PEOPLE POWER

How “we the people” decide what we want, and how we get it.

An Agenda That Puts People First

posted Jul 29, 2008

During an election season, we often step back and allow the candidates to set the agenda. But that agenda may be more about polarizing us and getting them elected than about the real changes we need. Here’s an agenda based on the realities facing Americans, and what we want for our families, communities, and country.

Seeing Red, Feeling Blue in Purple America

by David Sirota

posted Jul 29, 2008

Americans are under increasing economic pressure, and many feel powerless to do anything about it. David Sirota travels coast to coast and finds the people who know the U.S. is headed in the wrong direction--and are joining a populist uprising to turn it around

Politics That Break Through

by Sarah van Gelder

posted Jul 29, 2008

Letter from the Editor on Fall 2008 issue.

The Inuit of Nunavut :: Photo Essay

by John Hasyn

posted Jul 29, 2008

John Hasyn's photo essay on daily life among the Inuit of Nunavut, in northern Canada.

5 Ways to Make History

by Fran Korten

posted Jul 02, 2008

Elections aren’t until November. But the heart of the process is going on right now. Here are my top 5 ideas for making a difference—and staying sane—in the coming months.

This Brave Nation Series:

posted Jun 23, 2008

A remarkable series co-produced by The Nation magazine and Brave New Foundation, which brings together inspiring activists from different movements and generations, to discuss their ideas, ideals, and approaches to changing the world.

Carl Pope & Van Jones

by Van Jones, Carl Pope

posted Jun 09, 2008

Carl Pope and Van Jones discuss Environmentalism, New Media, Civil Rights, the Economy

DIY Foreign Policy Heroes

posted Jun 06, 2008

Think foreign policy is just for politicians? These people can change your mind.

How to Join the Family of Nations

by Sarah van Gelder

posted May 22, 2008

Nearly two out of three Americans believe U.S. relations with the rest of the world are on the wrong track. That doesn’t have to be bad news, though. The Summer 2008 issue of YES! shows the people turning that around: voting for peace in their city or town, supporting Iraq veterans, and starting conversations with your neighbors about how to create a just world.

From the Publisher :: America Can Change

by Fran Korten

posted May 22, 2008

With enough citizen understanding and action, America can change. Were you one of the millions deeply moved by Barack Obama’s March 18 speech from Philadelphia? He supported his optimism with a fierce faith in this country, saying “What we know, what we have seen, is that America can change—that is the true genius of this nation.”

YES! Film Picks: Making Whiteness Visible

by Carol Estes

posted May 22, 2008

Maddening and motivating independent films: Mirrors of Privilege, Abel Raises Cain and Pilgrimage.

People We Love :: Ava Lowery

posted May 22, 2008

Ava Lowery launched peacetakescourage.com, a website showcasing her homemade antiwar videos.

Signs of Life :: Corporations

by Margit Christenson, Madeline Ostrander

posted May 22, 2008

Towns Rein in Corporate Power; Exxon Faces Court Challenges

Signs of Life :: Elections

by Noah Grant

posted May 22, 2008

States Back the Popular Vote

Aidan Delgado, Conscientious Objector

posted May 22, 2008

The Sutras of Abu Ghraib is the story of Aidan Delgado’s journey towards conscientious objector status. This excerpt is a meditation on how easy it is to distance ourselves from the devastation of war-making.