When You Can’t Afford the Cost of Clearing Your Record
People who’ve done their time and paid their fines still face barriers to employment. Memphis-based Just City helps them start fresh.
Democracy
A Kentucky Domestic Violence Shelter Helps Women Grow Food—and Confidence
Many survivors of domestic violence have had their attempts at work and creativity sabotaged for years. On these 40 acres of rolling farmland, they're being restored.
Is Cooking the Future of Medicine?
At Tulane’s Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine, students are learning to pair nutrition with allopathic care—and other schools are catching on.
People Are Happier in States That Allow Ballot Initiatives
Twenty-four states allow citizens to vote directly on policy matters, and research shows that life satisfaction is higher in them.
Brooklyn Youth Create Jobs (and Community Roots) Through Local Compost Program
This neighborhood made gardens out of vacant lots to tackle gentrification and high youth unemployment.
Flint Whistleblowers Who Exposed Their Poisoned Water: We’re Just Getting Started
Long before the state declared an emergency in Flint, Michigan, a pastor, a mother, and an attorney teamed up to reveal the state’s lies about their drinking water.
If There Are No New Farmers, Who Will Grow Our Food?
Programs across the country are trying to make it easier for new farmers to get started and put down roots. Here's why: There's only one farmer under 35 for every six over 65. By 2030, one-quarter of America's current farmers will retire.
White Privilege II Showed Me What an Unruly Mess We’re In
A Seattle music writer quoted in Macklemore’s controversial new song appreciates how it speaks to young white people—but wishes it had gone further.
As Rising Seas Force Exile, Islanders Hold Fast to What Matters Most
Pacific Islanders are among the first victims of climate change-induced sea level rise. As natives quickly run out of land and struggle to maintain crops, leaders are searching for ways to protect their people and thousands of years of cultural heritage.
One Clan’s Unique Weapon Against Big Oil
Because the Unist’ot’en clan has given up no land rights after decades of courtroom battles, they maintain a strong foothold on land crucial to future oil expansion plans.
Why Young Latinos in Rural California Support Sanders
In California’s predominantly Spanish speaking Eastern Coachella Valley, younger Latinos are showing support for Sanders, upending the narrative that his appeal does not extend beyond white voters.
A Bold Shift to Make Public Schools Serve Low-Income Students
Last year, New York City began turning schools in poor neighborhoods into community schools—combining rigorous instruction and extracurricular enrichment with a broad social support system.
Half of America’s Workforce Has No Retirement Plan—But Illinois Has a Fix
Economists see the Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program, designed for private-sector workers, as an innovative complement to Social Security.
How One Affluent Town Helps Its Neediest Students Get Into (and Stay In) College
In New England, a community program matches college-savvy parents with first-generation college-bound students to help them navigate the overwhelming application process.
How to Stop an Oil Train: The Hearts-and-Minds Climate Defense That Won Over a Courtroom
The Delta 5 loss was actually a big win. “Frankly, the court is convinced that the defendants are far from the problem and are part of the solution to the problem of climate change.”
In North Dakota’s Booming Oil Patch, One Tribe Beat Back Fracking
The Turtle Mountain Band was among the first tribes to ban the drilling process. Here’s the difference it made.
New York’s “Carwasheros” Push for Safer, Fairer Workplaces
Car washes are the “wild, wild West” of workplace regulation. The Car Wash Accountability Act will improve that—if it is ever implemented.
Our Continued March to the Mountaintop
In his speech delivered in Seattle, YES! reporter Marcus Harrison Green acknowledges that realizing King’s dream will require more than kind words and promises.
What the Oregon Standoff Is Really About
The people occupying a wildlife reserve in eastern Oregon say they’re speaking for ranchers. But a closer look shows they’re associated with movements most people find alienating. If we want to build any solidarity with those living in rural areas, we need to understand the difference.
How This Black Student Used Documents and DNA to Find Her Slave Ancestors
Like many African Americans, Lakisha David wanted to trace the roots of her family, who for years were documented only as property. Here’s how she did it.
How Do You Explain Where You Came From When Your Grandparents Were Immigrants?
As a child of Indian immigrants, Rupa Shenoy has learned when strangers ask her where she’s from, they don't want to hear “Iowa.”
Waging Life in a War Zone
From Gaza’s colorful neighborhood to its underground theater, resistance is an art.
3 Ways to Bring David Bowie’s Spirit to Your Social Change Work
David Bowie pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and helped pop culture become more inclusive. Here’s how to keep his legacy alive.
Every 30 Seconds a Latino in the U.S. Turns 18. The Challenge Is Getting Them to Vote
If they vote more, Latino youth can be a powerful force in coming elections.
In Photos: The Seed-Saving Farmers Who Pass Down Land to Their Daughters
In northeastern India’s mountainous state of Meghalaya, youngest daughters inherit the land—and the ancient food heritage of their mothers.
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