 2016 National Magazine of the Year. Bob Cohn is President of The Atlantic.