The Weekly Theme
Each week, we feature a new theme of solutions for those passionate about learning in-depth on how we are building a better world!
The Optimist View: the Healing Power of Food
“Good nutrition creates health in all areas of our existence.” - T. Colin Campbell By Kristy Jansen Even if you’re not a fan of American football, the massive spectacle of the championship game has become a singular event that rivals only Thanksgiving as the most American of traditions. Read More...
Girl Scout Troop 6000 gives support and membership to homeless youth
Girl Scout cookie season is upon us and this year we are sharing the story of a special troop that is offering Scout status to particularly vulnerable children. Troop 6000 was started in 2017 and offers membership to girls in the greater New York area that are or have been homeless. Giselle Read More...
Unique study on psilocybin microdosing to commence in Australia
From treating depression to alleviating migraines, research has shown that psilocybin (magic mushrooms) has many healing properties. Still, there is so much to learn about this special psychedelic, which is why we’re excited to tell you about a novel study that is about to take place in Read More...
A local pizzeria is feeding National Guard troops ahead of the inauguration
During the general election, we shared a story about a non-profit bringing pizza to hungry voters waiting in line. Now, we’ve got another patriotic pizza story for you. This time aptly named restaurant, We the Pizza, is delivering meals to the 20,000 National Guard troops protecting the Capitol Read More...
The Optimist View: Reflections on activism from Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons
“If we merge mercy with might, and might with right, then love becomes our legacy and change our children's birthright.” - Amanda Gorman BY: AMELIA BUCKLEY As we celebrated the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this week, many Americans contemplated the profound impact of his Read More...
Recycle those pandemic habits to keep them alive in the new year
When the pandemic first struck, we ambitiously sought out new pandemic habits and routines. As we gave up commuting, dining out, and going to the movies, we took up yoga, bread baking, and knitting. As we approach nearly a full year of living in a pandemic world, recycling your pandemic habits, Read More...
Yelp will now tell you if a business is following covid-19 protocols
The online business review platform Yelp has really expanded its search and rating criteria over the past few years. Users can now not only rate whether restaurants are good for kids or groups, but also search based on specific categories such as “women-owned.” As of this week, Yelp users will Read More...
Retired mathematician repairs over 650 bikes in his town for free
Back in September, we wrote a story detailing how the pandemic led to a bike boom in cities all across America as people looked for safer ways to get around. Such was the case in Potomac, Maryland, home to avid cyclist and retired mathematician Ric Jackson. When Jackson’s neighbor was looking Read More...
The Optimist View: The surge and success of citizen science
“Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated.” – Rosalind Franklin By Amelia Buckley Several years ago, every member of my family unwrapped a bulky rain gauge on Christmas morning. A gift from my data-loving grandfather, the rain gauges were so that we could all take Read More...
The beauty of compassion: How to make the world a kinder place
“It is true that when we harm others, we harm ourselves; but it is just as true that when we help others, we also help ourselves.” - Desmond Tutu It has been a tough time to be an Optimist. The events in Washington DC this week come after a year that featured a global pandemic, economic Read More...