People Are Happier in States That Allow Ballot Initiatives
Twenty-four states allow citizens to vote directly on policy matters, and research shows that life satisfaction is higher in them.
YES! Article archive
Brooklyn Youth Create Jobs (and Community Roots) Through Local Compost Program
This neighborhood made gardens out of vacant lots to tackle gentrification and high youth unemployment.
The Pipeline Strikes Back: The Audacity of TransCanada’s $15B Suit Against the U.S.
The political saga of the Keystone XL pipeline is like a real-life version of The Force Awakens. So why are we giving the Dark Side even more power?
Flint Whistleblowers Who Exposed Their Poisoned Water: We’re Just Getting Started
Long before the state declared an emergency in Flint, Michigan, a pastor, a mother, and an attorney teamed up to reveal the state’s lies about their drinking water.
The Oil Industry Won in Alberta. Now First Nations Look to Heal Their Land
The Alberta tar sands are home to the third-largest proven reserves of crude oil in the world. Here, First Nations engage in a complex dance of resistance to and cooperation with industry in order to survive.
White Privilege II Showed Me What an Unruly Mess We’re In
A Seattle music writer quoted in Macklemore’s controversial new song appreciates how it speaks to young white people—but wishes it had gone further.
As Rising Seas Force Exile, Islanders Hold Fast to What Matters Most
Pacific Islanders are among the first victims of climate change-induced sea level rise. As natives quickly run out of land and struggle to maintain crops, leaders are searching for ways to protect their people and thousands of years of cultural heritage.
In a Tiny House Village, Portland’s Homeless Find Dignity
As cities search for solutions to homelessness, Portland’s Dignity Village offers 60 men and women community and safety.
Women Are Better At Expressing Emotions, Right? Why It’s Not That Simple
Men and women both suffer from a culture that discourages us from expressing complex emotions. The answer is deeper listening, and it's the key to healthier, more engaged lives.
One Clan’s Unique Weapon Against Big Oil
Because the Unist’ot’en clan has given up no land rights after decades of courtroom battles, they maintain a strong foothold on land crucial to future oil expansion plans.
Why Young Latinos in Rural California Support Sanders
In California’s predominantly Spanish speaking Eastern Coachella Valley, younger Latinos are showing support for Sanders, upending the narrative that his appeal does not extend beyond white voters.
A Bold Shift to Make Public Schools Serve Low-Income Students
Last year, New York City began turning schools in poor neighborhoods into community schools—combining rigorous instruction and extracurricular enrichment with a broad social support system.
How One Affluent Town Helps Its Neediest Students Get Into (and Stay In) College
In New England, a community program matches college-savvy parents with first-generation college-bound students to help them navigate the overwhelming application process.
Half of America’s Workforce Has No Retirement Plan—But Illinois Has a Fix
Economists see the Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program, designed for private-sector workers, as an innovative complement to Social Security.
In North Dakota’s Booming Oil Patch, One Tribe Beat Back Fracking
The Turtle Mountain Band was among the first tribes to ban the drilling process. Here’s the difference it made.
How to Stop an Oil Train: The Hearts-and-Minds Climate Defense That Won Over a Courtroom
The Delta 5 loss was actually a big win. “Frankly, the court is convinced that the defendants are far from the problem and are part of the solution to the problem of climate change.”
New York’s “Carwasheros” Push for Safer, Fairer Workplaces
Car washes are the “wild, wild West” of workplace regulation. The Car Wash Accountability Act will improve that—if it is ever implemented.
Big Oil and Gas Want Them Out, But One Small Clan Is Standing Up to Pipeline Expansion
A First Nations clan is bringing pipeline projects to a grinding halt—simply by occupying their traditional lands.
Our Continued March to the Mountaintop
In his speech delivered in Seattle, YES! reporter Marcus Harrison Green acknowledges that realizing King’s dream will require more than kind words and promises.
The Bravest Response to Fear
From strangers on the street to Muslim refugees—why we should embrace the humanity of people we may fear.
Why Are Bathrooms the Place to Air Our Politics?
From issues of gender-bullying to discrimination against homeless people, safe and reliable bathroom access is a hot political topic these days.
The Brilliance of Using Pillowcases to #GiveRefugeesRest
A human rights campaign to protest Islamophobic rhetoric sent message-scrawled pillowcases to 31 governors who expressed support for refugee bans. And more are on the way.
What the Oregon Standoff Is Really About
The people occupying a wildlife reserve in eastern Oregon say they’re speaking for ranchers. But a closer look shows they’re associated with movements most people find alienating. If we want to build any solidarity with those living in rural areas, we need to understand the difference.
How This Black Student Used Documents and DNA to Find Her Slave Ancestors
Like many African Americans, Lakisha David wanted to trace the roots of her family, who for years were documented only as property. Here’s how she did it.
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