Signs of Life

Small stories about big change

Bolivia to Host Climate Summit for the People
by Margit Christenson
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Dec 15, 2009
Where do working Americans turn when they lose their jobs?
Signs of Life :: Sit-In Keeps Factory Open
by Laura Kaliebe
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
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
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
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
Aug 28, 2009
Organizations in Ohio, Missouri, and elsewhere are correcting problems that prevented thousands of people from voting in recent elections.