All articles from YES! Magazine
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Change Agent Sharing good news helps break down the myth of our own powerlessness
Scary stories of kidnappings and explosions lead our news feeds, but there are plenty of empowering stories of progress – if we look for them.
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Change Agent Green housing: In Buffalo, it's not just for rich people
Can cities build sustainable housing that's affordable, too? Buffalo, N.Y., did and created a job-training pipeline in the process. Here's what can happen when a neighborhood takes the lead.
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Change Agent An oasis of community and support for Latina moms
In California, many Latina mothers find themselves cut off by domestic responsibilities and language barriers. But with the help of trusted mentors, they’re learning new skills and strengthening their support networks.
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Change Agent How renewable energy is rescuing US schools from budget cuts
Educators across the country are finding millions of dollars in savings through cheap and simple forms of renewable energy. Since 2003, one school district has cut more than $7 million in energy costs. That equates to 45 teaching positions.
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Change Agent Alta Gracia factory produces fair-trade clothing
For years, college student activists have pressured their schools to make sure clothing with college logos is sweatshop-free. Now, they have another choice: fair-trade clothing manufactured in the Dominican Republic by Alta Gracia.
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Change Agent Designing from nature could solve the world's biggest challenges
Can a boat be designed to clean the water? How does a spider manufacture resilient fiber? The world needs products that don’t harm humans or the environment, and nature’s already done the research.
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Change Agent Inner-city grocery chain innovates by hiring ex-cons, providing fresh food
The story of a Philadelphia grocery store chain suggests that collaboration with the community may be the key to success for businesses in struggling neighborhoods.
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Change Agent Alice Walker: 'Go to the places that scare you'
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'The Color Purple' says a life worth living must be fought for. 'You have to go wherever you need to go ... and place yourself there against the forces that would distort you and destroy you.'
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Change Agent How cities can get drivers biking
How can planners attract the 60 percent of Americans who say they would bike more if they felt more secure? The answer could be cheap and simple.
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Change Agent Seeing 'vacant' lots as a community asset
In many neighborhoods people are turning vacant lots into parks, gardens, playgrounds, and more.
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Change Agent How to build a 'bike train'
Forty years ago, almost half of American kids biked to school. Bike trains are a smart idea for getting kids pedaling again.
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Change Agent Farmers' markets go online
Online ordering systems, like Arganica Farm Club in the mid-Atlantic, Green Bean Delivery in the Midwest, and SPUD in the Northwest, deliver fresh local produce to consumers.
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Change Agent Karen Armstrong argues for practical compassion
The historian has helped world religions unite behind the idea of a worldwide charter for compassion. Can it become more than just a nice idea?
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Change Agent Why Boulder, Colo., took charge of its electric company
Running its own electric utility will allow Boulder to use more sun and wind energy instead of coal – at the same or lower cost.
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Change Agent On Japan earthquake anniversary: a letter of hope and resilience
One year after the Japan earthquake and tsunami, a resident finds gratitude and cooperation amid the devastation.
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Change Agent Thousands give up carbon for Lent
During Lent, the season of reflection, Christians around the world are focusing on being better stewards of creation.
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Change Agent Five reasons to serve others
When you serve, you discover that often the most important things you have to offer are not things at all, says the founder of Servicespace.org
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Change Agent Alison Smith works to reform campaign finance by using public funds
She helped pass a campaign finance reform law in Maine where candidates qualify for public funds and are beholden only to voters.
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Change Agent A warrior turns peacemaker in Liberia
Former soldier Christian Bethelson’s only job skill was killing – until a meeting on a muddy road in Liberia changed his life, and many others.
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Change Agent Work, reimagined: Detroit gets creative
How residents of Detroit, America’s most famously down and out city, are building livelihoods that also rebuild their communities.
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