The Faces Behind the Fight for $15 an Hour
For low-wage workers, Seattle's minimum wage increase means a chance to go to college, pay the rent, and visit the dentist.
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.
Climate Comeback: A Grassroots Movement Steps Back Into the International Arena
Three major international meetings about climate change are on the horizon. Is this the moment to fix the failures of Copenhagen?
A Bike that Stamps Your Message on the Street, and 3 Other Open-Source Tools for Activists
StreetToolbox offers new tools for the political communicator—from a remote controlled car that writes messages in colored sand to a kit that turns your bike into a mobile printing press.
Gay Marriage Went From Unthinkable to Inevitable. Here’s What It Means for the Change You Want to See
The momentum behind the legalization of gay marriage came from grassroots action, not from court cases.
How Mischief-Makers Built Australia Through Pranks and Protests
In his new book "How to Make Trouble and Influence People," Iain McIntyre offers readers an alternative version of Australian history.
Anti-Homeless Spikes? Heartless. Cementing Over Them? Ingenious.
Londoners have made their feelings clear about a corporate "solution" to the problem of homelessness—and the company listened.
First He Came Out as Undocumented. Then As Gay. Here’s What It Means For Immigration Debate.
Felipe Matos told his story in three words: "I am undocumented." It was an act of desperation—but it gave him a sense of agency and power.
Zydeco and Justice: Louisiana’s Hyperlocal KOCZ Builds Community and Self-Reliance
Low-power FM radio stations bring a much-needed focus on local issues and culture.
This East LA Band’s Rebel Version of “La Bamba” Speaks Out Against Racism
Las Cafeteras uses acoustic instruments and punk attitude to spread their message of social justice and equality.
Tennessee Tied Teachers’ Jobs to Standardized Test Scores. Here’s How They Pushed Back—And Won.
The teachers found their careers at risk when an erratic statistical tool became a key measure of their success.
Remembering Maya Angelou: Fiery Poet of Peace
In Angelou’s poem “A Brave and Startling Truth,” we can sense the poet’s yearning for a more peaceful and loving future.
From Stand-up to Twitter, A New Generation’s Fresh Take on Storytelling
Today's storytellers show that each of us can be part of something more powerful, diverse, and creative than we might have imagined.
Meet 6 Nutrition Blogger Moms Who Crashed the McDonald’s Shareholder Meeting
Current trends suggest one in three kids will develop Type 2 diabetes as adults. These moms told McDonald’s CEO Don Thompson what they think about the fast food industry targeting their kids.
The War on Drugs Destroys Lives—Here Are 6 Things You Can Do About It
The movement to end the violence through the decriminalization of drugs has never had so much momentum. And it's never been easier to get involved.
Meet the Girl Who Sparked Brown v. The Board of Education With a High School Walkout
The stories of people behind the landmark decision—like that of 16-year-old Barbara Rose Johns—are even more compelling and inspiring than the sea-changing ruling itself.
How Macklemore’s Trumpet Player Is Bringing Music Back to His Kenyan Hometown
The Madaraka festival is a celebration of African cultural heritage and modern-day entrepreneurship—and the proceeds will help build a recording studio for 68 youth in Kenya.
The Game of Thrones Rape Scene: Why We Can’t Pretend It Never Happened
Pretending that a rape never happened is a problem—regardless of whether it took place in fiction or reality.
This Fifth-Grader Raised $200,000 to Clean Up the Gulf Oil Spill by Selling Watercolors
These three young activists found creative ways to tackle issues from climate change to voting rights.
When This Teacher’s Ethnic Studies Classes Were Banned, His Students Took the District to Court—and Won
Curtis Acosta's classes in Mexican American Studies gave kids pride in their heritage—until the Arizona Legislature canceled them. That's when his students became activists, and some real-life lessons began.
Why Saul Alinsky, Author of “Rules” for Social Change, Would Probably Break Them Today
Most organizers today believe that Alinsky taught to focus on building organizations and not social movements. But the author's own political work shows a more flexible approach.
Video: Festival Brings Spirit of Kenya’s Independence Movement to the US
The Swahili word "madaraka" means "self-realization." The festival bearing that name seeks to empower youth to create positive change in their own lives, their communities, and the world.
Legalization is a Human Rights Issue: Latin America Steps Up Resolve to End the Drug Wars
On the heels of pot legalization in Washington and Colorado, the movement for less punitive drug policy is coalescing at every level. Its new leaders could come from the very countries that have suffered the most.
Edward Snowden’s TED Talk Offers Guided Tour of NSA Leaks
The former NSA contractor, who is living in asylum in Russia, spoke from the screen of a wheeled robot.
The “Twilight” Manifesto: What Pop Culture Gets Wrong—and Right—About Masculinity
Blockbuster series like Twilight have left their mark on a generation of girls, but what message are they sending boys? Here are a few to look out for.
These Seattle Teachers Boycotted Standardized Testing—and Sparked a Nationwide Movement
Parents, students, and teachers all over the country have joined the revolt to liberate our kids from a test-obsessed education system.
Our Vision to Create the Best Stories Imaginable
In 2025, we will temporarily pause the printing of YES! Magazine.
LEARN MOREHelp Fund Powerful Stories to Light the Way Forward
Donate to YES! today.