People Doing Good

Stories of people making a difference in the world

Public Health Officer 1st Lt. Gyasi J. Mann, right, and Bioenvironmental Engineer Senior Airman Emilio D. Gonzalez, second from right, help homeless veterans choose a pair of reading glasses during Stand Down 2012 at the National Guard Armory in Cherry Hill

VA's work to end veteran homelessness is working. Advocates hope efforts could work for civilians too.

In late January, groups of volunteers around the country set out on foot and in vehicles in search of individuals experiencing homelessness.
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A painted portrait of Lucretia Mott

Meet 16 women abolitionists you probably never learned about in school

At a time when women were expected to sit in the background, these heroes shattered those restrictions, bravely and unapologetically standing up for what they believed in.
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A woman holding a sign that says "Act now or swim later"

These are the 'climate grannies' — and they'll do whatever it takes to protect their grandchildren.

They have the generational wisdom, environmental activism experience, free time — and they're not afraid of getting arrested.
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A drawn portrait of Caroline Herschel

England's first female professional astronomer was largely ignored for two centuries — but is finally gaining name recognition today

Caroline Herschel, the first English professional female astronomer, made contributions to astronomy that are still important to the field today. But even many astronomers may not recognize her name.
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Women protesting outside the White House in 1917

Meet the forgotten deaf women who fought for the right to vote

Despite harsh, discriminatory conditions, low pay, and lack of recognition, countless deaf women have fought with brilliance and dedication for personal and professional recognition, including for the right to vote.
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A photo collage of a water tank sign in the outdoors, a portrait image of Dr. Ruth Gottesman, two men removing concrete off the ground, a document from the State of California, and a flatlay image of the Goodnewspaper

Good News This Week: March 2, 2024 - Park, Trees, & Free Tuition

Your weekly roundup of the best good news worth celebrating...
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Left: The band MUNA poses in front of a light blue sky, Center: A poster for MadSoul Music Festival, Right: Lin-Manuel Miranda holds up an "I voted" sticker in a selfie

This congressman is hosting a music festival with MUNA, Lin-Manuel Miranda to raise funds for equal rights

MUNA, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and other big names will join forces in Orlando on March 2 to help raise funds for social justice advocacy organizations.
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3 inspiring women who have changed the world for good: Coretta Scott King, Malala Yousafzai, and Audre Lorde

46 Inspiring Women Who Have Changed the World for Good

Beyond Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we can foster greater recognition for the contributions of women throughout history, explore their stories, and be inspired to make a positive impact ourselves.
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Left: Jon Stewart cries on The Daily Show, Right: Jon Stewart sits with his two children, holding a brindle pit bull puppy in his arms

Jon Stewart helps raise $25k for animal shelter after heartfelt tribute to beloved dog Dipper on 'The Daily Show'

After a heartfelt tribute to his late dog, Dipper, Jon Stewart inspired hundreds to donate to a New York City animal shelter.
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Sheryl Lee Ralph stands on stage at TED2023

9 Best TED Talks To Watch During Women's History Month

This Women's History Month, learn from some of the world's most daring women leaders — and their TED Talks.
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Jessie Dean Gipson Simmons, shown top center, posing for the camera with her family. [Clockwise: daughter Angela and husband Obadiah Jerone, Sr.]

Jessie Simmons: How a schoolteacher became an unsung hero of the civil rights movement

Denials in work applications set Jessie up to fight an important battle for justice for Black educators at a time when many were being pushed out of the teaching profession.
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A screenshot of a GoFundMe page titled "Help a Generous Soul Reenter Society from Prison"

A California inmate donated his life savings to relief in Gaza — and then a GoFundMe campaign raised $100k for him

After decades of work for just 13 cents a day, this incarcerated man donated all of his money to support relief efforts in Gaza.
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