Poet Laureate W.S. Merwin: Doing the Impossible
The two-time Pulitzer Prize winner accepted an appointment as U.S. poet laureate so he could offer just one simple warning.
Activism
YES! Media’s coverage of activism centers on the ways that grassroots mobilization and activism work to change the political zeitgeist around the most pressing social issues we are facing.
Want Jobs? Rebuild the Dream
Van Jones is leading a national mobilization to rebuild the middle class—through decent work, fair taxes, and opportunities for all.
Obama’s Sister: What Our Mother Taught Us
Maya Soetoro-Ng reflects on her childhood with brother Barack, her own family and children, and how to keep everyone connected.
The Refugee Child Photographers
How photography training and disposable cameras are giving young Palestinian refugees something new—a voice.
Billy Bragg Rocks the Cynical World
Why iconic political singer-songwriter Billy Bragg confronts fascists, Tea Parties, Glenn Beck–and his own fans.
51 Ways to Spark a Commons Revolution
What you can do, alone and with others, to share life.
Why Power Is Not a Dirty Word
Frances Moore Lappé looks at redefining power and taking it back.
River Rescue: Citizen Riverkeepers Protect Their Waters
Who protects the public's right to clean, accessible waterways? We do.
United by Hard Times: Workers Organize Across Race Lines
A tough economy makes cross-race organizing more important than ever.
Faith Adiele: My Life in Black and White
Why memoir is the ultimate multicultural act.
The Psychology of Climate-Change Denial
Solving the “It’s not my problem” problem. A psychologist on what keeps us from coming to terms with the climate crisis.
Weapons of Mass Democracy
Here’s evidence that nonviolence is the most powerful tool to promote democracy and overthrow tyranny.
The New Deal Happened Because the Grassroots Made it Happen
Roosevelt didn’t come up with all those progressive programs on his own.
Having a Voice Makes People Happy
Most human beings are not couch potatoes and whiners. We are doers and creators. In fact, humans need to 'make a dent.'
The Battle for Reality
David Solnit was one of the Direct Action Network organizers for the 1999 WTO demonstrations in Seattle. He looks at what really happened in Seattle, what politicians and the mainstream media have done with the story, and what difference the new movie "Battle in Seattle" might make to public thinking about the 1999 demonstrations.
Seeing Red, Feeling Blue in Purple America
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
Pete Seeger: How Can I Keep from Singing?
In a 2007 interview, folk singer Pete Seeger talks about hitchhiking with Woody Guthrie, inspiring people with music, and the power of millions of small changes.
Pirates on the Open Airwaves
Low-power transmitters are making local radio accessible to many. Is this pirate radio or is it serving the public interest?
On Critical Mass and the First Amendment
Do you need a permit to ride bicycles in New York? Critical Mass bicyclists say the First Amendment is their permit.
Not Your Grandfather’s SDS
Students for a Democratic Society is reborn, working with veteran activists to build movements for today.
Communities Take Power
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.
Horizontalidad: Where Everyone Leads
Horizontalidad: bringing direct democracy to Argentina's citizens while reducing unemployment and stimulating worker involvement.
Why the Next 10 Years Will Be Nothing Like the Last 10 Years
On YES! Magazine's 10th anniversary, we look at trends that are changing our culture, our relationship to the earth, and our sense of self.
How to be Brave in a Culture of Fear
A nonviolent army stands fast, watching over human rights in the midst of conflict, a model of courageous peace.
Seven Great Ideas for Movement Builders
Movement building is not just about winning on a particular issue, says Grace Lee Boggs. It is about advancing the evolution of human society.
Help Fund Powerful Stories to Light the Way Forward
Donate to YES! today.