All Change Agent
Which country's people are most generous to strangers? Iraq, survey finds.More than half of people in 140 countries surveyed had helped strangers – with many of the most generous in countries hit by disaster and war.
More and more, cities opt for innovative temporary uses of vacant spacesRecognizing the benefits for users and owners, government agencies and developers are making it easier for real estate to become available for temporary use. Fremantle, Australia, is a case in point.
In Illinois, one girl's mission to collect Halloween costumes for charitySusana Martin and her mother say they've given away about 800 character ensembles over the past three years or so. 'I just think it's good to help people,' Susana says.
Protecting mangroves, Kenya's fishermen net cash – and more fishA coastal Kenyan community has earned $30,000 in two years selling carbon credits from the mangroves they protect. Mangrove forests are particularly effective at absorbing carbon dioxide.
Is making STEM social one way to get more children interested?A research team at the University of Washington ran an experiment to see if putting STEM-related tasks in a group setting affected children's motivation.
Once a newcomer, she now helps others apply for US citizenshipBonnie Chang, who came from Taiwan, spent three decades in the computer technology industry. Within a month of retiring, she got a phone call that led to a new opportunity.
Digital soil mapping project gives Ethiopian farmers new fertilizersThe nationwide survey of soil conditions is leading to more effective use of fertilizers and could boost food security.
One man's idea for a Little Free Library – using newspaper dispensersBob Shipley had been volunteering as a mentor in an adult literacy program, but he wanted to do more to encourage reading. The Albuquerque Journal helped him out.
A bid to close the diversity gap in young adult literatureA new partnership will distribute multicultural books to low-income kids and give a boost to an author of color.
'Kung fu' nuns bike Himalayas to oppose human traffickingFive hundred nuns from the Buddhist sect known as the Drukpa Order took part in a bicycle trek to raise awareness about trafficking. The nuns' activities have also made people think twice about gender roles.
He has a vision for dealing with tough issues facing black men and boysCory Greene's experience in prison was integral to him cofounding H.O.L.L.A! in New York. For his work, he was named a 2016 fellow by Echoing Green, a nonprofit that supports social entrepreneurs.
With the Andy Reading Fund, a college freshman helps rural Chinese studentsWhen Andy (Yuhan) Wang visited a school in rural China, he saw how difficult getting an education can be. His nonprofit provides books and supplies to rural Chinese students.
How pollen could be the next big thing in forensic investigationsPollen is an ideal 'biomarker' for linking people and objects to particular places and times. And researchers have recently developed a new technique for identifying pollen, using genetics.
In India, first internet hotline launched to tackle surge in child pornographyThe public, police, internet companies, and victims can access the hotline's form in Hindi or English.
This college student started mowing lawns for older residents free of chargeRodney Smith Jr. founded Raising Men Lawn Care Service in Huntsville, Ala. It enlists young volunteers whose parents want them to learn about giving back.
Innovative water storage helps Kenyans thrive in droughtRock catchment systems take advantage of the area's hilly, rocky geography. The systems are even generating income for the community groups that build them.
For those with intellectual disabilities, help getting a jobA married couple saw a need in Bulgaria and created Maria’s World Foundation. Participants in the organization can develop work skills in preparation for the job market.
Growing number of colleges offer food pantries to help studentsCollege officials cite several reasons the pantries are needed, including more low-income students and a higher cost of living. 'We want our students to be successful ...,' explains one official.
The scrap of paper that brings peace to Tanzania's small farmersMost farmers in the country do not have documented evidence to prove the land is theirs. But now, Farm Africa's Land Mapping Project has resolved several land-related disputes.
She attended a STEM school in Egypt – and her invention won a competitionYasmine Yehia Moustafa devised a system to produce clean water and biodiesel using rice straw. Her school is part of a new network aimed at giving students the skills they'll need to address the country’s 'grand challenges.'
