June Jordan’s Legacy of Solidarity and Love Remains Relevant
The late poet and activist’s legacy lives on decades after her untimely death—in the purposeful lives of her former students.
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.
How Black History Paves the Way for a Just Black Future
Alicia Garza is searching for Black-led solutions to some of the biggest problems of our democracy—solutions that go far beyond a hashtag.
Social Movements and NGOs: Can They Get Along?
NGOs seeking to support frontline movements often stumble. The activist network Beautiful Trouble conducted a detailed study and offer a path forward.
Florida’s Anti-Woke Laws Deny Existence of Systemic Racism
Past generations harnessed state power to penalize educators who dared to teach about injustice. Many of today’s anti-anti-racists rehearse the same old rhetoric for similar ends.
Stepping Up for Social Change 
Whether you’re ready, weary, or wise, you can take your movement engagement to the next level.
The Grassroots Fight for Housing Justice in Baltimore
Tired of waiting for the city to address housing justice, Baltimore’s constellation of grassroots activists and institutions are charging forward to keep residents in their homes and increase availability of affordable housing.
Abolishing the Nation’s Largest Jail System
L.A. County activists are working to replace violent jails with mental health facilities, and to reallocate funding from incarceration toward social services.
A Site That Safeguards Migrants’ Educational Credentials
When people forced to flee their homes then arrive in new countries, their efforts to continue with higher education and careers are often stymied.
Carving a Better Tomorrow Out of a Worsening Today
Frida Berrigan reflects on living in a world of tipping points.
The Deadly Consequences of Hate
LGBTQ people have always been the ones to keep each other safe. But we shouldn’t have to.
Organizing to Cancel Debt Fuels Systemic Change
The elimination of student debt is just the first step in mitigating the pervasive effects of racial capitalism.
How Women of Color Have Built Political Capital in Elections
She the People Executive Director Aimee Allison explains how women of color are both running for office and voting in ways that demand to be seen and heard.
Manchin’s Pipeline Loss Shows Frontline and Green Groups Are Gaining Steam
“We launched our movement to breathe clean air … amid the Movement for Black Lives chanting ‘we can’t breathe’ and a pandemic disproportionately killing Black people.”
Intersectional Activism in a Post-Roe World
Abortion bans tend to disproportionately impact vulnerable populations in low-income, rural communities. Here’s how young people of color are fighting back.
Getting Voters the Truth in a Whirlwind of Lies
In Arizona, voter groups reach out to Latino citizens to combat misinformation spread by election-denier candidates.
Insults May Not Lead to Votes After All
Name-calling in politics grabs headlines, but voters don’t like it—and it could backfire in the 2022 midterm elections.
Can a Third Party Be the Charm for Polarized Politics?
Outsider parties can have an effect on electoral outcomes aside from being labeled spoilers. But they almost never change the two-party dynamic.
What a “Green Amendment” Can Do for Environmental Justice
The Supreme Court curbed the EPA’s ability to restrict emissions, so states are looking to enshrine rights to “healthful environments” in their constitutions.
What Student Loan Forgiveness Means
Experts on banking, public spending, and education policy look at the impact of Biden’s plan.
A Rhyming Guide to Eclipse Science
Have you ever seen a solar eclipse? A new book for readers of all ages explains the science behind the rare and wonderful event.
On Becoming a Somatic Abolitionist
Resmaa Menakem intersperses political commentary and predictions about American democracy with explanations of how racialized trauma presents in our bodies, and offers body-focused exercises to deal with it.
To Transform Work, Start With Schools
Centering schools around the well-being of our students (and their teachers) is the most straightforward path to positive change in the workplace.
The Rise of Indigenous Candidates Raises Awareness of Key Issues
Indigenous values helped shape American democracy, and now they’re helping increase Native representation.
How the Korean Concept of “Han” Teaches Solidarity
It is high time for the U.S. to do some serious soul-searching. Communion and fellowship are what will get us through.
The Voters Who Could Decide Close Elections in 2022
In addition to casting critical votes, Natives are winning local, state, and national offices.
Our Vision to Create the Best Stories Imaginable
In 2025, we will temporarily pause the printing of YES! Magazine.
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