Political Power
YES! believes in the fundamental right of people to determine their own political future, and reports on efforts to expand access to democracy and voter enfranchisement, while also acknowledging the limits of electoral politics, and “democracy” as it has been used as a bludgeon by imperial powers.
And it offers a blueprint for reforming other districts that suffer from overpolicing.
What the Arrest of a Model Teacher Says About Education “Reform”
With a corporate agenda driving standardized testing in Atlanta schools, young educator Shani Robinson found herself facing prison.
Sometimes “Fake News” Is Just What We Need
When firmly grounded in truth, mischief-making can be an effective tool to generate valuable public discourse.
Black Lives Matter Is Making Single Moms Homeowners
In Louisville, the group is purchasing vacant homes for low-income families to promote stability in the community and fight gentrification.
Where Sex Education Fails, Technology Can Help
The Juicebox app connects people with sex coaches to get their questions answered—anonymously.
No Impact Man’s Guide to Activism
I’ve learned a lot about how to be an ordinary person, filled with self-doubt, who still takes the risk of trying to do something about the world.
In “Shout Your Abortion,” a Celebration of Life
The viral social media campaign #ShoutYourAbortion is now a book that celebrates life and freedom as much as choice.
Turning Tragedy Into Healing: Oscar Grant’s Family 10 Years Later
The film “Fruitvale Station” told the story of Grant’s death on a train platform. Now his family is building bridges between police and their communities.
Standing Rock’s Surprising Legacy: A Push for Public Banks
The effort to divest from Wall Street—and stop environment-killing projects gained momentum after the historic pipeline protest. Here’s what a city needs, and could gain, from municipal banking.
Our Ladies of Perpetual Activism: Nuns for Social Justice
These spirited sisters act to change the world in specific ways.
When Crafts Become Activism: A More Beautiful Movement
With a unique “gentle protest” approach, new craftivists are channeling homespun energy into social justice.
Grandmothers Bring Food and Comfort to Asylum-Seekers at Bus Stations
Each day at Greyhound stations across the nation, families released from detention and traveling to sponsors’ homes find grandmotherly help.
Why You Shouldn’t Donate Angry: Pitfalls of Rage Giving
Anger can be a good motivator for donations. But not everyone wins when it’s the only factor.
I Walked Right Up to Militarized Police at the Border
Behind the agents, we could see our brothers and sisters watching from the Mexico side of the wall. We could hear them singing.
Dear Activist: The Healing of Handwritten Letters of Thanks
As an immigration attorney, I have reasons to feel defeated every day. I take solace in writing letters.
How to Fight the Latest Attempts to Erase “Transgender”
Purging the identity from federal websites makes transgender people more vulnerable to discrimination. Here's how you can help.
The Co-op That’s Keeping Community Money Out of Big Banks
How marginalized groups are working to counteract historical wealth inequality.
What Welcome Really Looks Like: Softening Hearts to a New Generation of Refugees
The story of the Central American refugees is so essentially American that it’s a wonder we can’t recognize how much they belong here.
How to Treat a Stranger in Need: A Moral Response to the Migrant Caravans
Throughout history, the biblical story of Exodus has inspired people around the world fleeing persecution.
These Performers Literally Play for Their Lives
O+ Festival was created to address the lack of affordable medical care for a chronically underinsured population: artists and musicians.
Don’t Trash Thanksgiving. Decolonize It.
Despite the holiday’s false origin tale, we can celebrate in ways that honor those originally dishonored by the day.
Outdoor Recreation Isn’t Just for Privileged White Folks Anymore
These organizations help kids of all economic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds benefit from adventures in nature.
How You Can Help as Migrant Caravans Arrive at the U.S. Border
These are steps you can take right now to assist the refugees, who have risked everything to escape extreme poverty, gang violence, and political instability at home.
12 Photos of the Migrant Caravan: Hope and Self-Determination
Photojournalist Rob Wilson has been traveling with the caravans from Central America to document the journey of people looking for a better life.
What School Lunches Have to Do With Fixing Wealth Inequality
Dismantling a capitalist food system could begin with schools, which nationwide spend about $3 billion on food contracts.
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