History Shows That Sustained, Disruptive Protests Work
What drives change isn’t majority opinion. It’s the ability of key participants to disrupt the system.
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.
Voting Is Now a Public Health Issue
Voting rights have always been inconsistently applied. Now the coronavirus pandemic is threatening those rights even more, and activists are pushing back.
The Movement for Black Lives Has Always Been Spiritual
When the Rev. Al Sharpton implored White America to “get your knee off our necks” at the memorial of George Floyd, his words were carried by news outlets across the globe.
Prolonged Uprising Is the New Normal
Along with community care, accountability, and the disruption of oppressive systems.
Cities Reimagine Public Safety Amid Calls to #DefundPolice
Lawmakers across the country are proposing policy measures to cut or loosen ties to traditional policing.
Anti-Fascism Versus the Police, 1980s-Style
The Richmond Police Department was known for being “tough." But a grassroots campaign called “Stop Killer Cops!” exposed an active White supremacist group inside the force.
Protesting During the Pandemic? 6 Safety Questions Answered
What protesters can do to protect themselves, their families, and their community.
7 Ways Protesters Showed Up for Black Lives
Amid the outpouring of outrage over George Floyd’s killing, are glimpses of solidarity and hope around the world.
An Uprising Was Inevitable
George Floyd’s death—and so many before his—was avoidable. But until Black Lives Matter to elected officials, police officers, and White Americans, the uprisings will continue.
“Think in Circles Rather Than Straight Lines”
A weeklyish commentary about climateish stuff, and how to keep it together in a world gone mad. This week, circle back to this email.
Or just get around to it right now!
Basic Education Is Now a Constitutional Right
Although each state's constitution contains a right to education, state courts interpret these rights in different ways—sometimes to the detriment of children.
Fossil Fuel Bailouts Are Class War. This Is How We Fight Back.
Global oil markets are in turmoil, with crude prices at their lowest level in years, even going negative at one point in April. When the U.S. economy is in trouble,
The First Earth Day: A Cry Heard Around the World
Without the first Earth Day protest 50 years ago, global action against environmental problems and climate change would have taken much longer—or might never have happened at all.
The Pandemic Makes Clear What We Already Knew: The Rent Is Too Damn High
Terra Thomas, a florist in Oakland, California, doesn’t know when she’ll receive her next paycheck, a concerning predicament millions of Americans are now facing. “It’s terrifying for sure,” she says.
Can Facial Recognition Overcome Its Racial Bias?
The dystopian surveillance state of science fiction media is within reach—and some privacy activists argue that it’s already here. Facial recognition advancements have spiked fear and uncertainty over misuse and
How Controversy Over “American Dirt” Inspired a Movement for Change
Latinx writers are demanding accountability from the publishing industry—and encouraging the public to read responsibly.
Voting During a Pandemic: Prioritize People Over Partisan Politics
By insisting that Wisconsin’s primary election proceed in-person, Republicans inadvertently showed why early voting and mail-in ballots should be a priority.
How the Climate Change Generation Is Redefining Community
We need to shift more than just our economy. We need to revolutionize our concept of community.
Coronavirus Is a Historic Trigger Event. Now Is the Time for a Social Movement to Rise
We can build a powerful people’s response to provide care in our communities and reshape the limits of what is politically possible.
How Schools Worldwide Are Tackling the Coronavirus Challenge
Schools are closed for hundreds of millions of students, but educators, parents, and children are still learning—including how to keep a sense of connection.
How to Save Elections From a Pandemic
Utah has shown both how to get more people to vote and how to overcome the political resistance that electoral reforms inevitably run into.
Appalachian Students Displaced by Outbreak Get a Lifeline
Kentucky’s Berea College closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it’s not stopping the work of supporting students.
Poets of Color Pave the Way for the Next Generation
Today in the U.S., a number of contemporary poets carry the torch of their work pushing for social change in their communities.
Facing COVID-19 With Community Instead of Fear
As the coronavirus spreads anxiety and panic across the globe, people are finding ways to
share information and support each other.
Turning Skiers Into Climate Voters
With 10 million skiers in the U.S. who are at risk of losing their snow to climate change, it's time to mobilize.
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