All People Making a Difference
- Difference MakerHow one woman is taking an after-school program to the big leagues
Bethany Rubin Henderson has expanded a program with an unusual blend of offerings – soccer, poetry, and service. And the program is partnering with soccer franchise D.C. United.
- Difference MakerBlock by block, a community activist builds a better Chicago
In African-American neighborhoods of the city’s South Side, Jahmal Cole works with young people and volunteers to improve lives and communities by changing the little things.
- How an alliance between Millennials and religious sisters has changed outlooks
Nuns & Nones brings together sisters and spiritually oriented Millennials. The life-changing conversations that have resulted show what can happen when unlikely pairings are made.
- Difference MakerNo veteran left behind: How an ex-Marine is saving lives back home
After a combat deployment in Iraq, Zach Skiles faced mental trauma when he returned home. Now he uses his background to help fellow veterans struggling with the aftermath of war.
- In Nigeria, documentary films spark social change
After a mass eviction in one of Nigeria's biggest cities, the grass-roots art project Chicoco sprang to life to stop government-sponsored evictions and give communities a voice.
- Three siblings’ answer to low math scores in their hometown
When the McElroy siblings learned that their childhood school district was scoring low on reading and math, they founded 4RealMath: An organization that recruits older tutors who can serve as mentors.
- At Born Dancing, different abilities – but all in harmony
A New York dance studio welcomes both those with disabilities and those without, creating performances informed by resilience and showcasing the experiences of people who are often overlooked.
- Sharp Dressed Man gives tailored suits to those in need
Self-presentation can make all the difference in life – especially during formal occasions like job interviews. That's why Christopher Schafer has made it his mission to help men in need find the perfect suit.
- Dijana Pavlovic works to give the Roma a more political voice
The actress-turned-activist is based in Italy, where anti-Roma attitudes are marked. She uses performance and poetry to change perceptions of Roma people.
- Under-resourced students find confidence and employment in this art program
More than 3,000 young people have found employment through Artists for Humanity, a rapidly expanding organization in Boston founded by Susan Rodgerson, who wanted to give youths a path to success.
- How a ‘pay it forward’ woman helps improve education in Kenya and Tanzania
Erna Grasz is a co-founder of Asante Africa, which has touched the lives of 500,000 East African youths. The organization works within existing education systems to help students succeed academically.
- Gangstas to Growers uses hot sauce to keep young people out of hot water
The recipe –combining food justice and social justice – is being tested in many US cities. But Atlanta has thrown its backing behind one effort to use African-American culture to help former young felons find a new path.
- Difference MakerIn the Quaker tradition, this man helps volunteers connect with prisoners
When prisoners have visitors, they may be better prepared to reenter society. Steve Gotzler leads the nonprofit Prisoner Visitation and Support in its mission to reach out to prisoners with respect.
- Difference MakerOne man's mission to revitalize small-town America
David Leckey runs the Orton Family Foundation, which helps communities find solutions to problems like slowing growth and infrastructure breakdown. The guiding principle of his vision: Community-building.
- In Uganda, art teaches people how to treat animals respectfully
Art for Animals uses paintbrushes and theater to try to change attitudes about dogs and cats. Animals shouldn't be feared, the organization says, so “why deny our comrades a right to love and care?”
- Difference MakerHow a gardener makes sure everyone can have fresh food
Ashley Patterson wants to make farm-fresh produce a staple in her community's diet. To her, gardening is not only a source of healthy vegetables, it's a place that fosters community and togetherness.
- Difference MakerThis artist’s vision prioritizes community and healing
Internationally acclaimed artist Paul Goodnight uses his paintbrush to help communities see their issues in a new light. Over the course of his prolific career, he's started charities, led art therapy, and created influential public works.
- Difference MakerThis man makes sure the public has access to Utah's Olympic facilities
Each year, hundreds of thousands visit Utah’s 2002 Olympic venues. One person they can thank for the chance is Colin Hilton, who makes sure the sprawling athletic complex is accessible to everyone – not just professional athletes.
- How a rugby union is helping young women get jobs and gain self-confidence
In Pakistan, women are defying gender norms and traditional economic pathways to become professional rugby players – allowing them to gain confidence and even sometimes earn more than anyone else in their family.
- Difference MakerWant to get rid of classroom bullies? Just add babies.
Mary Gordon believes that kids can learn to appreciate both vulnerability and strength – and embody those qualities in the classroom – as they watch a baby learn and develop over the course of a year.