All People Making a Difference
- So girls in developing regions don’t have to stay home a few days a month
The nonprofit Sewpportive Friends is creating menstrual supplies for two Zimbabwean locations – a sign of the increased global attention that’s being paid to this issue.
- Difference MakerIn Japan, young women’s problems are often ignored. But she’s ready to help.
Jun Tachibana has talked with thousands of girls and young women in the past 10-plus years as they deal with problems ranging from poverty to drug addiction to abuse.
- How one man found his calling as a peacemaker, especially in prisons
Douglas Noll was a trial lawyer for 22 years, but since leaving the courtroom, he has taught mediation techniques to inmates through the organization he cofounded, Prison of Peace.
- How a book club for middle school girls is giving them the chance to grow
A high school senior came up with the idea of the book club as a way to mentor younger girls using literature. Now, some of the girls who were in the club its first year are returning four years later as mentors.
- Innovations in online learning for refugees, slum children earn UN prize
The JAAGO Foundation, which operates for disadvantaged children in Bangladesh, and Kiron, which provides refugees with free access to higher education, are joint recipients of a $25,000 UN award.
- Jews and Arabs come together for backgammon championship in Jerusalem
The gathering was part of a series of events organized by Double Yerushalmi, a group trying to build closer ties between Arabs and Jews through cultural activities.
- Difference MakerHow a mother-daughter duo has helped inmates read with their kids
Elizabeth Handel and her daughter Jane have collected some 30,000 books that have then been distributed to prisons in the Boston area. When inmates share the books with their children, it can strengthen family bonds.
- How one man is fighting graffiti in his town
Alan Erickson keeps supplies in his truck so he can remove graffiti as soon as he sees it when he’s out. He encourages others to join the fight, saying a relatively small time commitment would make a big difference.
- A father starts 'The Kindness Challenge' to honor his late son's compassion
Dennis Vassallo launched a Facebook page to share stories of kindness and urge people to do good deeds. Some say the page, which has attracted 44,000-plus followers, has inspired them to spend more time helping others.
- By migrants for migrants: the new faces of Italian media
'Nois' is the first video news show in Italy to be developed by migrants. It's one of a growing number of migrant-led media projects across Europe that offer refugees' perspectives and explore the challenges they face.
- Difference MakerThis man has created a different kind of urban school for students of color
Roses in Concrete Community School, founded by Jeff Duncan-Andrade, offers its students the kind of art and music classes more often seen in wealthy suburbs – with a twist.
- Want to volunteer? Three things to ask.
The answers will help you use your time well and get the most out of your experience.
- With laundry service, a group for disabled people benefits the community
The Marion County Disability Action Center in West Virginia has launched the Feel Good Laundry service, which also gives opportunities to the group's clients.
- Girls in Africa: one way that more of them are attending school
After learning that family poverty was the reason many girls didn’t go to school, Ann Cotton founded Camfed, which has supported the education of 1.6 million girls.
- Difference MakerHe devised a business plan that’s improved livelihoods in his native Senegal
Bagoré Bathily opened Senegal’s only fresh milk production company in 2007, capitalizing on the fact that 30 percent of the population lives off cattle rearing. Hundreds of cowherds have earned more income.
- In new book, Vermont woman shares how the arts can help abuse victims
The author, Tracy Penfield, is the founder of SafeArt in Chelsea, Vt., which recognizes how nonverbal communication, including in the performing and visual arts, can aid people who have endured abuse.
- Afghan girls fight prejudice with martial arts
Girls of the Shaolin Wushu club practice the flowing movements of Wushu. A 20-year-old trainer for the sport says it teaches self-defense – and is 'really effective for body and soul.'
- How farmers in Africa are finding ways to sustainably use wetlands
A range of organizations in Africa have recognized the way in which wetlands can be important for poverty reduction, improved livelihoods, and resilience in the face of climate change.
- In Rome, a pensioner feeds 250 people in need four days a week
Dino Impagliazzo's charity uses ingredients that are close to their expiration dates, supplied by grocery stores and wholesalers that would otherwise throw them away.
- Difference MakerThis man won’t sleep in a bed. Not until everyone is able to have a mattress.
After learning that many poor people lack basic furniture in their homes, Mark Bergel founded the nonprofit A Wider Circle in Maryland to tackle poverty.