All People Making a Difference
Thinking local and sustainable makes economic sense, says Tom WesselsResearch ecologist argues a healthy economy and a healthy ecosystem go hand in hand.
Irrigation expert crosses religious, political lines to win World Food PrizeDaniel Hillel developed a system called micro-irrigation, which has opened up dry regions to farming, revolutionizing agriculture worldwide. The Israeli scientist has worked closely with Arab friends in Jordan, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.
The goal: Help India's poorest of the poor brickmakersIrish nonprofit GOAL teaches seasonal brickmakers in Kolkata to read and do math, a crucial step toward self-sufficiency.
Country star switches from feudin' to healin'Country music singer Toby Keith, once known for his acrimonious feud with the country trio the Dixie Chicks, now spends his time raising funds to build a center to improve the lives of children receiving medical treatment and their families.
Beyond standardized tests 鈥� teaching empathyMore than ever children need skills in how to work with changing teams of collaborators and how to seek solutions rooted in the needs of others, the author says.
Difference MakerIndia's feisty 鈥� and effective 鈥� environmental championSunita Narain has learned that being an environmentalist in India means being an advocate for the poor 鈥� and for immediate action.
Difference MakerChina's Great Leap Forward: One man's quiet crusade to remember the disasterMao Zedong's Great Leap Forward campaign aimed to launch China into a Communist utopia. It ended in famine that killed tens of millions 鈥� a disaster that Beijing is still reluctant to acknowledge.
Versatile engines power up rural African villagesMultifunction platforms (MFPs), engines powered by diesel or local vegetable oil, can do everything from turning on the lights to milling grain and powering tools.
Heat-absorbing ceramic stoves cut fuel useIn Malawi, a new kind of cooking stove made from local materials requires much less fuel than traditional stoves, cutting the need for firewood and benefiting families and the environment.
Nigerian banker urges a businesslike approach to poverty in AfricaTony Elumelu, who has become one of Africa鈥檚 most prominent philanthropists, calls his idea 'Africacapitalism' 鈥� an African-run effort that uses business concepts to fight poverty.
Catchafire matches talented volunteers with opportunities to serveCatchafire 鈥� with 10,000 volunteers and 2,500 organizations signed up 鈥� connects skilled professionals with meaningful volunteer projects.
Difference MakerFrom the good life to digging up land mines in CambodiaWhile living in Palm Springs, Calif., with retirement looming, Bill Morse chose to move to Cambodia to help activist Aki Ra rid the country of land mines that kill and maim.
From gangs to gardens: Community agriculture transforms a San Francisco neighborhoodTen years ago, the residents of a crime-ridden San Francisco neighborhood started planting gardens on Quesada Avenue 鈥� and everything changed.
Five microcredit programs innovate to break the cycle of povertyMicrocredit programs in developing countries now include other features such as connections to markets and savings accounts, as well as business development, health, and education services.
Coalition helps the Connecticut River become the first National BluewayBetween 40 and 50 local and state entities, both public and private, from four states will work together to preserve the 410-mile-long Connecticut River and its watershed.
Difference MakerMae Azango exposed a secret ritual in Liberia, putting her life in dangerWhen journalist Mae Azango wrote about a secret women's circumcision ritual in Liberia, she received death threats.
First Graduate helps students aim for higher educationThe nonprofit First Graduate program helps students become the first in their family to attend college.
Inshah Malik is trying to rebuild Kashmir with a different weapon 鈥� her penYoung writer Inshah Malik tells the stories of Kashmiri women and the often brutal effects on them from decades of conflict.
Community radio cuts disaster risk in flood-prone BangladeshRadio stations that broadcast in local dialects along Bangladesh鈥檚 coast warn residents about storms and help farmers cope with erratic weather.
Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village helps young Rwandans healA visit from Rwandan students gives their American peers a chance to learn about the Rwandan genocide and the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village, which cares for orphaned and other affected youths.