All People Making a Difference
- Private funds spark a ‘Golden Age’ for public parks
In roughly half of major US cities nonprofits raise money to fund public parks, led by New York's Central Park Conservancy, which has provided more than $700 million since 1980.
- Solar 'generators' power up remote African homes, factories
In Tanzania more than 840 households and small factories have been connected to solar grid systems, bringing electricity to a remote region.
- The road to more income in Uganda? Owning a motorcycle.
In the capital of Kampala, Uganda, a local business called Tugende is doubling profits for taxi bike drivers through its lease-to-own program.
- #ShovelItForward: Kindness crossing borders?
In a show of winter warmth, young people as far as Connecticut and Canada are turning the hashtag into action by helping others clear their driveways of snow.
- 'Climate smart' farming tackles challenges of a warming world
With temperatures rising and extreme weather becoming more frequent, 'climate-smart agriculture' is using a host of measures — from new planting practices to improved water management — to keep farmers ahead of climate change.
- Difference MakerJohn Henneberger helps the poor solve problems from housing to voting rights
Henneberger, a behind-the-scenes force for social change, relishes improving lives through better housing and race relations, as well as economic opportunities.
- These graduates are primed to reduce world hunger
African Plant Breeding Academy students aim to introduce overlooked crops to African communities in need.
- South Sudan finds sweet success with honey
The charity Honey Care Africa has invested $1 million in South Sudan, and local farmers have earned more than $75,000, benefiting more than 400 families.
- Why this Detroit man doesn't have to walk 21 miles roundtrip to work anymore
A 19-year-old college student started a Go Fund Me page to raise money to buy a car for James Robertson, a Detroit local who walks 21 miles roundtrip on his commute to and from work every day.
- How colorful carts are helping waste workers get noticed
Informal waste workers in Brazil were being ignored, despite their vital work keeping Sao Paulo clean. Enter a street artist who made their carts into works of art.
- For green, comfortable homes, Africans turn to mud
In Mali, domed mud-brick homes are cheaper, protect fast-vanishing local forests, and make homes cooler in worsening summer heat.
- Africa could end hunger in next decade
Despite challenges Africa countries are making significant progress toward ending hunger, a UN official says.
- Difference MakerJohn and Gill Dalley battle Thailand's illegal dog meat trade
The British couple moved to Thailand to retire. But when they learned of the illegal capture and torture of dogs, their plans changed.
- Transparency International battles corruption worldwide
The international NGO works to reduce corruption in governments and businesses in more than 100 countries.
- After her sister's murder Helen Mack Chang became a reformer
Originally focused on finding justice for Myrna Mack Chang, she now seeks it for others who suffered during and after a brutal 36-year civil war in Guatemala.
- 'Rebranding' views of young black males
The Campaign for Black Male Achievement looks at black men and boys not as problems to be fixed but as individuals with potential.
- Why Bill and Melinda Gates expect record progress for global poor
In their annual Gates Foundation letter, Bill & Melinda Gates say that 'the lives of people in poor countries will improve faster in the next 15 years than at any other time in history.'
- Difference MakerMagalie Dresse is helping Haiti move beyond handouts
The entrepreneurial owner of Caribbean Craft has created a successful business that offers employees wages and benefits far above what is usual in Haiti.
- Soccer program heads youths away from trouble
Former professional Andy McLaren, who has battled his own demons, started A&M Training to give youths in inner-city Glasgow, Scotland, a positive alternative to drugs and crime.
- Harry Potter fans – and J.K. Rowling – win a deal to get child labor out of chocolate
In novels and films Harry Potter stands up for vulnerable people. Members of the real-world Harry Potter Alliance now have gotten Fair Trade certification for products sold in their hero's name.