Signs of Life

Small stories about big change

Bolivia to Host Climate Summit for the People

by Margit Christenson

posted Feb 26, 2010

Bolivian President Evo Morales has called for an alternative climate-change conference, this one involving governments as well as non-governmental organizations, indigenous groups, scientists, and environmentalists.

Chicago Ward Tries Citizen Budgeting

by Jeff Raderstrong

posted Feb 26, 2010

In a city with a history of corruption and lack of transparency, one elected official is restoring meaning to the term “public funds.”

"Pro-poor" Relief for Haiti

by Kim Eckart

posted Feb 26, 2010

In the aftermath of the Jan. 12 earthquake that is believed to have killed more than 150,000 people, a call is growing for more long-term, sustainable solutions, such as debt relief.

In Argentina, Activists Celebrate Media Reform

by Margit Christenson

posted Dec 16, 2009

After years of campaigning by hundreds of the country’s civil society groups, Argentina is transforming its media regulations.

White House Opens Visitor Log to the Public

by Heather Purser

posted Dec 15, 2009

The White House has begun making its visitor logs publicly available on its website, reversing a Bush administration policy that kept such records secret.

River Restoration Ends Klamath Water Wars

by Susie Shutts, Margit Christenson

posted Dec 15, 2009

A new draft agreement would remove four Klamath River dams that affect more than 300 miles of salmon habitat along the Oregon-California coast.

Activists Wrangle Forest Victories from Corporations

by Laura Kaliebe

posted Dec 15, 2009

Fierce pressure from activists has led several major corporations to change purchasing practices linked to deforestation.

Can Northeast States Grow Their Own Food?

by Laura Kaliebe

posted Dec 15, 2009

How much of the food eaten in the northeastern United States could be produced regionally? The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced $230,000 in funding to find out.

Homeland Security Addresses Rights Violations

by Susie Shutts

posted Dec 15, 2009

In October, the Department of Homeland Security announced reforms aimed at improving conditions for immigrants being held in detention centers.

Seeds of a Movement for the Unemployed

by Jake Blumgart

posted Dec 15, 2009

Where do working Americans turn when they lose their jobs?

Signs of Life :: Sit-In Keeps Factory Open

by Laura Kaliebe

posted Aug 28, 2009

Workers at the Des Plaines, Illinois, Hartmarx factory voted to stage a sit-in this June against banking giant Wells Fargo.

Signs of Life :: Act Two for Clean Water

by Madeline Ostrander

posted Aug 28, 2009

The U.S. Senate may be poised to undo a Bush-era policy that undercut protection of the nation’s waterways.

Signs of Life :: Tribes Approve Same-Sex Marriage

by Heather Purser

posted Aug 28, 2009

Same-sex marriage is not legal in Oregon, but an Oregon tribe has exercised its sovereignty to recognize same-sex marriages on its 10-square-mile reservation.

Signs of Life :: Cities Eat Local

by Jessica Bell

posted Aug 28, 2009

Increasing numbers of U.S. cities are looking to lessen their climate impact by growing and eating local food.

Signs of Life :: Legal Settlements Protect Voters

by Susie Shutts

posted Aug 28, 2009

Organizations in Ohio, Missouri, and elsewhere are correcting problems that prevented thousands of people from voting in recent elections.