A Chicago Neighborhood Is Redefining Toxicity in Pursuit of Environmental Justice
Since 2000, toxic tours in this community have evolved from talking about pollution, to now include systemic racism, policing, and mass incarceration.
YES! Article archive
News
Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
How to Prevent Burnout Among Black Movement Leaders
What would our movement be like if we abundantly supported Black leaders to transition to their next role in our ecosystem, instead of choosing to isolate them in burnout?
Where a Free Meal for Food-Insecure Families Is Just a Text Away
A tech startup has developed a way to bridge the nutrition gap for families, at least in the short term.
A Program for Youth Is Reshaping Arts Education in Chicago
“It’s not about the art that’s made in the end. It’s about the process, the discussions, and the relationships that you’re building with the people around you.”
Billionaires Will Not Save Us. Here’s What Will
Relying on billionaires is a colonialist solution. It is high time that we instead draw from Indigenous peoples and learn how to work with the natural world, not against it.
Murmurations: Building a Compassionate Economics
Two years into a global pandemic, adrienne maree brown invites us to root into compassion and reconnect with our state of interbeing.
The Freedom Convoy Reminded Me That I, Too, Have Rights
Rightwing movements on both sides of the northern border are growing increasingly vocal. A Canadian living in Texas reflects on what the “Freedom Convoy” protests mean to her.
What if Legal Personhood Included Plants, Rivers, and the Planet?
A new podcast explores the rights of nature movement and its potential to shift Western legal doctrine around environmental protection.
The Disaster of Philanthropy and Capitalism
Philanthrocapitalism enables the destruction of nature and the erosion of democracy.
When Witnessing Becomes Activism
Witnesses, whether by accident or vocation, help to shape how societies understand social upheaval and respond to social change.
How Black Actresses Fought for Science Fiction Roles for Nearly a Century
Hollywood didn’t decide on its own to portray Black women as heroes and women of power in science fiction. Their central roles in sci-fi film and television were the result of more than 80 years of Black-led struggle and strategy.
The Shape-Shifting Power of Menopause
“I know there is a way to grow older that brings us deeply into living.”
How Dallas Is Fighting Homelessness With COVID Aid
Federal money for housing the pandemic wasn’t being spent. The city found a way to make sure more people were being housed sooner.
Can Monthly Cash Payments Make Our Economy More Equitable?
Two guaranteed income projects in New York City and Atlanta are showing how modest monthly cash payments to low-income women of color can make a huge difference in alleviating race and gender-based economic inequities.
How to Transform the Way You Experience Winter
“Rather than letting our relationship with nature extinguish itself during the cold, wet, dark days, we need to take special care to keep it kindled.”
Unpacking the Uproar Over the First Black Woman Supreme Court Nominee
Dr. Judy Lubin of the Center for Urban and Racial Equity explains why it is important to be intentional about dismantling systemic racism in the coming battle to nominate the next Supreme Court justice.
Why Hospitality Workers Are Quitting
Bad managers, burnout, and health fears are causing record numbers of workers to quit the industry for good.
Why Every Job Is a Climate Job
“Minimum Viable Planet” is a weeklyish commentary about climateish stuff, and how to keep it together in a world gone mad. This week, how to be a climate ally where you are.
Barriers to Mental Health Care for Asian Americans—and Solutions
Understanding why many Asian Americans don’t seek mental health care—like stigma and lack of culturally appropriate resources—is essential to providing effective support.
Growing Community in Vacant Chicago Lots
Most community gardens don’t last more than 10 years. But the Harambee Garden—at 12 years and running—has lessons to share.
Individuals Are Not to Blame for the Climate Crisis
The fossil fuel industry uses greenwashing and woke-washing to shirk their own responsibility.
Activists Working to Defund Baltimore’s Police Face Roadblocks
The city’s activists have seen varying levels of success in housing and food justice. But justice for police abuse remains elusive. Here’s why.
How to Regulate Pandemic Anxiety? Trust Your Body
From breath work to joyful movement, 9 suggestions on how to compassionately soothe the body amidst pandemic anxiety.
Can We Still Save U.S. Democracy?
Voting rights reform has died an ignoble death in Congress. The way forward isn’t clear or inspiring, but at least we still have one.
Mindfulness in Life and Death
Thich Nhat Hanh, who taught mindfulness for decades, approached death in that same spirit.
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