All Perspectives
- Readers RespondReaders Write: The future of retail is 'buy local'; The key to Africa's economic growthLetters to the Editor for the Feb. 3, 2014 weekly magazine:Kenya's future is聽increasingly being dictated not by the national government or major businesses, but rather by civil society 鈥� the people. Hopefully, the trend will continue in Africa.Internet shopping appealed to me until I realized it pointed to an anonymous shopping future with a total focus on cost and speed.聽My vision of retail would be that consumers seek out local stores and only turn to the big chains and the giant Amazon as a last resort.
People constantly adapt. So do their beliefs.Like 海角大神s, Italians, Ohioians, and any other group of Americans, Muslims in America vary dramatically in how they apply what they believe to their lives.聽
Bill Gross helps farm families in need through Farm RescueNonprofit 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 centerShe 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 projectsDonations 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 peacemakersBuilding 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 libraryFor 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 womenMillion 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.
We're learning smarter ways to helpIn a disaster, humans rush to help. May they ever do so. But when rescue turns to recovery turns to rebuilding, there are smarter ways to offer a hand up without making it a hand out.
Growing insects: Farmers can help bring back pollinatorsWith a sharp decline in pollinating insects, farmers are being encouraged to grow flowering plants that can support these important insects. It鈥檚 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.
Sochi Olympics: What true heroism meansWhile it's fun to marvel at the physical and mental excellence on display in the Olympics, it is important to remember that democracy and freedom require not just a few heroes, stars, and celebrities but the committed participation of everyone.
Scholarship program to aid immigrantsUnder 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 tradeEfforts 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 revolutionAllan 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 鈥� and safeguard the world's food supply.聽
Pete Seeger: How can I keep from singing?Folk legend Pete Seeger talks about his life in music and social activism 鈥� and the power of making millions of small changes.
Difference MakerSabriye Tenberken trains people who want to change the worldStudents 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 NGOFrom 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 dealSustainable 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 鈥� right up to the consumer's cup.
