During this tough time in the economy, we've heard lots of stories about neighbors helping neighbors. It's a phenomenon to which Chuck Collins of the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington D.C. is trying to give more formal structure. Collins, who speaks in Maine tonight in Saco as a guest of the Maine Council Of Churches, is promoting the idea of so-called "common security clubs." He spoke earlier today with MPBN's Jennifer Rooks about how they work, and why they're needed in today's economic climate.

Collins speaks tonight at 7 at the First Parish Church in Saco, and will present at a workshop on Common Security Clubs tomorrow morning from 9 to 11:30 at State Street Church in Portland. For more information, go to MaineCouncilofChurches.org.