DIY Foreign Aid Revolution
Like so many highly trained young women these days, Elizabeth Scharpf has choices. She could be working in a Manhattan office tower with her Harvard Business School classmates, soaring through the ranks as a banker or business executive, aspiring to become a C.E.O. There's no question that women enjoy opportunities that didn't exist a few decades ago. Yet those exerting the greatest pressure for c... posted on Nov 06 2010, 2,851 reads

School Volunteers Fill Void
Lehigh University grad Felicia Cooper has spent almost everyday for the past month in the library of Overbrook High School, devoting her working hours to helping students at risk. A West Philly native, serving these students is a homecoming of sorts. "I am from the School District of Philadelphia, so I know some of the challenges as a student that could be faced." It's volunteers like Cooper that ... posted on Oct 31 2010, 935 reads

The Mystery Muffin Giver
What would it be this morning- a warm Blueberry Lemon? Banana Nut? Cranberry Orange? Oatmeal Raisin? There is always a warm muffin or two tucked into a white napkin and placed next to the morning newspaper, waiting for me once I open my front door. Who is the Mystery Muffin Giver? I try to wake up early to see if I can catch him or her in the act. So far, I've been unsuccessful. But no matter wha... posted on Oct 26 2010, 3,763 reads

Compassion Across Cubicles
Deb Lejeune had been working in the Foote Hospital billing office in Jackson, Michigan for only five months before she needed to take extensive unpaid leave to care for her husband, who had just received a kidney transplant. When her co-workers learned of her situation, they chipped in to help cover everything from transportation costs to house payments. "I couldn't have gotten through without the... posted on Oct 18 2010, 2,497 reads

Ask How Are You and Mean It
When asked about her greatest life lessons, artistic director Judith Jameson responds, "It starts with 'Hello, how are you.' And listening." In this humble interview, she shares gems of wisdom, ranging from humble leadership -- "Let people do things. If they do it better than you, let them do it" -- to staying grounded -- "Keep it human. Keep it alive. Don't turn into a robot... You have to liste... posted on Oct 17 2010, 1,587 reads

Why Consistent Contributors Count
Ever wonder why some groups, companies, or communities flourish while others flop? Researchers say it's the influence of a 'consistent contributor'- "a person who always contributes, regardless of others' choices." "The consistent contributor looks for the collective good first and personal good second," explains Risk Management Professor J. Keith Murnighan. The consistent contributor can drive th... posted on Oct 15 2010, 3,692 reads

Student Changes Lives, One Hug at a Time
For two years, University of Miami student Kemy Joseph has been wearing signs around his neck with uplifting messages like "U R Awesome," and "Persevere." He recently celebrated his second anniversary of spreading goodwill by spending 15 hours on campus giving high-fives and hugs. His goal: to make 800 people feel a little bit better in one day. "I tell them they are not alone. We go through the s... posted on Oct 06 2010, 3,323 reads

The Monday Night Soup Master
For some, Monday night is about football. For others, it's dance class or a favorite television sitccom. But for Richard Semmler, it's an evening of soup and service. After serving Thanksgiving dinner at a homeless shelter one year, Richard Semmler thought, "Why not serve every week?" Since that fateful day ten years ago, Semmler, a mathematics professor, has been a steady Monday-night anchor at h... posted on Oct 04 2010, 3,296 reads

Why Racism is Bad For Your Health
When we think about the victims of racism, we typically think of the immediate targets of racial prejudice: Those who have suffered at the hand of discrimination and oppression. But new research has identified another, unlikely group of victims: the racists themselves. This article from the Greater Good magazine explains how we can build healthier, racially diverse interactions. ... posted on Sep 30 2010, 8,682 reads

Packing Lunch with Love
For years, Marcia Merrick began her day making lunches for her two children. Her kids are grown up now, but Ms. Merrick still makes lunches every morning - 400 of them. Each decorated paper bag contains a peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich or a bean burrito, chips, fruit, and two homemade cookies. She also includes a note of encouragement - and then distributes them to the homeless of Kansas City, M... posted on Sep 28 2010, 3,928 reads