SOCIETY

Justice + Equality

Brands Taking Stands

The Devastation in Nepal is a Canary in the Coal Mine as Flood Risk Rises Worldwide

Climate-related floods are becoming more frequent, deadly and unpredictable worldwide, forcing emergency planning professionals to rethink their strategies for keeping communities safe.

Tina Casey

September 4

Justice + Equality

India’s Community Health Workers Are Filling a Critical Gap in Menopause Care

Menopause-related depression remains overlooked, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to mental healthcare is limited. In India, some community health workers are stepping in to support women despite receiving no formal training in menopause care.

Sanket Jain

September 1

Justice + Equality

Brands Taking Stands

Flock Safety is Under Fire, But It’s Only a Part of Modern Mass Surveillance

A community cancelled their contract with Flock Safety almost every single day last month. While Flock is getting the most press and community blowback, it’s far from the only company assisting U.S. law enforcement with surveillance technology.

Tina Casey

August 13

Justice + Equality

A Lifeline or ‘Dystopian’?: Schools Open Parking Lots for Homeless Students and Families

As family homelessness hits record highs, a few school districts are beginning to offer parking lots as safe sites for students and their families to sleep at night. Some families prefer the option over emergency shelters.

Neal Morton, The Hechinger Report

May 22

Justice + Equality

‘It’s a Safe Space’: Mobile Midwifery Clinics Meet Patients Where They Are

One clinic in Miami-Dade County, Florida, offers free midwifery care directly to majority-Black and Latino neighborhoods.

Nada Hassanein

May 8

Justice + Equality

Brands Taking Stands

Trump’s Redistricting Push Will Fail, If Activists Fight Back

Within hours of the U.S. Supreme Court decision gutting the Voting Rights Act, Southern states showed the world why it was passed in the first place. But the fight isn't over yet.

Tina Casey

May 6

Justice + Equality

In the Fight to Defend the Amazon, This Indigenous Community’s Secret Weapon Is Science

In the copper-rich mountains of southeastern Ecuador, Shuar people are combining ancestral knowledge and modern science to protect their forest from a Canadian mining giant.

Katie Surma, Inside Climate News

April 16

Justice + Equality

California Raised Wages for Incarcerated Firefighters, But Advocates Say There’s More to Be Done

California increased the hourly pay for incarcerated firefighters to $7.25 last year. It's a bittersweet victory for many, and the fight for fairness and more equitable conditions continues.

Amy Brown

March 30

Justice + Equality

Brands Taking Stands

‘Freedom 250’ Collides with Detention Camps and a Massive Sewage Problem

Concerns about human rights, taxpayer money and public infrastructure collide as plans to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence stand in stark contrast to the growing U.S. detention machine.

Tina Casey

February 25

Justice + Equality

Brands Taking Stands

We, the People: Defending the U.S. Constitution As Immigration Raids Threaten Basic Rights

With administration officials saying agents are immune to accountability, many are understandably wondering: What rights do I have when interacting with federal immigration forces, and do those rights even matter in an environment where free speech or simply existing in my own neighborhood can be met with violence?

Mary Mazzoni

January 29

Justice + Equality

AI Is Tackling One of Healthcare’s Biggest Problems: Missed Appointments

Millions of medical appointments are missed every year in the U.K., putting patients at risk and extending already lengthy waiting lists. Deep Medical uses AI to reduce no-shows with personalized assistance, from sending several reminders to offering free transportation.

Abha Malpani Naismith

November 24, 2025

Justice + Equality

Can Hollywood Do For Paid Leave What Congress Hasn’t?

TV once made designated drivers mainstream, and 'Will & Grace' changed hearts on marriage equality. Now an effort is underway to get caregiving on screens — and perhaps influence paid family leave policy.

Chabeli Carrazana

October 28, 2025

Sponsored

Sourced with Purpose

Women Senna Farmers Inspire a New Vision for Water Access in the Thar Desert

In the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India, a project inspired by women farmers is expanding water access and opening up new opportunities for women and girls.

Kate Robertson

October 10, 2025

Justice + Equality

Undermining Progress: Human Rights and the Low-Carbon Transition

Is It Really a Just Transition If We Don’t Talk About Supporting Artisanal Miners?

Nearly 45 million people worldwide mine minerals by hand, often without legal recognition or protections. Formalizing artisanal and small-scale mining could secure supply chains while providing workers with safety standards, financial support and legal recognition.

Andrew Kaminsky

October 6, 2025

Justice + Equality

One Way to Empower People Fleeing Domestic Violence? Make Shelter Locations Public.

Research has found little correlation between the real physical safety of survivors and secret shelters. Cities are catching on.

Elizabeth Moss

September 18, 2025

Justice + Equality

The Hidden Cost of Cooking Fuels, And What China Is Doing About It

Fuels like wood and coal are widely used for cooking, causing poor indoor air quality and respiratory issues. China is revealing the impact of switching to cleaner options.

Riya Anne Polcastro

September 9, 2025

Justice + Equality

Katrina destroyed New Orleans’ early childhood education. 20 years later, it’s a model for success.

After the hurricane shuttered New Orleans’ child care centers, providers didn't just reopen their doors — they built a more equitable system from the ground up.

Nadra Nittle

September 5, 2025

Justice + Equality

The Solutions Effect

What We Learned (Or Didn’t) From Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina sounded the alarm that disaster preparedness was vastly inadequate in the U.S. Two decades later, Americans are considering the changes made since and whether they're working.

Taylor Haelterman

September 4, 2025

Justice + Equality

There Are Rules Protecting Children in Immigration Detention. Trump’s Tax Law Seeks to Override Them.

The spending bill paves the way for longer periods of detention, which advocates say could weaken established safety standards for children.

Candice Norwood

July 31, 2025

Justice + Equality

People Are Working in 'Digital Sweatshops' to Train AI, But New EU Regulations Could Push Transparency

While AI brings new tools in the fight against modern slavery, it is built on exploitation that reinforces global inequality. The European Union's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) could soon push companies to be more transparent about the people and systems behind their tech.

Sarah Walkley

July 25, 2025

Justice + Equality

The Women-Led Nonprofit Defying Educational Bans for Girls in Afghanistan

The Taliban prohibits girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade. That didn't stop Sahar Education from finding a way to create social spaces and learning opportunities for Afghan girls and women.

Nicole Froio

July 24, 2025

Justice + Equality

Democratizing AI: Why Public Input Matters in the Future of Technology

AI is moving fast. Innovators like The Collective Intelligence Project want to ensure everyday people have their say in how it's created and deployed.

Abha Malpani Naismith

July 21, 2025

Justice + Equality

Inside the Girl-Led Empowerment Movement Growing in Uganda

The Girl Up Initiative Uganda is breaking down gender stereotypes for women by building safe spaces where young girls can learn life skills and build the confidence to take control over their futures.

Riya Anne Polcastro

June 30, 2025

Justice + Equality

Philadelphia's POWER Act Could Set National Precedent for Worker Rights

Philadelphia passed the POWER Act last month, strengthening protections for non-unionized and non-traditional employees. It's the result of collective effort by local organizations, worker centers, and formal labor unions, but the work isn't over yet.

Elyse Hauser

June 13, 2025

Justice + Equality

This Tool Captures Supply Chain Worker Feedback in Real Time to Stamp Out Labor Abuses

The complexity of supply chains can allow social abuses to go unnoticed. Ulula and EcoVadis created a fast, cost-effective tool that allows workers to speak out about labor and human rights conditions without fear of repercussions.

Nithin Coca

June 2, 2025

Justice + Equality

Landmark Gender Justice Agreement for Indonesian Garment Workers Shows the Power of Research and Campaigning

Last year, two garment factories in Indonesia signed a gender justice agreement aimed at eliminating gender-based violence with a union-led program. Now, the organizers behind it want to see the model spread across the country.

Nithin Coca

May 29, 2025

Justice + Equality

Mapping the Unseen: How AI is Bridging Infrastructure Gaps in Rural Africa

It's difficult to build a bridge when you don't know where rivers and waterways are located, just like it's difficult to find a bridge to cross when it doesn't show up on the map. Bridges to Prosperity uses artificial intelligence to map waterways and estimate travel times to build bridges that improve access to crucial infrastructure in rural Africa.

Abha Malpani Naismith

May 22, 2025

Justice + Equality

Menopause-Friendly Workplace Accreditation Expands to the U.S.

Menopause is slowly becoming a less taboo topic in the United States, but a stigma remains in the workplace. MiDOViA is working to change that, expanding on a successful menopause friendly workplace program from the United Kingdom.

Megan Amrich

April 17, 2025

Justice + Equality

Stories From the Frontline: Climate Activists Making a Difference

Inside the Community Land Trust Fighting Climate Gentrification in Florida

The nonprofit Struggle for Miami’s Affordable and Sustainable Housing (SMASH) is taking on climate gentrification in Miami's low-income, high-elevation neighborhoods with a community land trust model.

Riya Anne Polcastro

April 1, 2025

Justice + Equality

Harnessing AI for Social Good Starts With Inclusive Data

Depending on the data it learns from, artificial intelligence (AI) can produce biased responses and outcomes. Ensuring AI models are trained on inclusive data from the start mitigates harm, allowing the tech to be used to create a positive social impact.

Riya Anne Polcastro

March 21, 2025

Justice + Equality

Stories From the Frontline: Climate Activists Making a Difference

Local Organizations Lead the Fight Against Industrial Air Pollution in Detroit

As the interim executive director of Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, Sandra Turner-Handy is among the environmental justice leaders on the frontlines of a local effort to hold polluters accountable and improve air quality, environmental and health standards in Detroit.

Riya Anne Polcastro

March 20, 2025

Justice + Equality

Stories From the Frontline: Climate Activists Making a Difference

Training the Next Generation of Energy Sovereignty Warriors and Warriorettes

Amid its weatherization and sustainable building projects, Red Cloud Renewable helps bring energy sovereignty to tribal nations through renewable energy workforce development. Students from as far away as Alaska turn to the organization to become roof-ready solar installers.

Riya Anne Polcastro

February 27, 2025

Justice + Equality

Stories From the Frontline: Climate Activists Making a Difference

Bringing Solar to the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation One Win at a Time

Donica Brady is at the forefront of educating her community on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation about solar energy. The work positions her as a leader in the effort to build energy sovereignty. Now, she's training others to do the same.

Riya Anne Polcastro

February 21, 2025

Justice + Equality

The Silent CEO: Why Corporate Leaders Need to Keep Talking

In today's political climate, leaders willing to take bold stands for society or the planet may be rare. But the importance of communicating has never been greater.

Kellie Cummings

February 18, 2025

Justice + Equality

Stories From the Frontline: Climate Activists Making a Difference

Forging the Way for Indigenous Women in Solar Installation

As one of the relatively few female solar installers in the field, Charlee Rising Sun is helping forge the way for other Indigenous women through job training and community outreach.

Riya Anne Polcastro

February 14, 2025

Justice + Equality

Stories From the Frontline: Climate Activists Making a Difference

The Nonprofit Bringing Tribal Nations Together to Develop Energy Sovereignty

Fighting against the Dakota Access Pipeline in the mid-2010s inspired Cody Two Bears to found the nonprofit Indigenized Energy. This time, he's using the strength of tribal nations working together to fight for energy sovereignty.

Riya Anne Polcastro

February 10, 2025

Justice + Equality

Stories From the Frontline: Climate Activists Making a Difference

Neighbors Come Together to Tackle Air Pollution and Climate Action in Detroit

From launching an anti-idling campaign to joining city-wide decarbonization efforts, Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision is dedicated to creating a healthier city — and it all comes back to collaboration among local residents and businesses.

Riya Anne Polcastro

February 3, 2025

Justice + Equality

Branching Out: The Digital Tool Promoting Tree Equity in Houston

Houston, Texas, has some of the most intense urban heat islands in the United States. Trees can help, but not everyone has access to these crucial plants. The Houston Tree Equity Score Analyzer aims to help the city solve that problem with maps and detailed data.

Ruscena Wiederholt

January 17, 2025

Justice + Equality

Brands Taking Stands

DEI is Not Dying, It’s Becoming

The rise in anti-DEI activism has impacted corporate diversity programs. But rather than closing the door on the goals of DEI, the backlash can motivate more businesses to adopt a more holistic, productive approach to employee hiring and retention in an increasingly diverse society.

Tina Casey

January 8, 2025

Justice + Equality

Facing Stigma and Lack of Awareness, Women Call for Menopause Support in the Workplace

There's a workplace stigma around menopause that leads many women to hide their experience with it. But women who are going through menopause are the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce, and they're calling for change.

Amy Brown

December 24, 2024

Justice + Equality

As Reprisals Rise in Asia and the Caucasus, Development Banks Must Uphold Human Rights

Multilateral development banks have mechanisms to address and resolve community complaints. But stories from residents and civil society groups across Asia and the Caucasus show that even when such mechanisms are in place, accessing remedy is extremely challenging — if not impossible. 

Tala Batangan Ian Salvaña and Radhika Goyal

December 16, 2024

Justice + Equality

Palestinian Farmers Look to Olive Trees to Address the Dual Challenges of Climate Change and Occupation

A partnership between the Palestinian Farmers' Union and Treedom for Palestine aims to plant 1,000 olive tree farms across the West Bank to help Palestinian farmers address both climate impacts and geopolitical instability.

Nicole Froio

December 13, 2024

Justice + Equality

Workplace Ageism is Widespread, Companies Can Check Their Biases to Change That

Ninety percent of workers aged 40 or older have experienced ageism in the workplace, according to a Resume Now survey. Unconscious biases cause it to manifest in recruitment, the hiring process, and at work. Checking and addressing those biases can have a big impact.

Gary E. Frank

December 6, 2024

Justice + Equality

COP29 Ends in Disappointment and Frustration for Developing Nations

Climate finance took center stage at COP29, but the final days of the conference were marked by frustration toward a lack of agreement on funding climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing nations. The final decision is hundreds of billions of dollars short of what experts and those on the front lines say is needed.

Gladstone H Taylor

November 26, 2024

Justice + Equality

Undermining Progress: Human Rights and the Low-Carbon Transition

Will the World Bank's New Policy Reduce the Environmental and Social Harms of Clean Energy?

The World Bank recently released its long-awaited Approach to Responsible Exit policy. It's designed to ensure risks to communities are managed responsibly when it exits a project investment. Will it be effective?

Andrew Kaminsky

November 18, 2024

Justice + Equality

Empowering Immigrant Communities For Climate Justice

Advocates in Pajaro Focus on Community Building for Disaster Recovery

After a levee broke and the Pajaro River flooded the town of Pajaro, California, a coalition of agencies helped build a sense of community among residents to create a strong foundation for disaster recovery.

Riya Anne Polcastro

November 5, 2024

Justice + Equality

Brands Taking Stands

Abortion Restrictions Bring New Attention to U.S. Maternal Health Crisis

Data shows the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has worsened the maternal health crisis in the United States. Business leaders can take two steps to help resolve it.

Tina Casey

October 30, 2024

Justice + Equality

Excel Center Helps People Who Are Incarcerated Earn High School Diplomas

The Excel Center Adult High School, a free education and job training program operated by Goodwill Central Texas, operates three campuses within Texas correctional facilities designed to help people who are incarcerated earn their high school diplomas.

Gary E. Frank

October 25, 2024

Justice + Equality

Ethical Sourcing Campaign Sows the Seeds of Change for Fairtrade Farmers

This year, Fairtrade America's annual campaign celebrating Fairtrade farmers is focused on the ethical sourcing of coffee and cocoa. The organization is partnering with brands like Hu Kitchen and Gimme Coffee to educate consumers about the people who grow their food.

Amy Brown

October 24, 2024

Justice + Equality

Never Give Up on Girls in Crisis: How We Realize the Promise of the International Day of the Girl

In advance of International Day of the Girl, Sumana Setty and Sejal Gehani share the lessons they've learned since founding the nonprofit Commit2Change about how to make real progress towards a future that allows all girls to fulfill their potential.

Sumana Setty and Sejal Gehani

October 11, 2024

Justice + Equality

Brands Taking Stands

Should Business Leaders Experiment to Overcome the Shortcomings of Meritocracy?

At its core, meritocracy is meant to elevate people for roles and promotions based solely on their abilities. But experts like Stuart McCalla, managing partner at the leadership coaching, consulting and investment firm Evolution, say it isn't always so straightforward. 

Mary Mazzoni

October 2, 2024

Justice + Equality

The Solutions Effect

How Businesses Can Support Reproductive Rights

Reproductive rights are under the spotlight in U.S. politics. Business leaders have a role to play in supporting these rights, and it includes speaking up, the Leadership Now Project's Michelle Greene told us.

Taylor Haelterman

September 30, 2024

Justice + Equality

The Casualties of Inequitable Decarbonization

As the Science Based Targets initiative equivocates on how companies finance and achieve Scope 3 emissions reductions, millions of lives in the Global South are at risk. The pivot could wipe out a vital incentive for desperately needed climate finance to flow from Global North corporations to Global South nations.

Rehema Mbalamwezi and Matt Evans

September 24, 2024

Justice + Equality

Cooler Rooms Might be the Solution to the Heat and Worker Health Crisis

Summer is ending for many, but extreme heat is a year-round worry for a myriad of workers. Portabull Storage's new cooler rooms give them an energy-efficient place to cool down, and the rooms can be transported to even the most remote work environments.

Gladstone H Taylor

September 6, 2024

Justice + Equality

The World Bank’s Accountability System Must Reform: Experts Map Out How

The World Bank just marked its 80th anniversary. That’s as good a time as any to chart a new course on accountability by implementing expert and community recommendations to improve the way it handles reports of environmental and human rights harms.

Stephanie Amoako and Margaux Day

August 20, 2024

Justice + Equality

Women Run Less Than 25% of Nonprofits: How Organizations Can Change That

Nonprofits work to make the world more equitable. Yet, despite a wealth of women working in the sector, only 22% are run by women. Pulling from over 20 years of experience in executive searches and transitions, DHR Global's Sara Garlick Lundberg shares how organizations can address the implicit biases preventing progress.

Nicole Froio

August 2, 2024

Justice + Equality

Black Women Still Face a Glass Cliff, But Fixing Workplace Systems Can Change That

After the murder of George Floyd led to calls for racial equity at work, organizations eager to demonstrate their commitment hired more Black women into leadership positions. But many of them were placed in unstable positions in organizations that were floundering, a phenomenon known as the glass cliff.

Kathrina Robotham

July 29, 2024

Justice + Equality

HBCUs are Leading the Fight for Environmental Justice

Historically Black colleges and universities' (HBCUs) long histories of advocating for social justice paired with their strong community connections make them uniquely well suited to lead on climate justice issues, according to a new report from the United Negro College Fund.

Gary E. Frank

July 16, 2024

Justice + Equality

How Sama Became One of Few Tech Companies Where Women Are Equally Represented at Every Level

Women make up less than a third of the world’s workforce in technology-related fields. The computer data solutions company Sama is defying that trend, with over half of its employees identifying as women.

Gary E. Frank

July 5, 2024

Justice + Equality

Empowering Immigrant Communities For Climate Justice

Improving Disaster Outcomes by Bridging Language Gaps in Houston

When a deadly storm swept through Houston in May, emergency warnings were mostly sent out in English, leaving many immigrants and refugees without critical information. Woori Juntos is addressing language gaps by helping these communities navigate local services and organize to advocate for policy.

Riya Anne Polcastro

June 13, 2024

Justice + Equality

Brands Taking Stands

How Asian Americans Can Break the 'Bamboo Ceiling' By Turning Cultural Experiences Into Leadership Superpowers

Asian Americans are least likely to be promoted at work. Global leadership strategist Jane Hyun coined the term "bamboo ceiling" to describe the experience in her bestselling 2006 book. Nearly two decades later, she's sharing insights from the leaders she's seen break through.

Mary Mazzoni

June 5, 2024

Justice + Equality

60% of the World Spends Hours Handwashing Clothes, The Washing Machine Project Aims to Help

The Washing Machine Project's hand-cranked machine is changing the lives of thousands of families around the world, saving them hours of time each week that would otherwise be spent handwashing laundry.

Gary E. Frank

May 30, 2024

Justice + Equality

Brands Taking Stands

Despite Attacks, The Demographic Case for Pride Month Continues to Grow

In the wake of attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in the lead-up to Pride Month in 2023, some brands are taking a quieter, more cautious approach this year. But new data shows corporate diversity and inclusion outreach is a sound business practice to highlight and celebrate, not hide away.

Tina Casey

May 29, 2024

Justice + Equality

Neurodivergent Workers and Businesses Thrive Together with the Right Support

The largest autistic-majority company worldwide, Auticon, helps businesses create an environment where neurodivergent workers can realize their potential and feel fulfilled in their employment.

Riya Anne Polcastro

May 28, 2024

Justice + Equality

The Debt Relief Program Restoring Voting Rights for People with Felony Convictions

The nonprofit Free Our Vote helps people with felony convictions restore their voting rights by paying off their criminal court debt, which is required to be able to vote in many U.S. states but can be difficult to do.

Gary E. Frank

May 21, 2024

Justice + Equality

Empowering Immigrant Communities For Climate Justice

A Just Transition Starts with Ensuring Immigrant Oil Workers Know Their Rights

Somos Un Pueblo Unido is advocating for a just transition by helping immigrant workers in the oil and gas industry organize. Making sure they know their rights is the first step.

Riya Anne Polcastro

May 17, 2024

Justice + Equality

Donte West’s Growing Cannabis Coalition is Fighting for Reparative Justice

After escaping wrongful incarceration for false cannabis charges, Donte West joined a growing coalition of brands and organizations fighting drug-related criminal injustice and advocating for the release of people who were incarcerated for cannabis.

Patrick McCarthy

May 13, 2024

Justice + Equality

Undermining Progress: Human Rights and the Low-Carbon Transition

Mining Companies are Suing Governments, and It's Compromising Environmental and Human Rights Laws

Did you know companies can sue countries for enacting social and environmental protections that impact their projects? It's called an investor-state dispute settlement, and some say the mechanism is necessary to mobilize private investment. Human rights and environmental organizations disagree.

Andrew Kaminsky

May 2, 2024

Justice + Equality

A Human Rights Wake-Up Call for the Seafood Industry

More than 34,000 people gathered in Barcelona last week for a massive trade show focused on seafood, the world's most widely traded commodity, valued at over $236 billion. But behind the scenes, the industry faces a stark reckoning.

Ryan Bigelow

May 1, 2024

Justice + Equality

A Guide for Companies to Embrace Social Justice

Though some critics diminish social justice engagement by using the word “woke” as an all-purpose pejorative, this new resource helps business leaders rise above it and take action.

Gary E. Frank

April 26, 2024

Justice + Equality

Empowering Immigrant Communities For Climate Justice

For a Just Energy Transition, Oil and Gas Workers Must be Heard

Decreasing the production of fossil fuels is an essential part of the energy transition to reduce carbon emissions, but without proper planning, immigrant oil and gas workers are set to suffer from the fallout. That's where the immigrant rights organization Somos un Pueblo Unido comes in.

Riya Anne Polcastro

April 22, 2024

Justice + Equality

This App Helps Immigrants Reclaim Their Stolen Wages

Wage theft costs American workers approximately $50 billion each year, and low-wage, immigrant workers are more than twice as likely to have their wages stolen than those born in the U.S. Reclamo helps advocates in New York navigate the process of reporting stolen wages with immigrant workers.

Patrick McCarthy

April 1, 2024