Capitalism or Socialism? There’s an Even Better Option
Bernie Sanders’ popular campaign suggests that many Americans aren't afraid of socialism anymore. But real democracy is an even better alternative to capitalism.
Economy
The Seas Will Save Us: How an Army of Ocean Farmers Is Starting an Economic Revolution
Ocean farming isn’t just about food, it’s about transforming a workforce and restoring the sea.
Meet the Organizers Planning the Biggest Sit-In in a Generation
If Congress hasn't taken action to help get money out of politics by April 10, 3,000 people have pledged to risk arrest in a week-long series of sit-ins.
Why Fixing Climate Change Is Women’s Work
Natural resource scarcity and unpredictable weather affect women first, yet they’re often the last to be heard on how to combat it. That’s slowly changing.
I Was a Fourth-Generation Coal Miner. Here’s Why I Quit
“I quit the mines, not entirely sure what I was going to do. I just knew that I could do something different.”
New Jersey Divests from Payday Lending
Payday loans are illegal in New Jersey. So when a payday lender showed up in its portfolio of investments, state leaders took action.
69 Hired, Thousands to Go: Under Pressure, Berkeley Takes First Steps to End UC Labor Abuses
Boycotts and sit-ins force UC Berkeley to hire outsourced custodians and parking lot attendants, giving them higher wages and better benefits.
The Thing Sanders, Trump, and Clinton Agree On. It’s That Bad
The Trans-Pacific Partnership is slated for an up-or-down vote in Congress. Proponents say it’s about free trade. But it looks more like corporate colonization.
Austin’s Unique Policy Shift to Create Jobs for Everyone, Not Just Techies
How the city is promoting local economic growth that goes beyond deals for big companies.
More Confessions of an Economic Hit Man: This Time, They’re Coming for Your Democracy
Twelve years ago, John Perkins published his book, “Confessions of an Economic Hit Man.” Today, he says “things have just gotten so much worse.”
Frances Moore Lappé: Why I’m Facing Arrest to Get Money Out of Politics
On April 11, thousands of marchers with Democracy Spring will arrive in the nation’s capital. It’s expected to be the largest civil disobedience action in decades.
Why Teaming Up with Unions Might be the Best Way to Build the Co-Op Movement
Growing numbers of unions are successfully turning to the cooperative model to fight for workers’ rights.
Call for Submissions: The Gig Economy
Workers outside the traditional paycheck economy now constitute 30 percent of the workforce. The fall issue of YES! Magazine will look at what’s driving this new kind of economy, and how workers can help shift it into a better direction. Send us your pitches by March 25.
Craft Beer vs. Budweiser: How Small Brewers Are Winning Back the Neighborhood
Good beer comes from collaboration, not competition. By working together, small brewers everywhere are giving corporations a run for their money.
How A Small Town Won an Unlikely Victory Against Big Oil
A port commission vote against a proposed $1.2 billion oil refinery in a Washington town proves that the people still have a voice.
Berkeley Votes to Boost Co-op Economy In the Face of Gentrification
A growing number of cities are investing in co-ops to keep money local and neighborhoods affordable.
What Legalizing Street Vending Could Do for L.A.’s Local Economy
Los Angeles is one of few U.S. cities where street trade isn’t widely permitted. But for immigrants and low-income people, it’s often the only way to earn a living.
100% Renewable Energy: What We Can Do in 10 Years
It will take at least three decades to completely leave behind fossil fuels. But we can do it. And the first step is to start with the easy stuff.
The Hidden, Very Good Reason for the $10 Oil Tax
Doomed as it may be, an oil tax is a step toward redefining energy as a public good—for which everyone pays the cost of overuse and abuse.
The Economy We Want Starts With a Constitutional Amendment
A more democratic and equal election system is the first step toward a more democratic and equal economy.
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.
The Pipeline Strikes Back: The Audacity of TransCanada’s $15B Suit Against the U.S.
The political saga of the Keystone XL pipeline is like a real-life version of The Force Awakens. So why are we giving the Dark Side even more power?
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.
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.
Uber’s Immigrant Drivers Look Forward to Better Pay—and Bigger Voice
A union for Seattle Uber drivers means finally having the right to a two-way conversation with their multibillion-dollar employer.
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