Confronting the Great American Myth
The founders of the United States have the society they wanted—one that keeps people like them in power.
YES! Article archive
Democracy
Epic Graphic Novel “Berlin” Depicts the Rise of Fascism
An excerpt from Jason Lutes’ decades-in-the-making book, with distinct echoes of our current political climate.
How This Year’s Struggles Set Us Up for a Bold, Hopeful 2019
Our fragile democracy needs the will of the people to protect it, but the events of 2018 prove that Americans are up to the challenge.
2,200 Women Who Ran for Office in 2018 Lost. What’s Next for Them?
A record number of female candidates won in the 2018 midterm elections. Even more lost. But defeat isn’t the end for most.
How First-Time Voters Led Change in a Deep-Red State
Election night’s most surprising Democratic victory defies the trend of a growing urban-rural chasm.
Indian Country Moves to Secure Voting Rights
Activists among tribes want to rally the Native vote. Because when they show up to the polls, they’ve shown significant political power.
The Biggest Winner This Year: Democracy
Voters targeted corruption in government in both red and blue states.
Progressives Are Pushing Economic Democracy. Democrats Need to Listen
The U.S. doesn’t have a problem of economic scarcity. The problem is unequal power.
Flipping the House Is Nice, But the Real Power Is Local
Record turnout in the midterm elections shows there’s a strong desire for change. Here’s where it’s happening.
Voter Registration Is Inherently Racist
And several other reasons that the midterm elections are testing how far some states can go in disenfranchising certain voters.
Why Aren’t Young People More Involved in Politics?
Instead of complaining about younger people being politically apathetic, older generations need to show empathy and provide mentorship.
Indigenous People Invented the So-Called “American Dream”
Liberty, equality, the pursuit of happiness—these values date back to well before Columbus arrived in the Americas or Pilgrims set foot on Plymouth Rock.
Activism | Local economies | Local power | Citizens United | Sustainable food and farming | Pollution
Locals Unite to Stop Hog Farms From Polluting Their Community
More than 40 families in Iowa are fighting to contain the spread of concentrated animal feeding operations.
How to Sue a Dictator
A brutal regime from across the Pacific Ocean ordered the assassination of two union activists in Seattle. Here’s the true story of how the killers—including the president of the Philippines—were made to answer for the murders.
4 Black Female Judges Use Their Courtrooms to Break the School-to-Prison Pipeline
Inspired by Ava DuVernay’s documentary ‘13th,’ and their own experiences, these women mentor youth to keep them out of the criminal justice system.
Making Healthy Habits Accessible for Every Body
These safe spaces offer fitness for people of color and queer folks, the big-bodied and fat-identified, the low-income and differently abled.
A Way to Talk About Race, 6 Words at a Time
The Race Card Project eases people into conversations around the uneasy topic of race and racism.
#MySmallWorks: Your Small Actions Have Big Power
Don’t listen to the cynics. Your small actions can create powerful change.
All around us are tiny opportunities to make the world a better place. Do you take public
Maternity Care Gets a Racial Justice Focus
Black birth workers give mothers of color healthier, safer options for labor and recovery.
Patience Gray’s Italian Slow Food Education
Foraging for weeds and mushrooms with a visionary of the sustainable food movement.
This Chef Is Fighting Gentrification With Hot Chicken
Tunde Wey’s dinner series-slash-public art project raised $50,000 to address Nashville’s affordable housing crisis.
If They Die of an Overdose, Drug Users Have a Last Request
Thousands of drug users across the country signed their names to a sort of last will and testament, requesting that prosecutors not file homicide charges against their loved ones.
World to Flint Kids: We Still See You
An 11-year-old social media celebrity collects thousands of encouraging letters from around the globe to remind her Flint schoolmates they are not forgotten.
Berry Farmers Break Free From Big Agriculture
These farmworkers created an organic co-op that guarantees fair wages and healthy working conditions while preserving indigenous heritage.
When School Is Based on What Kids Want to Learn
With self-directed education, students become their own teachers. But the biggest learning curve may be for parents.
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