How to Design Our Neighborhoods for Happiness
When we share our yards, sidewalks, and other common spaces, we find a greater sense of belonging and connection to those around us.
YES! Article archive
Health & Happiness
Four Paths to a More Compassionate Patriotism
Can one celebrate patriotism without hating and fearing other countries?
Five Reasons Why It’s a Good Time to Be a Dad
Gone are the days of the emotionally distant breadwinner. Today’s dads are more and more involved in their kids’ lives.
3 Global Cities That Are Doing Bike Shares Right (And One’s in Texas!)
From China to San Antonio, cities are using rental bike programs to create healthier commutes. Here are a few insights from some of the world’s best programs.
Melodeego: The Hippest Bike-Powered Band in Town
Melodeego has been making music for the environment for years. Their songs include protests of the Keystone XL pipeline and other topics inspired by the anti-climate change movement.
“Modified Social Benches”: An Experiment in Outdoor Socializing
An installation of creatively shaped benches in Belgium pushes the edge of urban sit-ability.
Mothers Day Cards that Actually Depict Our Moms
The reality of motherhood in America has little in common with the comfortable images portrayed in cards and on TV. A set of Mothers Day e-cards you can send for free shows moms that better reflect our diverse society.
Six Ways to Stop Worrying and Find Work You Love
Quitting work that leaves you unfulfilled requires a lot of courage. Here are six things you can do to get yourself ready to take the plunge.
Star Trek’s George Takei: Putting Facebook Fame to Good Use
Famous for his role as Mr. Sulu on Star Trek, today George Takei uses the popularity of his kitchy humor to promote discussion about the rights of women and LGBT people.
Vermont Time Bankers Build a More Personal Economy
Video: Whatever service you might need, you’re likely to be able to get it at Onion River Time Bank, where you pay by doing what you love.
Finding the Simple Life at Sea—On a Shoestring
Think an island-hopping cruise across the Pacific is only for the elite? Not if you take the slow boat.
For the Bullied and Beautiful
In this sometimes humorous and painfully true TEDTalk, Shane Koyczan's spoken-word poem, "To This Day," shares the anguish of being bullied and the will to survive.
Why Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu Leaders Have High Hopes for Pope Francis
Leaders from many faiths are expecting better relations with the Vatican under Pope Francis. Here YES! speaks to some of them about why that is.
Me Too: A Letter to Steubenville’s Jane Doe
After her essay on raising boys to respect women went viral, an incredible outpouring of support gave author Kim Simon the courage to tell the story she really wanted to share: how her own healing from rape came from knowing she wasn’t alone.
Why Lent Makes People Happy (and Netflix Doesn’t)
Many of us believe getting more of the things we value will make us happier, but new research suggests that cutting back on life’s pleasures helps us enjoy them significantly more.
For Thriving Public Spaces, Just Add Seating
Could it be as simple as that? Author Jonathan Rowe thought so, and tried it out in his own hometown.
Sustainable Happiness? 6 Ways to Get There
Discover natural highs, map your interdependence, and other ways to discover joy within your reach.
Don’t Laugh: The UN’s First International Happiness Day is Serious Business
Frances Moore Lappé on how countries and cities around the world, from Bhutan to Boston, are measuring well-being beyond GDP.
How To Raise Boys to be Kind Men
What can we do to help young men respect women, recognize consent, and have healthy sexual relationships? Teach them kindness to others—and the courage to go against the crowd.
Research on the Politics of Meditation Points to Deeper Truths
Psychologists recently conducted a study that found that meditation may make you more liberal, at least in the short-term. Richard Schiffman argues that the politics of true spirituality are more about balance than support for any one side.
The Power of Outrospection
Video: Roman Krznaric on the concept of “outrospection” and how it could shape the 21st century—all illustrated with animated cartoons!
How to Get Your Books Back in Perfect Shape
DIY bookbinding can put your pages back in order (and it's cheaper than buying a new book).
Video: Bringing Diversity to America’s National Parks
Take a journey to Yosemite National Park with the Amazing Grace 50+ Club, a Los Angeles-based church group that strives to bring more people of color to our national parks.
Religion, Science, and Spirit: A Sacred Story for Our Time
Is it possible that the human future depends upon a new sacred story—a story that gives us a reason to care? Could it be a story already embraced by a majority, although it has neither institutional support nor a place in the public conversation?
Meet the Youngest Member of the Tiny House Movement
This 16-year-old is building himself a future free from mortgage payments, not to mention college accommodations that are a bit homier than your average dorm room.
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