All People Making a Difference
Difference MakerTo invite progress, change who鈥檚 in the roomCohear, an organization in Ohio, sets up conversations between local officials and 鈥榚veryday experts.鈥� And those talks can help resolve acrimonious divides, from arguments about new developments to bullying in schools.
How to volunteer abroad: five points to considerThese days, many people looking to volunteer want to be sure it will truly make a difference. So in this piece, a philanthropy expert shares her insights.
Difference MakerHer gift to neighbors: green space that鈥檚 both refuge and food sourceIn a Philadelphia neighborhood, Noelle Warford is protecting green space. That's allowing the community to get fresh food, become friendlier, and find leafy, peaceful places to relax.
Difference MakerHow one woman is taking an after-school program to the big leaguesBethany Rubin Henderson has expanded a program with an unusual blend of offerings 鈥� soccer, poetry, and service. And the program is partnering with soccer franchise D.C. United.
Difference MakerBlock by block, a community activist builds a better ChicagoIn African-American聽neighborhoods of the city鈥檚 South Side,聽Jahmal Cole works with young people and volunteers to improve lives and communities by changing the little things.
How an alliance between Millennials and religious sisters has changed outlooksNuns & Nones brings together sisters and spiritually oriented Millennials. The life-changing conversations that have resulted show what can happen when unlikely pairings are made.
Difference MakerNo veteran left behind: How an ex-Marine is saving lives back homeAfter a combat deployment in Iraq, Zach Skiles faced mental trauma when he returned home. Now he uses his background to help fellow veterans struggling with the aftermath of war.聽聽
In Nigeria, documentary films spark social changeAfter a mass eviction in one of Nigeria's biggest cities, the grass-roots art project Chicoco sprang to life to stop government-sponsored evictions and give communities a voice.聽
Three siblings鈥� answer to low math scores in their hometownWhen the聽McElroy siblings learned that their childhood school district was scoring low on reading and math, they founded聽4RealMath: An organization that recruits older tutors who can serve as mentors.
At Born Dancing, different abilities 鈥� but all in harmonyA New York dance studio welcomes both聽those with disabilities and those without, creating performances informed by resilience and showcasing the experiences of people who are often overlooked.
Sharp Dressed Man gives tailored suits to those in needSelf-presentation can make all the difference in life 鈥� especially during formal occasions like job interviews. That's why Christopher Schafer has made it his mission to help men in need find the perfect suit.
Dijana Pavlovic works to give the Roma a more political voiceThe actress-turned-activist is based in Italy, where anti-Roma attitudes are marked. She uses performance and poetry to change perceptions of Roma people.
Under-resourced students find confidence and employment in this art programMore than 3,000 young people have found employment through Artists for Humanity, a rapidly expanding organization in Boston founded by聽Susan Rodgerson, who wanted to give youths a path to success.
How a 鈥榩ay it forward鈥� woman helps improve education in Kenya and TanzaniaErna Grasz is a聽co-founder of Asante Africa, which has touched the lives of 500,000 East African youths. The organization works within existing education systems to help students succeed academically.
Gangstas to Growers uses hot sauce to keep young people out of hot waterThe recipe 鈥揷ombining food justice and social justice 鈥� is being tested in many US cities. But Atlanta has thrown its backing behind one effort to use African-American culture to help former young felons find a new path.
Difference MakerIn the Quaker tradition, this man helps volunteers connect with prisonersWhen prisoners have visitors, they may be better prepared to reenter society. Steve Gotzler leads the聽nonprofit Prisoner Visitation and Support聽in its mission to reach out to prisoners with respect.
Difference MakerOne man's mission to revitalize small-town AmericaDavid Leckey runs the聽Orton Family Foundation, which helps communities find solutions to problems like slowing growth and infrastructure breakdown. The guiding principle of his vision: Community-building.
In Uganda, art teaches people how to treat animals respectfullyArt for Animals uses paintbrushes and theater to try to change attitudes about dogs and cats. Animals shouldn't be feared, the organization says, so 鈥渨hy deny our comrades a right to love and care?鈥�
Difference MakerHow a gardener makes sure everyone can have fresh foodAshley Patterson wants to make farm-fresh produce a staple in her community's diet. To her, gardening is not only a source of healthy vegetables, it's a place that fosters community and togetherness.
Difference MakerThis artist鈥檚 vision prioritizes community and healingInternationally acclaimed artist Paul Goodnight uses his paintbrush to help communities see their issues in a new light. Over the course of his prolific career, he's started charities, led art therapy, and created influential public works.
