Grassroots Power

All it takes is a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens.

DIY Liberation: Discussion Guide

by Margit Christenson, Brooke Jarvis

posted Nov 07, 2007

This issue of YES! introduces us to people who are done waiting for a leader to come along; who are recognizing their own power to liberate the spaces where they live, work, learn, and create.

World Social Forum :: Liberated Spaces at Your Doorstep

by Lilja Otto

posted Nov 07, 2007

Since 2001, people from all corners of the globe have come to the World Social Forums (WSF) to build strategies for another world. This year, the World Social Forum is coming to them.

On Critical Mass and the First Amendment

by Reverend Billy

posted Nov 07, 2007

Do you need a permit to ride bicycles in New York? Critical Mass bicyclists say the First Amendment is their permit.

Being the Change: In Gandhi's Footsteps

by Manish Jain

posted Nov 07, 2007

Manish Jain talks about how he is trying to learn how to live his values today rather than waiting for the system to change. How can we find the courage to walk out of institutions and structures that reinforce violence, injustice and exploitation.

It Took a Village

by Heather Mueller

posted Nov 07, 2007

In Miami, homeless citizens didn’t wait for the city. They created their own home and found dignity and safety.

Pete Seeger: The Power of Song

by Jim Brown

posted Nov 07, 2007

Jim Brown's new documentary Pete Seeger: The Power of Song, summarizes the 80-year career of America's preeminent folk-singer.

Taking on Corporate Power

posted Aug 20, 2007

The stories in YES! Magazine's Stand Up to Corporate Power about the peaceful revolutionaries who have stepped up to challenge corporate dominance.

Photo Essay: The First USSF in Atlanta, Ga.

posted Aug 14, 2007

Seeing Another World: U.S. Social Forum 2008

posted Aug 14, 2007

Instead of drawing crowds with superstar speakers and performers, the participants of the 2008 U.S. Social Forum were the stars. Those who are accustomed to being excluded were at the center, and those who were used to being silenced were heard.

Not Your Grandfather's SDS

by Joshua Kahn Russell

posted Jul 29, 2007

Students for a Democratic Society is reborn, working with veteran activists to build movements for today.

USSF: We Saw Another World in Atlanta

by Sarah van Gelder

posted Jul 29, 2007

Poor people, young people, people of color, gays and lesbians, and all manner of people who believe “another world is possible, another U.S. is necessary” joined together by the thousands in Atlanta for the first U.S. Social Forum.

Common Knowledge

by Jeff Kaplan

posted Jul 29, 2007

Whether the issue is water rights, big-box stores, meddling in local politics, or the taking of citizen's lands, almost every community in the United States - if not the world - is being harmed by excessive corporate power. Strategies of resistance need to invoke the people's right to exercise democratic power over corporations and governments.

Communities Take Power

by Doug Pibel

posted Jul 29, 2007

Communities across the country are declaring citizens' right and duty to protect their water, land, local economy, and way of life, even if it means taking on the enormous power of corporations. Here are some of the peaceful revolutionaries who have stepped up.

Malik Rahim Speaks to the Freedom Caravaners

by Sarah van Gelder

posted Jun 27, 2007

Malik Rahim speaks about the Common Ground vision for its neighborhood that goes beyond restoring it to its previous state.

Interview with Victoria Rodriguez

by Sarah van Gelder

posted Jun 27, 2007

Interview with Victoria Rodriguez from Southwest Organizing Project, while on the Freedom Caravan to the USSF, June 2007.