All People Making a Difference
- Valerie Weisler takes on bullying with the Validation Project
The Validation Project aims to put a worldwide end to bullying. The project, founded by 15-year-old Valerie Weisler, helps youths 13 to 25 change the world one person at a time.
- Bill Gross helps farm families in need through Farm Rescue
Nonprofit Farm Rescue plants and harvests crops free of charge for farmers who have been touched by illness, injury, or a natural disaster.
- Difference MakerLisa Fitzpatrick dropped everything and started a New Orleans youth center
She quit her job, sold her possessions, including her home, and dedicated her resources, energy, and time to New Orleans' most neglected youths.
- A 'pay-it-forward' approach to funding solar projects
Donations to the California nonprofit RE-Volv don't just fund one solar installation, but circulate from one project to the next.
- Irene Santiago: women are vital peacemakers
Building on her role in negotiating a ceasefire between Muslim insurgents and the Philippines government, Irene Santiago has become an advocate for women as a vital part of any peace talks.
- To rise out of poverty Asian women head to the library
For more than 2 million rural villagers across South Asia, libraries provide powerful ways to learn skills, network with other women, and become agents of change.
- Their goal: find a million science and technology mentors for girls and young women
Million Women Mentors, launched Jan. 8, will reach out to at least a million girls and young women in the next four years and support them in pursuing STEM careers and education.
- Growing insects: Farmers can help bring back pollinators
With a sharp decline in pollinating insects, farmers are being encouraged to grow flowering plants that can support these important insects. It’s a fledgling movement that could help restore pollinators essential for world food production.
- Difference MakerDaniel Karslake says hunger and poverty can be solved. He's made a film proving it.
The documentary film 'Every Three Seconds' profiles five ordinary people around the world who have found remarkable, yet simple, ways to 'get involved' and make a difference.
- Scholarship program to aid immigrants
Under the program, about 2,000 'Dreamer' students are expected to have their tuition, fees, and books paid for with scholarship funds.
- Pomegranates vs. poppies: an ancient fruit could fight the drug trade
Efforts to steer Afghan farmers away from growing poppies for the illegal drug trade have largely failed. But one promising new alternative is the pomegranate, an ancient and delicious fruit. Demand for it in the West is soaring.
- Allan Savory: Save the world's food supply through a grazing revolution
Allan Savory's idea for a grazing revolution is radical and yet simple: Mimic the behavior of natural herds that once grazed the grasslands to prevent soil degradation and desertification – and safeguard the world's food supply.
- Pete Seeger: How can I keep from singing?
Folk legend Pete Seeger talks about his life in music and social activism – and the power of making millions of small changes.
- Difference MakerSabriye Tenberken trains people who want to change the world
Students at Sabriye Tenberken's 'kanthari institute' have come from 30 countries and already overcome personal hardships. Graduates, determined to make a positive difference, have started more than 45 projects in the developing world.
- Civitas: Romania's multitasking NGO
From job training for public officials and youths to helping farmers market their crops, nonprofit Civitas works in many directions to improve lives in Romania.
- Susan Langford connects young and old with 'Magic Me'
Britain's Magic Me links children and teens with senior citizens through joint arts projects.
- Coffee talk (and action): David Griswold uses empathy to get farmers a fair deal
Sustainable Harvest pays smallholder coffee farmers a premium price while sharing with them its knowledge of the coffee business. Farmers learn how the coffee supply chain works – right up to the consumer's cup.
- Mobilizing young men in India to end violence against women
A small but growing number of organizations in India are tackling gender-based violence at its root, making men a central part of the solution.
- Food trucks bring jobs, flavors, and a friendly urban vibe
In Portland, Ore., immigrants and other restaurant workers open food trucks to build businesses. And residents get the best fast food they've ever had.
- Difference MakerDuarte Paiva helps the homeless by designing lockers to house their things
The young architect built shiny yellow lockers with shelves and a place to hang clothes. They also serve as a postal address: Letters can be inserted through an outer slot.