World | People Making a Difference | Change Agent
This woman’s approach to mentoring in San Jose won a prizeKnowing that mentors can make all the difference for youths, Gisela Bushey designed the organization Critical Bridge. In October, it was named a recipient of the $50,000 Encore Prize.
One woman’s journey from CEO to minister to puppeteerAs a pastor in Detroit, Lottie Hood created the Underground Railroad Living Museum Flight to Freedom Tour. Then she brought all her experiences together to help at-risk children.
Meet the 11-year-old inventor working to improve lead water testingSpurred by the water crisis in Flint, Mich., Gitanjali Rao invented a device that makes testing for lead at home easier.
In Switzerland, a 161-year-old organization that champions animalsThe Zurich Animal Protection Association lobbies to keep animals safe and manages its own shelter, which last year alone found homes for more than 400 furry friends.
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Five ways to give this holiday seasonAre you going to do the same thing this year? Here’s a lens on giving more broadly – beyond presents under the tree.
A train station run entirely by volunteers – many well over 60 years oldKen Lyons, in his 90s, has been one of the volunteers at Centennial Station in Washington State. He’s an example of how many seniors keep making a difference in their communities after their official retirement date.
One woman who’s easing the language barrier for immigrantsAnh Nguyet Tranh, herself an immigrant from South Vietnam, founded a business in Michigan that employs some 250 interpreters and translators and can translate documents in 30 different languages.
After she returned to her Ethiopian hometown, she had to help the girlsLily Yoseph was struck by the poverty in the village, as well as the fact that often girls don’t have the opportunity to attend school. So she established a nonprofit that gives girls everything from medical care to school uniforms.
Volunteering on company time: five reasons to do itSome employees may think that giving back during the workday doesn’t make sense. But a substantial percentage of companies offer volunteer benefits.
How a couple's gift to a university benefits more than just college studentsThe McVay Youth Partnership at Hamline University offers paid leadership opportunities for students, who mentor middle- and high-schoolers. The program was endowed by Pete and Mary McVay.
A onetime prison warden shares her first love with youths: the artsAlexandreena Dixon founded an organization that uses African storytelling traditions to teach long-forgotten African values and rituals. The aim is to broaden horizons for black children.
A helping hand for young mothers in povertyNew Moms in Chicago provides job training, transitional housing, and doula support. The aim is for the new mothers to become self-sufficient.
Out of work? How volunteering can open doors.The job search can be discouraging. Service activities offer a number of benefits to those looking for work.
The Canadians helping refugees start anewUnder Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees program, ordinary citizens can take a frontline role in aiding those who have been through immense challenges.
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These Memphis icons bolster Black radio – and their communities
In pursuit of a modern capital, Ethiopian leader razes history
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