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From Young Adult Book Fans to Wizards of Change

Courtney E. Martin

March 21, 2012 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Los Angeles, California

Global social and economic problems are difficult to change. However, fan-activism fuels the interests of fans of popular young adult fiction. Books such as Harry Potter and the Hunger Games have inspired activist groups that raise awareness of global hunger, reading, and relief supplies to impoverished nations, among others. Being a fan has served as a bridge to become politically active and solve the world’s problems.

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Africa's Girl Power

David Bornstein

March 07, 2012 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Zimbabwe

Education is far from a given for poor, rural Africans. But a group called Camfed is bringing lasting social change to African countries by educating hundreds of thousands of girls.

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In the Fight Against Poverty, It's Time for a Revolution

David Bornstein

January 12, 2012 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States

LIFT, founded in 1988 by college students, employs an approach to poverty alleviation grounded in building relationships with communities. LIFT finds volunteers who have demonstrated empathy and then employs them to meet with local families in need, helping them set goals, monitor their progress, and access services.

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Working in the Himalayas to Prevent Disastrous Flooding

Amy Yee

November 27, 2011 |

The New York Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Bhutan, Thorthormi Lake

Countries impacted by climate change are working to mitigate the effects, but more help is needed. Every year Bhutanese citizens dig a channel to lower the water level of Thorthormi, a huge glacial lake that posing a risk of flooding downstream. But Thorthormi is just one rapidly expanding lake among many. Another 82 are deemed growing risks in Bhutan alone.

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For Young Offenders, Hope in a Jury of Their Peers

Tina Rosenberg

October 13, 2011 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Washington, District of Columbia

For first-time youth criminal offenders, the traditional American jury falls short in encouraging behavioral change and may even set the juvenile on a course for repeated crimes. Washington, DC’s Youth Court is a jury that tries juveniles for minor non-violent offenses and offers peer pressure to prompt positive behavioral change. The DC Youth Court is one of many in the United States that reduces crime and future court costs.

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Quick Change That Lasts for the Long Term

Tina Rosenberg

October 04, 2011 |

The New York Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Sudan

Rapid Results Initiatives are micro social change projects that a village, government office, or business will work accomplish in just 100 days. They have proven to be sustainably effective at various tasks because they create a sense of local ownership and empowerment within the community that inspires additional change and improvement.

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The Health Payoffs of Time Banks

Tina Rosenberg

September 20, 2011 |

The New York Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Vancouver, Washington

Two columns on Time Banks, where people swap services – teach calligraphy to one neighbor, and get computer repair from another neighbor. Time Banks create community and make people healthier – which is why hospitals and clinics are now starting them.

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Making Medical Donations Work

Tina Rosenberg

August 09, 2011 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Vietnam, Khanh Hoa

Hospitals in the U.S. throw out huge amounts of supplies and equipment, and third-world hospitals need it. Many organizations help bridge the gap to transport supplies, but end up donating unusable equipment - teaching hospitals what to donate as well as knowing where the equipment is going are just some of the ways that efficiency can be improved.

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Out of Poverty, Family-Style

David Bornstein

July 14, 2011 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

A non-traditional program called the Family Independence Initiative (F.I.I.), uses a radically different approach from the traditional American social service model to empower entire families alleviate themselves from poverty. The results in multiple states thus far have been so striking, that this model of self-sufficiency may be able to have a significant impact reducing poverty nationwide.

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On Gay Rights, Moving Real-Life Friends to Action

Tina Rosenberg

July 07, 2011 |

The New York Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

The ability of social media and online civic participation to impact law and politics is still developing, but one social media tool - Friendfactor - was used successfully in New York to help bring about the passage of Gay Marriage Equality. It may be an indicator for how powerful platforms like this one will continue to play a role in societal growth and change.

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