All Change Agent
- Two tech companies win first Stop Slavery Award after workforce scrutiny
The award aims to recognize businesses that excel in efforts to investigate human rights abuses and clean up their supply chain. The first recipients are Hewlett Packard Enterprise and NXP Semiconductors.
- Website seeks to match migrants with employers in Germany
Hussein Shaker, cofounder of MigrantHire, has channeled his own experience trying to find work as a migrant into helping others. So far more than 8,000 migrants have registered on the website.
- Rather than discriminating against ex-cons, this food business seeks them out
Lancaster Food Co. searches for job applicants who need help getting back on their feet, providing them with a livable wage. So far, not one has quit.
- Mobile farm stands, teaching kitchens aim to improve Philly's food access
When parents pick up their kids from after-school programs, they can also snag $40 worth of fresh produce, meat, and poultry for $20, as well as learn how to braise those collards.
- In Asia, students take part in 24-hour relay races to end modern slavery
The initiative seeks to raise awareness about human trafficking, as well as funds. Some say the races help them better understand the conditions of modern slavery.
- Rescuing hikers: how one park district is making the process easier
The Bainbridge park district in Washington State is installing rescue locators that are coded with GPS coordinates. The information can help emergency responders find injured people in less time.
- The internet of things: a way small firms can use it
INEX Advisors is bringing innovative applications to businesses in Massachusetts – troubleshooting IoT in the dirt, diesel, and seawater of the real world.
- Ahead of winter, volunteers arrive to repair flood-damaged homes in W.Va.
Five months ago, epic rainfalls swept through West Virginia. Now, one town has put out a call to churches, faith-based organizations, and individual volunteers to help repair and winterize homes.
- How innovation could preserve culture, as climate change uproots communities
Some creative ways to rescue culture are emerging, including from heritage protection organizations that until now haven't played a big role in figuring out solutions to climate-related threats.
- Want to make a difference? Three ways to get started.
It doesn’t have to take much. Here are some ‘low cost’ and ‘low time commitment’ ideas for giving back.
- How one of Gen. George Patton’s grandsons helps vets with PTSD
Benjamin Patton created free filmmaking workshops that tap into the power of storytelling. Participants report a significant drop in PTSD symptoms after completing the workshop, he says.
- Sportswear companies make fashion statement out of ocean trash
This month, Adidas is selling shoes made mostly of plastic collected off the coast of the Maldives, and a swimsuit line from Volcom is largely made from recycled nylon materials, including abandoned fishing nets.
- How a ‘computer guy’ came to be a Promise Fellow for kids who have it tough
William Lah got involved at a local middle school, pledging that students will have a caring adult in their life, no matter what. Among other things, he helps them envision a future at college.
- Refugee restaurant dishes up African fare to win Italian hearts
Italy has become the main arrival point in Europe for people fleeing persecution and poverty in Africa. The hope is the new restaurant will improve community relations, one of its founders says.
- In bid to improve police-minority relations, 'Bigs in Blue' pairs cops, youths
Big Brothers Big Sisters is undertaking the program, which could change perceptions for both police and children, says the organization's president.
- How one engineering program used storytelling to recruit more women
The mechanical engineering department at the University of Texas at Austin has worked to expand other people's understanding of what engineers do.
- Amid climate change, small-scale farmers find merit in traditional techniques
Many small farmers are using natural methods to improve the soil and protect against pests. 'We can feed our people,' one says.
- Thanks to volunteers, Olympic track at Sarajevo makes a comeback
Sports enthusiasts came together to repair the bobsled and luge track, which was devastated by the Bosnian war. Even though its condition is still rough, some say it's one of the best tracks for summer training.
- 'Barefoot surveyors' flag needs in world's slums: A key to urban development?
The surveyors use mobile phones to map and document the slums' demographic data. Their work has paved the way for new partnerships between local governments and community-based groups.
- Get out the vote: eight posters encouraging people to cast ballots
Nearly half of voters sat out the 2012 presidential election. In hopes of changing that trend, graphic designers across the country are creating works with a message.