All People Making a Difference
- Solar pumps could boost farm yields in poor countries
Foot-powered irrigation pumps are useful but limited. Diesel pumps are expensive. Solar-powered pumps could be an answer.
- Difference MakerJohn Ferguson spreads goodwill for America through the power of music
Pianist John Ferguson founded American Voices, a nonprofit whose mission is to help aspiring young artists around the world pursue their interest in American jazz, Broadway, break dancing, and classical music.
- Cereal banks empower women and fight famine in Africa's Sahel region
Groups such as the World Food Program and Care are joining forces to create all-women-managed cereal banks in villages throughout the drought-prone Sahel region of Africa. They help protect against famine, but also empower women.
- If sci-fi spurs technology, can 'social fiction' spark change?
If more movies, TV series, and other media were created to help people envision better future societies, 'I bet we’ll create the societies,' says Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Prize-winning founder of the microcredit movement.
- 2013 Torchlight Prize honors grass-roots US community groups
The Torchlight Prize, a project of the Family Independence Initiative, recognizes homegrown groups that are finding unique ways to solve local community problems.
- Law student Yasmene Mumby already is a veteran education reformer
In a feat of tenacity and organization worthy of a veteran leader, young law student Yasmene Mumby helped push passage of $1.1 billion in funding to improve Baltimore's schools.
- Elaine Hamel uses power tools to teach girl power
Elaine Hamel founded Girls at Work Inc., which helps at-risk girls discover their inner power tools of strength and courage through building projects.
- Difference MakerWar survivor Mariatu Kamara speaks for children at risk in conflict
Her story shows 'the devastation conflict has on children's lives but also the power of the human spirit.'
- Ashoka Future Forum tackles 'Tomorrow's Media,' 'Leadership'
The Ashoka Future Forum May 30 and 31 in Washington, D.C., (see a live video feed below) brings together social innovators, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists to explore how people can solve problems in their families, communities, and workplaces.