People Doing Good

Stories of people making a difference in the world

A close-up of a person touching a microscope

5 citizen science projects that have actually made a real difference for the environment

Scientists can’t be everywhere all at once, as much as they’d like to. Many of the problems citizen science helps solve are concerned with spreading the net wider — or getting more helping hands on the task.

Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia

Virginia megachurch donates $1M to wipe out rent for 300+ families and keep them from being evicted

Alfred Street Baptist Church stepped up for Alexandria residents who were facing eviction.

A solar panel on wooden stilts sits in a remote farm area

College students install solar power in rural village that has never had electricity

About 30% of rural Amazonian neighborhoods do not have electricity.

Two photos side-by-side. On the left is a dog standing on a beach in Hawaii. On the right is a woman taking a selfie with a dog

Tourists in Hawaii encouraged to borrow shelter dogs to take on 'field trips' during vacation

For the pet lovers who are homesick from their own furry friends, there are ample opportunities to give back, all while snuggling up with a pup.

A woman walks along an alpine trail with a backpack, trekking poles, and a large, black dog on a leash

At this animal shelter, volunteers can borrow a dog to take on a hike. It's leading to more adoptions

Sign-up only takes 15-20 minutes and is perfect for locals and out-of-towners alike.

Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, an OB-GYN with curly hair, sits outside at a table in a white doctor's coat

'The internet's OB-GYN' still has hope for reproductive rights. Here's why she thinks you should, too

Dr. Jennifer Lincoln wants everyone to know there is still progress being made in women’s health.

A photo collage of a building, a man holding up a sign saying 'Proud Public Lands Owner', a man smiling to the camera as his hands form a heart, two people playing at a playground, and a wind turbine up close

Good News This Week: April 4, 2026 - Pets, Parks, & Playgrounds

Your weekly roundup of the best good news worth celebrating...

A blue playground sign with white lettering. It has assorted hand signs on it like "tag" "play" "share" etc

This playground sign shows kids how to sign 'friend,' 'tag,' 'play,' and more. It honors a deaf child who passed away

A beloved student at Ward Elementary in Abilene, Texas was honored with a playground sign that fostered friendships between deaf and hearing students.

Two photos side by side. On the left is Rupert Boneham in Survivor, wearing a rainbow tie-dye tank top on an island. On the right is a yellow neon sign above a pinball arcade that reads "Rupert's Arcade"

'Survivor' champ used winnings to start a charity pinball arcade and shelter for homeless, at-risk men

One of ‘Survivor’s most iconic winners, clad in a tie-dye tank top, is Rupert Boneham. Here’s how he’s made the most of his success.

A family sits together looking at a mountain view

Climate activist hosts 'playdates' for parents to mobilize for the environment without having to find a sitter

Climate Dads are collaborating to figure out what their role is in a more environmentally-friendly future.

Two photos side by side: On the left, Elizabeth Taylor in a car wearing a red AIDS ribbon. On the right, Taylor Swift in a red, feathery headpiece

Taylor Swift donates proceeds from 'Elizabeth Taylor' music video to Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation

The star’s “Elizabeth Taylor” music video supports the late actress’s estate and foundation.

Stephen Colbert gives a monologue on the set of "The Late Show." In the corner is a circle containing a zoomed-in photo of a T-shirt commemorating "The Late Show's" final season

Stephen Colbert raises over $1M for World Central Kitchen with 'Late Show' t-shirts, charity auction

The “The Late Show” host is using his last hurrah to do some good for Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen.