Social Justice
Read about the newest efforts to overthrow systemic inequalities and address injustices in terms of wealth, opportunities, and privileges to make the world a better place.
FEMA aims to make disaster response more equitable
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages the federal response to large-scale emergencies, but the agency has received criticism in the past for discriminatory aid programs as well as instituting disaster recovery initiatives that unfairly burden low-income and minority populations. Read More...
Japan comes one step closer to recognizing same-sex marriage
Japan is the only country in the G7 that doesn’t allow same-sex couples the right to marriage, but this past Wednesday in Sapporo, the district court ruled that the government’s failure to recognize same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. The case is part of a series of lawsuits filed by Read More...
NASA uses Navajo language to name rocks and soil on Mars
After successfully landing on the neighboring planet last month, NASA’s Perseverance rover is now ready to explore its ground. Its first scientific focus is a rock named “Máaz” — the Navajo word for “Mars.” That’s just one nickname among many others that have been given to landmarks Read More...
Virginia restores voting rights for the previously incarcerated
Last year, we wrote about a proposed bill in Washington DC that would end felony disenfranchisement in the district. Fortunately, that bill passed and now the state of Virginia is eying a similar policy. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced an executive action this week that would restore Read More...
Indulge guilt-free with these 5 ethical and eco-friendly chocolate brands
We are big fans of chocolate here at The Optimist Daily and have written extensively in the past about its many health benefits, from keeping you mentally sharp to lowering your risk of heart failure. But if we are going to indulge in this delicious treat, it’s important to be aware of how Read More...
Chicago suburb slated to implement the country’s first reparations program
The concept of reparations has gained traction in recent years as a starting point for compensating for the racism and discrimination Black Americans have historically experienced and continue to face in society. Now, one Chicago suburb is on the verge of becoming the first in the country to pilot Read More...
New project aims to make the world’s longest hiking trail more accessible
As the longest recreational trail in the world, The Great Trail in Canada has really changed the way Canadians can experience their country’s natural heritage. It officially opened in 2017, after nearly 25 years of planning, to connect 27,000 kilometers of multi-use trails in ways that are safe Read More...
The Optimist View: The power of investing in inclusion
“When we listen and celebrate what is both common and different, we become wiser, more inclusive, and better as an organization.” — Pat Wadors As we start off the new year with back to back celebratory months of Black History and Women’s History, we are reminded of the long journey Read More...
Minneapolis nonprofit creates first-of-its-kind village for the homeless
While homeless shelters can be pivotal in providing short-term housing and protection from the elements, there are tradeoffs to staying in a shelter. Many shelters feature communal sleeping arrangements, with dozens of beds packed into a room. This can make homeless shelters particularly Read More...
Netflix launches Fund for Creative Equity to promote industry-wide diversity
We recently wrote about how Netflix works to improve diversity and inclusivity in its corporate culture, but the streaming platform is also committed to taking these values into the shows they produce. The company has announced the launch of their new Fund for Creative Equity which will invest $100 Read More...