The world has to offer today's youth something better. –President Barack Obama Whether you are considering the recent events in America’s cities, or those across the globe in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, young people’s voices are crying out to be heard. A youth … [Read more...] about Youth Leadership | 4 Reasons We Need Youth as the Leaders of Today
Social & Environmental Progress
Breathing Room | The Hillsborough Tragedy
Breathing Room | The Hillsborough Tragedy April 15th 1989 ended the lives of 96 people at a stadium in the UK; it also irreversibly influenced the lives of thousands, including me. I was at the semifinal of the FA Cup, a huge football (soccer) match in England. A series … [Read more...] about Breathing Room | The Hillsborough Tragedy
Inspiring Youth | Who’s Teaching Whom?
Reflecting on the joys of inspiring youth, schoolteacher Rebekah Stoll realizes that her students have equally inspired her ________________________ Twenty students gathered around five working kitchens, aprons in place, recipes set before them with excitement in the … [Read more...] about Inspiring Youth | Who’s Teaching Whom?
The Drivers
The WWII ambulance drivers who went on to found the AFS, paving the way for foreign exchange programs everywhere It all begins somewhere. Some spark of divinity arrives even if you didn’t realize you were searching for it. I have always been a seeker - always a … [Read more...] about The Drivers
Maggie Wheeler | The Yoga of Song
Actress Maggie Wheeler finds a deeper calling in leading communal singing ___________________________________ "I used to say, 'I act for my supper and I sing for my soul.'" Maggie Wheeler is describing her bifurcated career as a successful actor (most notably in long-running … [Read more...] about Maggie Wheeler | The Yoga of Song
The School Nutrition Dilemma: An Insider Speaks Out
School nutrition is an increasingly important issue facing our children — here's the reality and a vision for change _________________________________ School nutrition has taken a turn, albeit a slow turn, for the better over the course of the last four years. With the signing … [Read more...] about The School Nutrition Dilemma: An Insider Speaks Out
Crossroads of the Immigrant Nation
The fight for equality in our immigrant nation requires a new, mindful paradigm regarding the rights, values and citizenship of immigrants — and ourselves _________________________________ Every evening, I resolve to wake up early and have 20 minutes to myself before my … [Read more...] about Crossroads of the Immigrant Nation
Blue Mind | Our Inner Connection to Water
Engagement with nature, and specifically, physical connection to water, yields profound cognitive, emotional, psychological and social benefits _______________________________ [The following essay is adapted from Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols’ New York Times bestselling … [Read more...] about Blue Mind | Our Inner Connection to Water
Women, Equality, and the Pursuit of Passion
On women, equality, and a process for finding your passion I grew up in North Little Rock, Arkansas in a working class, African-American neighborhood, literally on the wrong side of the tracks. I was raised to say “yes ma'am” and “yes sir,” respect my elders, and … [Read more...] about Women, Equality, and the Pursuit of Passion
