All People Making a Difference
A second chance for Johnny Cash's childhood homeUnder the guidance of Arkansas State University, fund-raising and restoration is well under way with the ultimate goal of returning rundown Dyess, Ark., to some of its former glory.
One by one, Vietnam deals with unexploded bombsSince starting work in Vietnam in 1999, the Mines Advisory Group has destroyed an average of 15,000 unexploded bombs from the Vietnam War era each year that continue to kill or injure thousands of Vietnamese.
Difference MakerKebedom Mengistu's little newspaper gives hope to Africans who've fled to IsraelUsing his laptop, Kebedom Mengistu publishes Hadush Zemen (New Century), a newspaper for refugees from Eritrea who've survived the perilous trip and settled in Israel.
Zimbabwe turns to drought-resistant cropsScientists are developing faster-maturing and drought-tolerant varieties of corn and cotton, holding out the hope of much-needed relief for thousands of farmers across Zimbabwe.
Incubating women's businesses in the Palestinian territoriesTomorrow鈥檚 Youth Organization based in Nablus, on the West Bank, helps promising new women's businesses survive.
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.
Want teens to do volunteer work? Make it social.Half of American teenagers volunteer, largely because their friends do.
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.
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.
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.
Difference MakerRohini Nilekani pours her wealth into getting books to India's poorest childrenWhen she found herself suddenly wealthy, the Indian philanthropist founded Pratham Books, a nonprofit publisher that uses innovative ways to put low-cost books in the hands of millions of kids.
