Peace and Justice

New Year, New President, and Our Promise
by YES! Editors
Dec 27, 2016
We represent independent journalism. Even in the darkest times, you can depend on us to find the progressive solutions that will heal the planet and improve the lives of the many.
It Wasn’t All Bad: 5 Signs of Positive Change in 2016
by Sarah van Gelder
Dec 27, 2016
The election divided the year into “before” and “after.” But there remain signs of hope for 2017.
Standing Rock Prepared Us for Trump’s Billionaires and Oil Giants
by Mark Trahant
Dec 26, 2016
Continuing to shrink our oil consumption is one way to challenge the oil uber alles mentality of the Trump administration.
Why I Kneeled Before Standing Rock Elders and Asked For Forgiveness
by Sarah van Gelder
Dec 21, 2016
“We fought you. We took your land. We signed treaties that we broke … But we’ve come to say that we are sorry.”
How to Face a Trump Presidency: Resist, Reconnect, Renew
by Sarah van Gelder
Dec 21, 2016
We can’t count on Republicans or Democrats to save us. Instead, we are the ones to build the world we want, starting in our communities.
Wisconsin Tribe Halts $1.5 Billion Open-Pit Mine
by Jaime Alfaro
Dec 20, 2016
To protect vital wetlands, the Ojibwe tribe and local scientists and activists pressured industry to abandon plans for what would have harmed thousands of species of plants and animals.
Some “Unrecognized” Tribes Still Waiting After 130 Years
by Gabriel Furshong
Dec 19, 2016
Federal recognition offers financial help, and those tribes without it have “second-class status in Indian Country” and remain vulnerable to local authorities.
6 Solutions That Support Native Sovereignty—From Tribal Schooling to Bison Herds
by Araz Hachadourian, Christa Hillstrom
Dec 19, 2016
Florida’s Miccosukee is the first tribe allowed to run its own school, where students fully participate in family and cultural activities.
Thanks, Trump! We Now Have Two Opportunities for Bold Progressive Reform
by Arun Gupta
Dec 17, 2016
There’s an argument to be made that progressives are lucky Bernie Sanders didn’t win the nomination.
North Dakota’s Public Bank Was Built for the People—Now It’s Financing Police at Standing Rock
by Matt Stannard
Dec 14, 2016
The nation’s only state bank was created to empower small farmers and local economies, but now it’s being used to silence indigenous people with militarized force. How did this happen?
Trump Played to Anger, but We Don’t Have to Fall for Divide and Conquer
by David Korten
Dec 14, 2016
We've been pitted against each other for too long. Now is the time to come together to fix our corrupt political systems.
Meet the 82-Year-Old Grandma Lobbying for Abortion Rights
by Liza Bayless, Kate Stringer
Dec 13, 2016
And two other grandmas we love expanding health care in their communities.
“This Is the Right Thing to Do”: Energy CEO on Ending Leases to Drill Near Blackfeet Nation
by Michael J. Dax
Dec 12, 2016
After 35 years of fighting for the cancellation of nearly 50 oil and gas leases, Montana's Blackfeet tribe scored an unexpected victory when Devon Energy voluntarily backed out of their claims.
Why the Founding Fathers Gave Too Much Power to the Supreme Court
by Emelyn Lybarger and Ben Price
Dec 12, 2016
What We the People lost when the Constitution gave monarchical power to a small band of unelected people in robes.
From Goat Farms to Parenting Classes: Immigrants Find Support Across U.S.
by Liza Bayless, Kim Eckart, Araz Hachadourian
Dec 08, 2016
Five states where communities are ensuring immigrant rights and wellness.