Community
Stories of people coming together to make a difference.
A Louisville Restaurant Gives Away 100% of Its Profits — and Topped $100,000 in Year One
Noah's Kitchen in Louisville, Kentucky donates every dollar of profit to local nonprofits. In its first year, the charitable restaurant gave away more than $100,000 — including nearly $45,000 to an animal rescue and thousands more to a grief sanctuary and a children's services agency.
30,000 Volunteers Answer a Desert County's Call to Plant a Million Trees
In Minqin County on the edge of China's Gobi-bordering desert, a grassroots campaign drew 30,000 volunteers between February and May 2026 to plant one million trees and push back the encroaching sand. College students, families and travelers worked side by side to defend a community that desertification has long threatened.
Nearly 200 Volunteers Build a New Playground in a Single Day in Maryland
After 18 months of planning, nearly 200 volunteers gathered at Cove Point Park in Lusby, Maryland to assemble a community-designed playground in a single day. Built with KABOOM! and local partners, it features elements chosen by the children who will play on it.
For 30 Years, Oakland Neighbors Have Volunteered to Keep an Urban Creek Pristine
Three decades ago, Michael Thilgen and a handful of neighbors founded Friends of Sausal Creek to rescue a neglected Oakland waterway. Today, an all-volunteer effort has restored a three-mile creek that hosts wild rainbow trout and a federally endangered shrub — proof of what patient, collective care can achieve.
'We Expected 50 People': Hundreds Show Up to a Springfield Mutual Aid Event
A volunteer group in Springfield, Missouri planned a small mutual aid giveaway at Phelps Park and braced for 50 people. Hundreds came. Organizers handed out food, tents, clothing, hygiene items, pet food and bus cards — and discovered just how much their neighbors needed a hand.
A London Mosaic Project Heals Minds While Beautifying the Neighborhood
For 15 years, the Hackney Mosaic Project in East London has turned broken tiles into vibrant public art while offering therapeutic refuge to volunteers living with depression, addiction and PTSD. Founder Tessa Hunkin says the work gives people "a holiday from their head."
Volunteers Bring a Beloved Washington Horse Arena Back to Life
In Fall City, Washington, the volunteer group Friends of Fall City Arena restored a flood-damaged 1983 equestrian arena in the town's riverside park. Partnering with King County, founder Jim Hutchins and neighbours replaced hazardous silt with clean sand, reopening a community gathering place.
One Free Ice Cream Sparked a Fund So No Kid Goes Without All Summer
When Massachusetts ice cream vendor Madyson Silvagnoli gave a free scoop to a teary-eyed child with no money, the moment went viral with 9 million views. Donations poured in, so she launched the "No More Tears Fund" — ensuring kids get free ice cream from her truck all summer long.
260 Volunteers Build the UK's Largest Oyster Reef Restoration Off Portsmouth
In Chichester Harbour near Portsmouth, England, 260 volunteers deployed 20,000 native oysters across 3.5 hectares of seabed in May 2026 — the UK's largest subtidal oyster reef restoration. Each oyster filters about 44 gallons of water a day, reviving a species that once thrived across the Solent.
Seattle's Tiny Free Pantries Quietly Feed Neighbors 4 Million Pounds of Food a Year
A University of Washington study found that Seattle-area "micropantries" and community fridges supply about 4 million pounds of food a year to neighbors in need — more than the state's largest food bank. Researchers built an app, PantryMap, to map and support the grassroots network.
Nearly 2,000 Colorado Springs Volunteers Logged 5,600 Hours Serving Their Neighbors
Over a single May weekend, 1,906 volunteers from across Colorado Springs fanned out across the Pikes Peak Region for CityServe Day, completing 107 projects — landscaping, painting, sorting donations and giving blood — for 87 nonprofits and schools. Together they logged 5,626 hours of free labor worth nearly $225,000.
Neighbors Wade Into Hawaiian Floodwaters to Save 15 Horses — Then Help Rescue People Too
When floodwaters surged through Dillingham Ranch on Oahu's north shore, rancher Tyler Smith and neighbors Kelsey and Levi waded chest-deep to lead 15 horses to safety. Then they used a backhoe through the night to free stranded cars and pull neighbors from rooftops.
United Way of Greater Kansas City Names 2026 CommUNITY Volunteers of the Year — One Helped Open Seven Transitional Homes
United Way of Greater Kansas City honored three CommUNITY Volunteers of the Year — two adults and one youth. One adult winner contributed more than 1,000 volunteer hours and helped open seven transitional housing homes.
A Virginia Town Raised $2.8 Million for Local Nonprofits in a Single Day
On its ninth annual giving day in April 2026, the Great Community Give in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, Virginia, raised $2,876,148 from 7,803 donors for 156 local nonprofits — beating its $2.5 million goal and pushing the event's nine-year total past $11.4 million.
A Minnesota Town's 200 Volunteers Run a Thrift Store, Food Shelf and Kitchen — and Just Got Honored for It
For nearly 40 years, the all-volunteer Tusen Tack in Braham, Minnesota has run a thrift store, food shelf, library, community kitchen and event center that anchors the region. In 2026, its 200-plus volunteers were named Good Neighbor Honorees by the Initiative Foundation.
In Florida, 300 Volunteers Repair Homes So Neighbors Can Stay Put
For more than 20 years, Rebuilding Together North Central Florida has fixed the homes of low-income residents so they can age in place safely. With about 300 volunteers a year and a 25-point healthy-housing checklist, the nonprofit builds ramps, mends roofs and treats neighbors like family.
American Red Cross Honors Thousands of Volunteers During National Volunteer Week 2026
During National Volunteer Week (April 19–25), the American Red Cross celebrated its workforce — 90% of which is unpaid volunteers — with the Los Angeles region alone hosting more than 6,000 volunteers and a regional Volunteer Excellence Awards on April 11.
6,500 Volunteers Build 10,000 Beds in 24 Hours for Kids Who Have None
At the Charlotte Convention Center in April 2026, 6,500 volunteers assembled 10,027 bunk beds in a single day for the charity Sleep in Heavenly Peace. The beds were distributed to children in 36 states — part of a mission to reach the roughly 140,000 American kids who sleep without a bed of their own.
A £1bn Boost Could Put Britain's Clean Energy in the Hands of Communities
A £1bn UK government investment through Great British Energy aims to help communities build and own clean energy projects, targeting 8GW of locally owned power by 2030. Community schemes deliver 12 times more local economic value than commercial ones — yet still make up just 0.5 percent of UK electricity.
"America Gives" Surpasses 2.5 Million Volunteer Hours as Nation Marks 250th Anniversary
The America250 initiative "America Gives" surpassed 2.5 million volunteer service hours by mid-March 2026, mobilizing nonprofits across all 50 states as the U.S. prepares for its 250th anniversary.
Plane Full of Strangers Erupts in Cheers for 2-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Cruz
On a Southwest Airlines flight, crew announced that 2-year-old passenger Cruz had beaten stage 4 neuroblastoma, prompting the entire cabin to erupt in cheers and write messages of encouragement on napkins.
In Southeast San Diego, Neighbors Are Building 'Food Dignity' From the Ground Up
In a part of San Diego where fast food outnumbers fresh produce, the nonprofit Project New Village is growing food and community wealth at once. Through a neighborhood garden and a planned $10m food hub opening in 2027, residents are turning food access into a source of dignity and local ownership.
Houston Food Bank Targets 100,000 Volunteers in 2026
Houston Food Bank — the largest in the Feeding America network — aims to engage 100,000 volunteers in 2026 after a record 94,000 helped pack and distribute meals in 2025, as demand stays high across southeast Texas.
Africa Ratifies First Continental Road Safety Charter, Aiming to Halve Fatalities by 2030
The first continental road safety charter has become legally binding after 15 African nations ratified it, with the WHO calling it "a milestone for Africa" in the effort to halve road fatalities and serious injuries.
Rural North Carolina Fire Department Builds Solar Microgrid to Serve as Community Resilience Hub
Yancey County's Double Island Volunteer Fire Department installed a solar-powered microgrid with battery storage, creating a resilience hub that operates during power outages and reduces energy costs.
UN Declares 2026 International Year of Volunteers — Global Volunteering Surges
The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers, sparking a worldwide surge in community service as organizations and governments recognize the vital role volunteers play in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Nearly 200 Dogs Rescued from Suspected Fighting Rings Across Three US States in Coordinated Effort
A coordinated multi-state operation in 2025 rescued nearly 200 dogs from suspected dog fighting rings across Florida, South Carolina, and Indiana, with local authorities and animal welfare organizations working together in one of the year's largest animal rescue efforts.
Detroit Community Land Trust Reaches 500 Permanently Affordable Homes, Transforming 12 Neighborhoods
Detroit's community land trust model has reached a milestone of 500 permanently affordable homes across 12 neighborhoods, keeping families housed while preventing displacement from rising property values.
Tokyo's Intergenerational Housing Program Pairs 2,000 Elderly Residents with University Students
A Tokyo government program pairing elderly residents with university students in shared housing has expanded to 2,000 participants, with studies showing significant reductions in loneliness and improved well-being for both groups.
A Tool Library's Repair Café Fixes 187 Items in a Day — and Strengthens a Community
At the South King Tool Library near Seattle, volunteers repaired 187 items in a single day with a 90 percent success rate, serving 87 community members for free. The Repair Café keeps usable goods out of landfills, saves families money and builds neighborly connection.
Greening Philadelphia's Vacant Lots Cut Nearby Gun Violence by Nearly 30 Percent
Philadelphia's LandCare program, run by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, has cleared and greened 12,000 vacant lots — a third of the city's vacant land. Research links the greened sites to a 29 percent drop in gun violence, a 21 percent drop in burglary and a 41.5 percent drop in nearby depression.
Baltimore's Community Fridge Network Grew From 4 to Over 20 in a Single Year
Founded in February 2025 with four fridges, the Bmore Community Fridge Network now stocks more than 20 free, around-the-clock fridges across Baltimore, coordinated by over 10,000 volunteers. The principle is simple: food should be free, and dignity is part of the work.
Richmond Celebrates Community Heroes: From Lifelong Volunteers to Young Fundraisers
Richmond upon Thames honoured its 2026 Community Heroes, recognizing volunteers who support displaced families, protect nature, and young children who have raised thousands for charity.
Teen Leaders Mobilize Hundreds of Volunteers to Fight Food Insecurity Across Illinois
Youth leaders Cayla Boehm and Maelyn Garcia have spent over three years mobilizing hundreds of young volunteers to provide weekly grocery deliveries to families across northern Illinois and free tutoring to students in need.
Minneapolis Indoor Tiny Home Village Has Served 831 People and Moved 340 into Permanent Housing
Avivo Village, a converted warehouse in Minneapolis housing 100 indoor tiny homes for people experiencing homelessness, has served over 831 individuals since 2020, with 340 successfully transitioning to permanent housing through its wraparound services model.
Croatia Declared Landmine-Free After Clearing 2 Million Mines, Now Donating Robots to Ukraine
After three decades of painstaking work, Croatia has officially declared itself landmine-free, having cleared approximately 2 million mines left from its 1990s war. The nation is now donating de-mining robots to assist Ukraine with Russian mine clearance.
Premier League Community Programmes to Generate £4.3 Billion in Social Value
The Premier League's "More Than A Game" campaign highlighted the enormous community impact of its club programmes, with an independent study projecting over £4.3 billion in social value between 2025 and 2028.
Two People Turn Storage Unit Surplus into Daily Help for Hundreds
Shula Kitkowska and Louis Peralta created Up 2 Us Neighbors, an organization that rescues discarded items from storage units and redistributes them to people in need, now handling around 100 requests every day.
A 'Call a Boomer' Payphone Connects Lonely Students and Seniors Across 2,000 Miles
Two refurbished payphones — one on a Boston campus, one in a Reno senior community — let young adults and seniors call each other on the spot to fight loneliness. A viral clip of senior April meeting young Charlotte drew 18 million views, turning a simple phone into an intergenerational bridge.
19 Major Cities Slash Air Pollution by Up to 40% in 15 Years
Beijing, London, Paris and 16 other major cities have cut air pollution by 20-40% through clean air zones, cycling infrastructure and electric vehicles. Nearly half the cities were in Asia.
Martha's Rule Saves Lives Across UK Hospitals
Martha's Rule has generated over 10,000 helpline calls since September 2024, with 1,885 patients receiving treatment changes and 446 potentially life-saving interventions. Named after Martha Mills who died of sepsis in 2021.
Atlanta Community Food Bank Raises $885,000 at 42nd Hunger Walk Run
Four thousand Atlantans came together on March 23 to raise $885,000 at the 42nd annual Hunger Walk Run, funding about 2.6 million meals for families across metro Atlanta and north Georgia.
Chicago's Quilen Blackwell Named CNN Hero of the Year for Transforming Vacant Lots Into Flower Farms That Employ At-Risk Youth
Quilen Blackwell was named CNN's 2025 Hero of the Year for his nonprofit Southside Blooms, which transforms vacant lots in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood into flower farms. The "farm-to-vase" operation employs 25 at-risk youth aged 16-25 and ships flowers nationwide, with a second location opening in 2026.
Strangers Raise £58,000 to Rescue an 80-Year-Old Farmer From a Fly-Tipping Nightmare
When fly-tippers dumped 200 tons of construction waste on an 80-year-old Hertfordshire farmer's land, he faced a £40,000 cleanup bill he could not afford. A 31-year-old neighbor launched a crowdfunder — and nearly 2,000 strangers raised £58,000, enough to clear the mess and help other victims too.
Bloomington, Indiana Launches 100,000 Volunteer Hours Challenge to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary
The City of Bloomington, Indiana launched a challenge to log 100,000 volunteer hours in 2026 as part of America's 250th anniversary celebrations. The Volunteer Network connects residents with local nonprofits, turning the national milestone into a community-wide movement of service and civic engagement.
White Storks to Return to the English Midlands for the First Time in 600 Years
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has announced a community-led project to reintroduce white storks to the English Midlands, more than 600 years after they vanished. The project at Willington Wetlands is backed by over £300,000 in funding.
2026 Declared International Year of Volunteers: 2.1 Billion People Volunteer Monthly Worldwide
The UN General Assembly proclaimed 2026 the International Volunteer Year for Sustainable Development, recognizing that 2.1 billion people — 34.5% of the global working-age population — volunteer every month.
Dreams Academy in Akron: One Man's Mission to Walk With Young Black Boys Through Life's Challenges
Brandon Scarborough's Dreams Academy in Akron, Ohio walks with young Black boys who face challenges like fatherlessness, growing from a mentorship model into an all-boys school designed to help students see themselves as leaders.
Finland Named World's Happiest Country for Seventh Consecutive Year
The 2024 World Happiness Report ranked Finland first for the seventh straight year, with researchers attributing the success to high social trust, strong public services, low corruption, and a culture that values work-life balance.
Japan's Community Children's Cafeterias Surpass 9,000 Locations Nationwide
Japan's grassroots "kodomo shokudo" movement — volunteer-run community cafeterias that provide free or low-cost meals to children — has grown to over 9,000 locations, transforming from a niche initiative into a nationwide social safety net.
Milwaukee Teens Turn a Vacant Lot Into a Community Garden That Gives Food Away for Free
In Milwaukee's 53206 ZIP code, the nonprofit We Got This works with young people aged 10 to 18 to turn vacant lots into thriving gardens. Their newest project, Coaches Corner Garden, opens in June 2026 — part of an effort that logged 7,000 volunteer hours from 375 children in 2025.
John and Hank Green's $50M Hospital in Sierra Leone Opens — First Baby Born on Valentine's Day
The Paul E. Farmer Maternal Center of Excellence in Sierra Leone, funded by $50 million from content creators John and Hank Green, opened on Valentine's Day 2026 — and its first baby, a girl, was born the same day. In a country where 1 in 52 women died during pregnancy in 2020, this hospital is already saving lives.
Minnesota Tow Truck Driver Returns Abandoned Vehicles to Families After ICE Arrests — For Free
Juan Leon, a Minnesota tow truck driver, noticed abandoned cars throughout the Twin Cities belonging to people arrested by ICE. He began tracking down the families and returning their vehicles for free — an act of everyday heroism that has touched hearts across America.
Detroit Tool Libraries Spark Nationwide Sharing Economy Movement
What began as a single tool-lending library in a Detroit garage has grown into a network of 200 community sharing hubs across 35 US states.
Mystery Donor Gifts $3.6 Million in Gold Bars to Fix Osaka's Aging Water Pipes
An anonymous donor gave the city of Osaka 21 gold bars weighing 21 kilograms, worth $3.6 million, with the specific request that they be used to repair the city's aging water infrastructure.
Melbourne's Free Community Fridges Halve Neighborhood Food Waste
A network of 150 communal refrigerators across Melbourne has diverted over 800 tonnes of food from landfill while feeding thousands of residents.
How Species-Spotting Brought an English Village Together Around Its Wildlife
In Blagdon, North Somerset, residents have become citizen naturalists, tracking dung beetles, skylarks, adders and dormice across a regenerative farm. Coordinated by ecologist Patrick Hancock through a WhatsApp group and the iNaturalist app, the survey turned neighbours into "extra eyes and ears" for nature.
COP16 Deal: 196 Nations Commit $200 Billion Per Year for Nature Protection
Despite a tumultuous geopolitical landscape, 196 nations agreed at COP16 in Rome to mobilize at least $200 billion per year by 2030 to help developing countries conserve biodiversity. The deal was hailed as a win for multilateralism in uncertain times.
Ireland Makes Basic Income for Artists Permanent — €325 Per Week to Support Grassroots Culture
Ireland announced in October 2025 that its basic income scheme for artists will be made permanent, offering participants a weekly stipend of €325 to support grassroots culture. Originally introduced during the pandemic, the program has proven so successful that the government decided to institutionalize it.
Gaza Aid Meets Minimum Nutrition Threshold
Verified report based on cited source.
Rafah Reopens For Medical Evacuations
Verified report based on cited source.
Brazil Launches Multibillion-Dollar Tropical Forest Forever Facility to Fund Indigenous Communities
In the lead-up to COP30, Brazil and partners launched the Tropical Forest Forever Facility — a multibillion-dollar initiative that rewards countries for keeping forests standing and channels funding directly to Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Tool Libraries Spread Across Cities, Saving Money and Reducing Waste
Community tool libraries are popping up in cities worldwide, allowing residents to borrow power tools and equipment instead of buying items they rarely use.
Hamburg's 'Culture Buddies' Program Pairs Refugees with Local Guides
A Hamburg program matches refugees with local volunteers who introduce them to German culture through shared activities — from football matches to museum visits.
Minneapolis Moms Have Each Other's Backs with Donation Network
A grassroots distribution network of donated diapers, breastmilk, and food is finding its way to families in need, powered by local mothers helping each other.
Bristol's Community-Owned Ferry Service Transforms Harbor Life
When Bristol's iconic ferry service went bust, 900 residents bought shares to revive it. Now it carries 50,000 passengers a year and runs free tours for those facing financial barriers.
Kentucky Project Bridges Urban-Rural Divide Through Climate Action
A unique Kentucky initiative brings together city dwellers and rural farmers to tackle climate change together, discovering they have more in common than they thought.
Repair Cafés Movement Reaches 3,000 Locations Worldwide
The global Repair Café movement, where volunteers fix broken items for free, has expanded to 3,000 locations, saving thousands of tons of waste from landfills.
A French Coal Town's Remarkable Transformation Into a Sustainability Model
Once synonymous with mining, Loos-en-Gohelle in northern France has become a model for how to sustainably transition away from fossil fuels through citizen participation.
London Restaurant Staffed Entirely by People Who Experienced Homelessness
Home Kitchen, a buzzing new fine-dining restaurant in London, is breaking barriers by employing nearly all staff members who have experienced homelessness.
Skill-Sharing Networks Connect Neighbors to Trade Talents
Community skill-sharing platforms are connecting neighbors to exchange services — from language lessons to home repairs — building connections while saving money.
Employee Volunteers Log a Million Hours and Will Reimagine 13 Neighborhood Spaces in 2026
Target team members volunteered 1 million hours in 2025 for the tenth consecutive year, and in 2026 the company's Bullseye Builds program will invest $1m to reimagine shared community spaces — parks, schools and resource centers — in 13 neighborhoods nationwide, based on what residents say they need.
Kansas Builds Whole Neighborhoods of Homes Designed to Stay Affordable for Generations
Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City is using the community land trust model to build affordable neighborhoods in Olathe and Lenexa. By keeping the land in trust and capping resale gains, homes stay within reach of working families — the first resident bought hers for about half the county average.
Community Fridges Save 1 Million Meals From Waste
A network of community fridges where people can share surplus food has saved over 1 million meals from going to waste while helping those in need.
Libraries Now Lend Clothes: Shared Wardrobe Scheme Tackles Fast Fashion
A pioneering shared wardrobe scheme in UK libraries allows people to borrow stylish outfits like books, offering a sustainable alternative to fast fashion.
January 14th Marked the Longest Period Without a Nuclear Detonation Since the Atomic Age Began
A quiet milestone passed recently: January 14th marked the longest stretch without any nation detonating a nuclear weapon since the atomic age began in 1945.
Nations Agree to Mobilize $200 Billion Annually for Biodiversity in Developing Countries
At the COP16 biodiversity conference in Rome, 196 nations agreed to mobilize at least $200 billion per year by 2030 to help developing countries conserve biodiversity. The deal was hailed as a win for multilateralism in uncertain times.
'DC Snow Heroes' Shovel Their Elderly and Disabled Neighbors Out of Trouble
After a Washington, DC, snowstorm dropped 10 inches that refroze overnight, volunteers with the city's Serve DC program fanned out to clear sidewalks and doorways for elderly, disabled and overwhelmed neighbors — a simple act of neighbors helping neighbors when city plows couldn't reach every street.
A Michigan Coworking Space Lets Parents Work With Their Kids Right Next Door
In Ann Arbor, Michigan, the nonprofit Little Break blends a coworking space with on-site child care, letting parents work while paid staff watch their kids next door. Founded by Ariel Wan, it recreates "that village feeling" of communal child-rearing in a country where half of kids live in child care deserts.
Teens Build Igloo That Brings Community Together After Ice Storm
After a difficult ice storm, a group of teenagers built an igloo that became a gathering place, bringing neighbors together and lifting spirits during a challenging time.
13-Year-Old Makes 'Superhuman' Swim to Save Family Swept Out to Sea
A 13-year-old boy ditched his lifejacket and swam against powerful currents to rescue his family members who had been swept out to sea, displaying extraordinary courage.
'DC Snow Heroes' Shovel Neighbors Out of Trouble After Winter Storms
After winter storms battered Washington DC, volunteer 'Snow Heroes' hit the streets with shovels to help elderly and disabled neighbors clear their sidewalks.
Father Saves 10 from Bar Fire After Frantic Call from His Daughter
A father rushed to a burning bar after receiving a frantic call from his daughter inside, ultimately saving 10 people from the New Year's Eve fire in Switzerland.
UK Bans Junk Food Ads Before 9pm and Online to Tackle Childhood Obesity
New UK rules ban television ads for junk food before 9pm and prohibit them entirely online, targeting childhood obesity that affects one in eight children aged 2-10.
Japan's Community "Children's Cafeterias" Hit a Record 12,601 Sites
Japan's kodomo shokudo — community cafeterias offering free or low-cost meals to children and neighbors — reached a record 12,601 sites in fiscal 2025, up more than 1,700 from the year before. The nonprofit Musubie says the growth reflects efforts to build welcoming spaces.
Queens Breaks Ground on a 39 Million Dollar Library Reimagined as a Community Hub
Queens Public Library broke ground in December 2025 on a new 39 million dollar Rego Park branch — a three-story, 18,000-square-foot building with dedicated spaces for teens, children and adults. A mobile library keeps service running during construction.
San Jose Opens a 136-Unit Tiny Home Village as Unsheltered Homelessness Falls
San Jose, California opened a 136-unit tiny home community on Cherry Avenue in November 2025 — its 11th temporary housing site of the year, on land partnered with Valley Water. The city has cut unsheltered homelessness by over 1,000 people since 2022, bucking a statewide rise.
Cook County Makes Guaranteed Income Permanent After a Pilot That Reached Thousands of Families
Cook County, Illinois — home to Chicago — has approved 7.5 million dollars in its 2026 budget to permanently fund guaranteed income, building on the Promise pilot that sent 500 dollars a month to thousands of low-income residents. Advocates call it a milestone for cash-based community support.
25 Nations Form Coalition to Phase Out Fossil Fuels After COP30
After COP30 failed to mention fossil fuels, Colombia and the Netherlands led 25 nations in pledging to establish their own roadmap for abandoning coal, gas and oil.
Millennial and Gen Z Voters Drive Record Turnout in 2025 US Elections
Young voters powered a wave of civic engagement in 2025 US elections, driving turnout to its highest levels in decades and reshaping the political landscape.
Thousands of Volunteers — Including Visitors — Flock to Help Taiwan's Flood Victims
After Typhoon Ragasa triggered deadly flooding and mudslides in Taiwan's Hualien County, thousands of volunteers — including foreign residents — streamed south to dig out homes and cook meals. The Buddhist charity Tzu Chi alone coordinated some 3,000 helpers, earning the nicknames "Shovel Supermen" and "Cooking Supermen."
A 'Sponge' Park Soaked Up 9 Million Gallons and Saved a Historic Atlanta Neighborhood
In Atlanta's historic Vine City, the new Rodney Cook Sr. Park was built to flood on purpose. During Hurricane Helene it absorbed 9 million gallons of water — draining within 72 hours — sparing neighbors' homes and turning a chronic flooding problem into a beloved community park.
Community Gardens Surge Across US Cities, Feeding Thousands and Building Bonds
Community gardens in major US cities saw a 40% increase in participation in 2025, providing fresh food to underserved neighborhoods and becoming vital social gathering spaces.
Helsinki Went a Full Year Without a Single Traffic Fatality Through Smart Urban Design
The Finnish capital achieved zero traffic deaths for an entire year by lowering speed limits to 30 km/h, narrowing lanes, and prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists.
In Rural Colorado, Retirees and Activists Unite to Protect Their Immigrant Neighbors
In the small towns of southwest Colorado, ordinary residents — including some 40 mostly white, retirement-age neighbors — are turning up for Know Your Rights trainings and building rapid-response networks to support immigrant families, proving solidarity can take root far from any big city.
Smartphone-Free Schools Movement Gains Global Momentum as Study Proves Benefits
A first-of-its-kind study finds that pupils' grades are significantly better in classrooms that ban smartphones, fueling a global movement to protect childhood from digital distraction.
Mutual Aid Networks Continue to Grow, Reaching Millions Worldwide in 2025
Mutual aid networks that emerged during the pandemic have matured into permanent community institutions, providing essential services and support to millions across the globe.
US Violent Crime Plummets to Lowest Levels in Decades
The US is on course for one of its least violent years since modern records began, with murder rates down nearly 20% and violent crime falling by 11%.
Teacher Gives Students $20 Each in Annual Kindness Challenge to Honor Her Late Sister
A Pennsylvania teacher gives each student $20 from money saved from her late sister's purse, challenging them to do something kind and document it.
More Than 160,000 Americans Across 7,700 Zip Codes Stepped Up to Welcome Refugees
A Niskanen Center retrospective found that the Welcome Corps refugee sponsorship program drew more than 160,000 Americans across all 50 states and 7,700-plus zip codes, who committed over 210 million dollars in private support — a striking show of grassroots, bipartisan welcome.
A Japanese Town Made Trading Cards of Its Elders — and Volunteering Soared
In the town of Kawara, Japan, a community center turned local elders into collectible trading cards — complete with Pokémon-style "abilities" based on their real skills. Youth participation at the center doubled, and the beloved 47-card deck has bridged generations in a town of about 10,000.
Little Free Library Unveils Its 200,000th Book-Sharing Box, Spanning 128 Countries
The global Little Free Library network reached its 200,000th book-sharing box in March 2025, installed at a school in St. Paul's historic Rondo neighborhood. To mark it, the nonprofit and Penguin Random House gave 200 libraries and 40,000 books to Title I schools nationwide.
Thailand Becomes First Southeast Asian Country to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
Thailand made history by becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, celebrating with a mass wedding ceremony that drew couples from across the nation.
Barcelona's Superblocks Program Expands to Cover 21 Neighborhoods
Barcelona's revolutionary superblocks program, which prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists over cars, has expanded to 21 neighborhoods, creating green plazas where traffic once dominated.
Japan's 'Children Zones' Reverse Local Birth Rate Decline Through Community Support
Japanese towns designated as 'Children Zones' have seen birth rates rise above the national average through comprehensive support systems for families.
A Couple's Alley 'Cancer Kitchen' Lets Families Cook for Loved Ones in the Hospital
For over two decades in Nanchang, China, Wan Zuocheng and Hong Gengxiang have run a tiny 'cancer kitchen' in an alley near a hospital, where families of patients can cook home-cooked meals for about 32 cents. Nearly 10,000 people now use it each year — a humble act of comfort and community.