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YES! Blogs

Analysis, news, and opinion from our editors and the YES! community.

Photo by Porsche Brosseau / Flickr .

It’s a “Story Problem”: What’s Behind Our Messed-Up Economy

The peoples of earlier times prospered from the guidance of simple stories that offered answers to their deepest questions. We need those now more than ever.

David Korten Jul 16, 2013

Photo by Brittany Randolph / Flickr .

Stay Weird or Fit In? It’s Your Kid’s Decision

Wearing a sunhat and a cape because you want to is innocence. Doing so when you know others don’t like it is bravery.

Shannon Hayes Jul 02, 2013

A Road Trip to Save El Salvador’s Water

A delegation of activists from 12 different countries on the fight to stop gold mining in Central America.

Robin Broad Jun 25, 2013

Making Hurricane Preparedness Fun...and Delicious

The Jamaica Plain New Economy transition town has found that pie parties are a good way to get more people interested in disaster preparedness.

Chuck Collins Jun 19, 2013

Why Rain and Cold Can’t Stop Our Family Farm

Selling food in the freezing rain is not my favorite thing. But seeing my customers come out in the bad weather reminded me of why of do this work.

Shannon Hayes May 29, 2013

How Afternoon French Lessons Turned Friends into Family

I was afraid of being judged by a neighbor who began giving free French lessons to my kids. But the worries melted away as our friendship grew deeper.

Shannon Hayes Apr 19, 2013

Why Sticky Cabinets Have a Place on My Dream Farm

When we visualize the lives we desire, we often leave out the difficulties and frustrations. But they’re inevitable, and in the end they make the rewards of life more satisfying.

Shannon Hayes May 21, 2013

Photo by spirit of america / Shutterstock.com .

The Farm Bill’s “Government Handouts”: Who Really Benefits?

There’s nothing like talk of “government handouts” to get people upset. But when it comes to farm bill, the real culprits might not be who you think they are.

Shannon Hayes May 13, 2013

A Tax System for the 99 Percent

Feeling like taxes are more unfair than ever? Three ways corporations, banks, and individuals exploit an unjust system—and three ways the people are pushing back.

Robin Broad Apr 17, 2013

Children participate in a march for the rights of Wisconsin union workers in March, 2011. Photo by Rochelle Hartman .

What If Your Kids Want to Get Political?

Using young children as political props is problematic, to say the least. But when they do form their own opinion, it’s important to let them express it.

Shannon Hayes Apr 11, 2013

The author's daughter, Saoirse, wearing her re-knit sweater.

What Our Kids Can Teach Us About Trying Over

Children’s future happiness is not tied to how well they behave or whether they will be able to hold a job. It is tied to their ability to create with their minds and their hands.

Shannon Hayes Mar 15, 2013

Behind the Kitchen Door: A Must-Read for Anyone Who Eats at Restaurants

Review: More than half of the nation’s worst-paid jobs are related to food. Saru Jayaraman’s new book dives into the explosive movement for better rights for those who plant, process, and cook the food we eat.

John Cavanagh Feb 25, 2013

Instead of Trying to Feed the World, Let’s Help It Feed Itself

We know about the ecological problems that follow when farmers are asked to “feed the world.” What would happen if they just tried to feed their neighbors instead?

Shannon Hayes Feb 15, 2013

Photo by Chuck Burgess .

Radical Investing: 4 Ways to Live on a Tight Budget

"We have a lovely home, we eat well, we have lots of fun, we’re warm, and we don’t worry about how we’ll keep the lights on." Shannon Hayes on how she has managed to live a fulfilled and happy life without going broke.

Shannon Hayes Jan 18, 2013

Photo by Andrew Malone .

4 Lessons for Growing a Family Farm across Generations

Breaking our families into nuclear units has an ecological and emotional cost. Could the multigenerational farm remind us where to turn for a viable future?

Shannon Hayes Jan 29, 2013