All People Making a Difference
Difference MakerIn a rough part of the US capital, an endeavor to unlock children鈥檚 potentialWashington can be a contrast between a center of power and needy neighborhoods. Robin Berkley is leading one group鈥檚 efforts to level the playing field for young people in one of these communities.
Difference MakerThe man behind many enhancements enjoyed by visitors at Golden Gate parklandsNational parks wouldn鈥檛 be the same without the help of partner organizations. One of the most exemplary such groups is in the San Francisco Bay Area, led by Greg Moore.
In Honduras, troubled youth trade gangs for sportsMany people's lives in Honduras changed for the better in 2011 through the founding of Skate Brothers, a nonprofit skating club that aims to help young people get out of gangs by providing a safe environment for them to practice skateboarding and other sports.聽
Difference MakerOne woman鈥檚 plan to reform a bail system that disadvantages poor defendantsToo frequently, bail doesn't work the way it was intended. Robin Steinberg has launched an initiative that is drawing attention to this often-overlooked issue, with a plan to bail out 160,000 people in the US.
Difference MakerWhy ancient farming practices have resurged in a storied part of Mexico CityLucio Usobiaga is the main person behind the resurgence. His efforts show how an area that has evolved from its beginnings can make a return 鈥� and do so in an innovative way that benefits a range of people.
In Italy, how one cooperative is trying to counter the Mafia鈥檚 influenceThe organization Beyond the Dreams provides a glimpse into Italy鈥檚 challenges, which on one hand are distinctive and yet resonate far beyond its borders.
In Morocco, women find a recipe for success and gainful employmentNora Belahcen Fitzgerald founded the Amal for the Culinary Arts association in Marrakesh, Morocco, to train women in professional skills to enter the restaurant industry. The program has been so successful it has trouble keeping up with demands for its trainees.
He dreamed of teaching children with a background like his ownBaltazar Villalba found it's not too late to pursue your passion and that bringing your own experiences to the table can make your work more effective.
Difference MakerHow one woman in East Boston shares climate know-how with coastal neighborsChallenges associated with the environment can often seem bigger than one person can handle. But Magdalena Ayed is showing how each person 鈥� schoolchildren included 鈥� can have a role in addressing issues.
Difference MakerA bridge for the divide between Midwestern farmers and their immigrant workersAlthough immigration can be a hot-button political topic, this story takes a more personal approach, looking at how some farmers have improved operations by getting to know their foreign workers better.
Difference MakerOn a mission to make Philadelphia the most accessible US city for the artsThe benefits of experiencing the arts are well documented, but some people can be left out. This story looks at how one man and his organization have made progress in addressing this challenge.
How these women crochet sleeping mats for homeless people out of plastic bagsUsually, plastic bags are solely utilitarian, and more and more, they鈥檙e maligned. But senior housing residents in Milton, Mass., are creating something eye-catching out of them 鈥� and humane.
When you鈥檙e the one who needs help: five ideasAs the head of a philanthropic organization, the writer of this column has seen what can be helpful to those in need. Here are her insights.
Difference MakerShe wasn鈥檛 an environmental expert, but now she has a 鈥楪reen Nobel鈥�Claire Nouvian helped to secure an EU ban on deep-sea trawling and has received a Goldman Environmental Prize, which is given to grass-roots environmentalists who are struggling for change.
Difference MakerHe鈥檚 building a record about those persecuted because of their religionThe Rev. Patrick Desbois didn鈥檛 set out to be an expert in the methods of genocide. But he was drawn to find answers about mass graves left by Nazi firing squads, and he鈥檚 taken up the plight of Yazidis in Iraq.
After visiting a nursing home, he began pairing older Americans and newcomersRey Castuciano recognized the talents and wisdom of nursing home residents. He founded Table Wisdom to bring together that population and newcomers for weekly mentoring and conversational English.
Difference MakerAfter hurricane Maria, he's helping the ocean 鈥� and its fishers 鈥� recoverHurricane聽Maria upended Puerto Rico, along with its fishing industry. Raimundo Espinoza Chirinos's project cleans up the storm's hidden damage on the ocean floor by tapping into local fishermen's skills.聽- Difference MakerAfter hurricane Maria, he's helping the ocean 鈥� and its fishers 鈥� recoverHurricane聽Maria upended Puerto Rico, along with its fishing industry. Raimundo Espinoza Chirinos's project cleans up the storm's hidden damage on the ocean floor by tapping into local fishermen's skills.聽
He helps homeless people reconnect with loved ones through video messagesKevin Adler is the founder of Miracle Messages, which has aided some 100 people in finding long-lost friends and family. Some of the individuals have even secured stable housing.
Difference MakerWhy this Thai businessman was named a 鈥榖iodiversity hero鈥�In addition to running his family鈥檚 sugar-cane mill conglomerate, Nonn Panitvong is among Thailand鈥檚 most intrepid naturalists. Thanks to him, Thai nature lovers from all walks of life can pool their knowledge via a website.