Climate Literacy Is Essential for Effective Change
We need to make it easier to understand basic climate science and emissions reductions.
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.
Young Activists Aren’t Waiting For Anyone
Older generations have generally favored “nowism,” which privileges short-term well-being at the expense of long-term environmental and societal sustainability. And today’s youth are done with it.
A Radical Vision for the Future
With beautiful illustrations and poignant storytelling, this animated short film reminds us that a better world is possible beyond 2020.
Generation Z Is Voting on Climate Change in 2020
Young voters are intimately aware that they will be forced to bear the full effects of climate change—and they’re voting with that in mind.
Indigenous Educators Bridge Native and Western Science in the Classroom
College students are learning that caring about the environment should be part of learning about it.
Where the Election Can Go Badly—And What We Can Do About It
It starts with knowing how we actually elect a president, and what your vote really means.
Communities Step Up to Keep Neighbors Safe from Extreme Heat and COVID-19
“We're always focused on floods and hurricanes. But heat is maybe even more important to address.”
How Public Schools Can Break the Digital Divide
This NYC teacher says going back to school amid COVID-19 is an opportunity to finally stop virtually segregating schools.
Vigilante Violence Is an American Tradition
Research suggests vigilantism doesn't arise from an absent or weak government, but rather when the very principles that make up a government and its people themselves seem to be changing.
What Women’s Suffrage Owes to Indigenous Culture
The example of gender equality in Haudenosaunee society gave 19th-century White women some big ideas.
How Colleges Are Supporting Students Leaving Abusive Relationships
Relationship violence threatens not only students’ physical safety and emotional well-being, but also their academic prospects. Some campuses are finding solutions to help keep survivors in school.
How a Small North Carolina Community Is Pushing Back on Pollution
A new group of allies is fighting a proposed asphalt plant that threatens their health and their homes.
Stories from the Youth Climate Movement in the Global South
Youth climate leaders in Colombia, Sudan, and Ghana embody the voice of reason by embracing science, encouraging evidence-based decision-making, and challenging disinformation.
As Black Immigrants, This Movement for Equality Is Ours, Too
A lot of Black immigrants like me have come to see that for our children to live the better lives we envisioned in this country, we need to be all-in against racism—no matter where or whom it strikes.
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.
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.
Our Vision to Create the Best Stories Imaginable
Our monthly newsletter uplifts relevant pieces from our archives and new solutions journalism from other publications.
LEARN MOREHelp Fund Powerful Stories to Light the Way Forward
Donate to YES! today.