All People Making a Difference
10 (mostly still-to-be invented) jobs that can power Africa's futureFrom founding free universities to advocating for small farmers to training rats to detect land mines Africa's future entrepreneurs will boost the continent.
The music didn't die 鈥� it's solar poweredIn Firebaugh, Calif., a small school district has become a model for the nation by switching to solar power and investing the money it saves in arts programs.
When the Big Apple went sour, two men found a simple solutionThe Citizens Committee for New York City has become one of America鈥檚 oldest and most successful micro-funding organizations, backing citizen-led projects from urban gardens to recycling efforts.
Difference MakerGeraldine Cox excels as a 'loud and pushy' advocate for orphansHer Sunrise Children's Village in Cambodia helps children who are 'abused, discarded, neglected, unloved, unwanted'聽 to grow up to be whatever they want to be.
Jose Corona goes 'all in' for his communityHis Inner City Advisors in the Bay Area shows that social businesses can create good jobs, even in the heart of a recession.
David Fischer designed a clean, safe way to transport waterIn much of the developing world people must carry water on their backs for use in their homes. PackH2O makes the job easier while keeping the water clean.
Howard Buffett: a billionaire's son battles to end hungerHe's barreled headfirst into his task, visiting more than 100 countries; met world leaders and African warlords; had an Uzi pointed at his chest 鈥� and challenged the status quo.
Gloria Henderson gleans satisfaction from sharing fresh foodShe collects leftover crops from farmers' fields and delivers the fresh produce to food pantries and homeless shelters across North Carolina.
Saving the bees: 13 groups buzzing with solutionsBees play a crucial role in agriculture, helping to produce more than 30 percent of the world鈥檚 food supply. These organizations work to protect bees and keep them on the job.
Difference MakerSue DiCicco helps children make and share peace cranesThe Peace Crane Project is an invitation to kids everywhere to write a poem or message 鈥� or draw or paint a picture 鈥� of peace. Then they fold it into an origami crane and fly it to the world..jpg?alias=standard_600x400)
Mariam Raqib brings the gift of trees to AfghanistanShe launched Afghanistan Samsortya, a nonprofit designed to reverse decades of deforestation by planting fruit trees and teaching forestry skills.
In post-tsunami Japan, rebuilding a town begins with a child-care centerThe center has become a place where mothers and children, many of whom still live in temporary homes, can reconnect, share their experiences, and support one another.
Former corporate shark now feeds the hungryDavid Gerson left his lucrative law practice to head Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa, a nonprofit effort that provides free meals and other service to those in need.
Sarah Gardner raises money to aid children through Yoga Reaches OutHer Yoga Reaches Out charity has held Yogathons on both coasts and collected more than $1 million to help children and their families.
Rhino horn is the same stuff as human nails. Still want some?Conservation groups are mounting public service campaigns to persuade Vietnamese that buying rhino horn is decidedly uncool.
Francis Slakey moves from scaling heights to greening citiesThe physicist heads a new $5 million Georgetown Energy Prize that encourages midsize cities to develop innovative ways to slash energy use.
U.S. Tech Vets links military veterans with civilian jobsThe effort, through its online portal at www.ustechvets.org, matches national and regional companies with veterans who have technical skills.
Adam Braun hands out pencils 鈥� and hopeHis nonprofit Pencils of Promise has built more than 170 schools in Ghana, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Laos.
Difference MakerAfter the Boston Marathon bombings, Danny Bent took on a cross-country challengeThe athlete-adventurer co-founded a relay run called One Run for Boston that started in Los Angeles and ended at the marathon finish line to raise funds for victims.
Heather Fleming wants to solve poverty through better designFrustrated by the inequality she experienced as a Navajo, Fleming founded Catapult Design to create new products and services for impoverished communities.