Where They Teach Students How to Revitalize Their Local Communities
New college programs offer fledgling community organizers “a sense of optimism about how they can effect change in their own backyard.”
YES! Article archive
Democracy
This Invention Lets Rural Hondurans Clean Their Water—And Own the Treatment Plants
What’s at stake in a world where science is marginalized? Programs like AguaClara, which offer sustainable, low-cost solutions to communities in need.
The Refugee Crisis Is a Sign of a Planet in Trouble
We must shift the structures of society to ensure the Earth remains healthy and everyone has access to a decent livelihood.
Why Defending Human Rights Is Women’s Work
“It is important to celebrate these women who are building a more peaceful world that is open, just, and filled with love.”
Why Women Are Skipping Work and Wearing Red Today
U.S. organizers of International Women’s Day urge women to find creative ways to strike on March 8.
How “Rez Accents” Strengthen Native Identity
Research shows that ethnic identity is shaped not only by the loss—and revitalization—of mother tongues but also by the remixing of English.
What Would a Modern-Day Rosie the Riveter Look Like?
You decide. Send us your ideas by March 14.
Will Cuts to Public Broadcasting Silence Native Radio Stations?
There are 60 stations licensed to tribes or tribal entities in the United States. They stand to lose a lot if Trump cuts federal funding.
Water Is Life: The Story of Standing Rock Won’t Go Away
The Dakota Access pipeline is set and oil will flow. But this is not the only fight about water, and Standing Rock is only one chapter somewhere in the middle of a long story.
As Police Evict Water Protectors, Tribes Vow to Continue the Fight
“This isn’t the end by any means. This is the spark. The whole world is waking up now.”
We Aren’t So Different—3 Steps to Overcome Hate and Fear
Avoiding Trump supporters only increases our already dangerous polarization. Here’s how to really listen and find compassion.
This Town Adopted Trauma-Informed Care—And Saw a Decrease in Crime and Suspension Rates
“The town seemed to transform from black and white to color.”
What My Mostly White Town Is Doing to Defeat Trumpism
As a Black woman, I was anxious about moving to a conservative state. But, surprisingly, I found a community ready to embrace me and fight for equality.
The Dutch City That Offered Refugees a Permanent Home
When 500 refugees arrived in their community, residents of Zaandam were wary. But by the time the newcomers could apply for residency status in Europe, neighbors didn’t want them to leave.
Pipeline Resistance Broadens: On the Day Dakota Access Oil Flows, Go One Day Without Oil
Let’s do what it takes to remind the companies, and the government itself, who’s really in charge of the economy.
The “Indivisible” Movement’s Key Strategy: Focus on Your Own Members of Congress
The Indivisible Guide was put online by former congressional staffers to give both Republicans and Democrats an effective way to resist Trump policies. So far, 6,000 local groups have registered.
This Is a Wake-Up Call to Take Back Our Democracy
Other countries’ citizens revel in their democratic elections and wonder why U.S. voters didn’t turn out against a potential dictator.
If Trump Makes It One Year Without Impeachment, Then Let’s Talk Supreme Court Nominees
For the sake of our judiciary—and democracy—Congress should slow down and consider a one-year presidential probation.
Letters to a Young Muslim: Raising a Son to Understand the Pull of Extremism
Diplomat Omar Saif Ghobash wants to challenge rigid interpretations of what it means to be a good Muslim in the modern world.
San Francisco’s Historic Tenderloin May Become World’s First Official Trans District
New legislation designates six blocks as the Compton’s Transgender, Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual District to help protect vulnerable residents and preserve cultural history.
Trump Is Escalating Attacks on Those He Can’t Control
The judiciary, the press, and states like California are major centers of resistance that hold independent power.
In Defense of Standing Rock Reporter Jenni Monet—and All Journalists
If you’ve valued our Standing Rock coverage over the months, tell the Morton County State’s Attorney to drop all charges against Monet. Journalism is not a crime.
Journalism and the First Amendment on Trial at Standing Rock
Reporter Jenni Monet has been charged with criminal trespassing and rioting, but the bigger story is about the failure of journalism institutions to rally.
What Makes America Great? Artists Resist Trump With 100 Days of Posters
The progressive agenda over the next four years will be hard-won—and heavily illustrated—if the past few weeks are any indication.
“Valve Turner” Case a Mistrial, but Also a Warning for Direct Action Activists
Criminal sabotage was one of the charges for Ken Ward, who with fellow activists in Minnesota, Montana, and North Dakota shut down pipelines carrying tar sands oil.
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