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.
Now that the encampments are gone, what do we have to show for our movement? As it turns out, quite a bit.
Occupy at Two: How a Flawed and Fleeting Utopia Changed the World
Author Rebecca Solnit brings you back to the encampments of Occupy, and to the months that forged new friendships, changed the horizons of possibility, and terrified elites.
How People Pushed Back on Syria—and Slowed the March Toward War
In Iraq, Afghanistan, and many other cases, the people protested and got war anyway. Why—at least, so far—has the story played out differently with Syria?
Finding the Gold in “Tough” Neighborhoods
To transform economically and socially depressed areas into healthy, vibrant communities, we have to focus on their strengths and trust residents to solve their own problems.
Detroit Bankrupt? Six Ways the Motor City Is Thriving
National media accounts of Detroit's bankruptcy miss the growing industries, strong communities, and policy changes laying the foundation's for the city's recovery.
Syria: Six Alternatives to Military Strikes
Many of the legal and diplomatic processes that led to peace in other times of conflict haven't even been tried yet in Syria.
Want to Change the World (and Not Get Burnt Out)? Start with Your Neighborhood
Starting the process of change in a place you know well makes it more doable and fun.
“Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth” Is as Beautiful Visually as It Is Spiritually
Filmmaker Pratibha Parmar's presentation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author's life will inspire you.
The Unexpected Gifts of Photographing Mandela, Tutu, and the Dalai Lama
Photographer Jane Feldman on earning the trust of beloved world leaders—and capturing their laughter.
Restless Nation: The Real Meaning of Iran’s Elections
Will the people of Iran get the reforms they asked for in electing the moderate Hassan Rouhani? The answer depends partly on them, and partly on the United States.
Voices from Turkey’s #OccupyGEZI Movement
Filmmaker Deniz Tarsus brings you into the occupation of Istanbul’s Gezi Park in this new short film.
“Renegade Gardener” Plots World Domination Through Home-Grown Veggies
Ron Finley speaks to YES! about why “gardening is gangsta” and how he's getting city youth back in the dirt.
“Stand Your Ground Isn’t What Put the Bullet in Trayvon”: Voices from Florida’s Occupied Capitol
Daniel Agnew, Melanie Andrade, and Jabari Mickles are members of a group that occupied Florida’s capitol building after the Zimmerman acquittal.
Florida Occupation Digs in after Meeting with Governor Scott Turns Sour
The association says it will bring in retired members in an effort to defuse tensions between young occupiers and capitol police.
Dar Williams: Why the Music of Protest Is Still Worth Defending
We can’t change the world if we can’t even sing together—a star folk singer on what happens if political music dies.
Day Four: Youth-Led Occupation of Florida Capitol Still Growing
For the last three nights, a growing group has camped out in the Florida Capitol building, demanding the governor address their concerns about the Zimmerman acquittal.
Clown Costume or Power Suit? How to Think about the Theatrics of Taking Action
Larry Bogad is an author and cofounder of the Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army. In this video, he explains how civil rights leaders made their work look good, and how we can use the same principals today.
Peaceful Revolution? Gandhi’s Four Paths to Get There
The Indian leader saw nonviolence as an active and powerful thing—not just the absence of war.
How a Detroit Conference Is Shaping the Future of Feminism
For a few short days at the Allied Media Conference, change makers immerse themselves in the world they’d like to live in.
Why the Revival of US Labor Might Start with Nonunion Workers
The AFL-CIO’s community affiliate, Working America, is expanding its work online and off.
Don’t Wait for the Revolution—Live It
When pranksters and creative organizers create temporary utopias, the experience leaves us wanting more—and ready to work hard to get it.
Click Here to Kick Glenn Beck Off the Air: Web Activism’s Big Wins—and What to Do Next
It was online campaigning that got Lou Dobbs and Glenn Beck's shows canceled. But the real power of Internet activism is what happens after we step away from the screen.
How Bike Friendly Cities Beat the Opposition and Became the New Normal
Now that all the debate about whether bike lanes are OK seems to be (mostly) over, cities around the country are enjoying their benefits.
Climate Change Is Happening but We Can Meet the Challenge
It can be hard for youth to deal with the overwhelming effects of climate change. But, by taking action, we can erode the hold that oil, fracking, and coal has on people and the environment.
What’s Love Got to Do with the Apocalypse? We Asked This Group of Young Leaders
On life, leadership, and the future in an age of catastrophic change.
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.