All Perspectives
Red Cross urges countries to relax rules for forced migrantsIssuing temporary work visas, allowing easier border crossing, and helping forced migrants integrate quickly into local communities could help ease the plight, the IFRC says.
Will the 'European dream' continue?Amid a protracted economic crisis, Europeans are unsure they want greater integration -- but rightly concerned about backsliding into the nationalistic divisions that long haunted the continent.
Want teens to do volunteer work? Make it social.Half of American teenagers volunteer, largely because their friends do.- Readers RespondReaders Write: How to fight voter-ID disenfranchisement; What US must do about IranLetters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of October 29, 2012: In response to voter ID laws (blatant attempts at disenfranchisement) communities should聽band together and pull off the greatest voter registration drive in history. The US and its allies should step up support for legitimate democracy movements in Iran with the goal of destabilizing and replacing the regime.
Kenya islanders rehabilitate their environment, and their livesResidents of Rusinga Island in Kenya experiment with renewable energy innovations, environmentally friendly farming, tree planting, and other efforts aimed at improving the island鈥檚 environment, creating jobs, and overcoming shortages of food and water.
Difference MakerJohn Bergmann runs a special zoo for older, exploited, and abused animalsJohn Bergmann manages Popcorn Park, a special zoo in New Jersey that gives a home to distressed wildlife and exotic and domesticated animals.
Mobile, solar schools bring power to the powerlessFour examples show how solar-powered mobile schools can bring computer education to some of the world鈥檚 poorest children.
Gates Foundation rebootsThe Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the world's largest philanthropic foundation, is undergoing a 'global redesign' overseas and listening to critics of its efforts to improve US schools, says Gates CEO Jeff Raikes.
Wildlife in Crisis helps 5,000 animals return to the wild each yearA small Connecticut nonprofit group treats wildlife from songbirds and red-tailed hawks to foxes, skunks, even fisher cats and bobcats.
Search for Common Ground uses TV soaps to promote peaceNow in its 30th year Search for Common Ground uses a variety of methods, including TV soap operas, to build peace and avoid conflict in 30 countries around the world.- Readers RespondReaders Write: Praise for 'the sharing economy'Letters to the Editor for the October 22, 2012 weekly print issue:聽Instead of spending toward depletion and scarcity, collaborative consumption adds value to our lives. It allows us to聽work and live in harmony, without competition and struggle.
An entrepreneurial approach to sanitationThe social entrepreneurs at Sanergy supply badly needed clean toilets in the developing world and then sell off the waste they gather.
Difference MakerSteven Amstrup says it's not too late to save polar bears 鈥� and ourselves'We know the answer to what it takes to save' polar bears, says environmental prize winner Steven Amstrup, who has gone to the Arctic to study the bears for 30 years.
Brass City Harvest brings fresh food to an urban 'desert'In the middle of Waterbury, Conn., a faded industrial city, Brass City Harvest will open a year-round farmers market, offering fresh produce and other goods from eight Connecticut farms.
Saudi princess founds Opt4Unity to bridge cultural divides'Saudi women have been quiet for a long, long time, and it鈥檚 about time we spoke up,' says Saudi Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel.
The Cuba crisis and the illusion of controlFifty years ago this week, the world stood on the brink of nuclear war. Looking back, two superpowers had boxed themselves into confrontation. Looking ahead, leaders must avoid that trap again with Iran and other critical issues.- Readers RespondReaders Write: More advocates needed for foster children; Empower women with family planning to end world hungerLetters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of October 15, 2012: More volunteers 鈥� especially men 鈥� are need to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and guardians ad litem (GAL) for foster children. One of the best ways to fight world hunger is to combat population growth through empowering women with family planning and contraception resources.
Election 2012: Choose a future, any futureIf you have diligently read the position papers, listened to the speeches, and watched the debates, by now you know a lot about both candidates for president. That's good citizenship -- but it doesn't necessarily mean the next four years will unfold the way you think.
Mobile technology boosts access to clean water for the poorThe widespread availability of mobile phones has enabled the development of low-cost solutions aimed at improving water security and reducing poverty.
Games for change: How digital fun is becoming a way to better the worldUsing online games to benefit society, or 'games for change,' is a fast-growing movement. A favorite pastime of teens and young adults is being used for good causes.
