US Health

The Importance of Voting Forward

This Election Day, remember that you’re not voting just for yourself, but for the type of world you want those who come after you to live in. Perhaps most importantly, remember that your voice matters.

Children's Health and Wellbeing

Young People Are Facing a Mental Health Crisis. Afterschool Programs Can Help.

Decades of research show that kids who participate in afterschool programs gain significant, lasting benefits like building social skills, forming healthy relationships, making smart decisions, avoiding risky behaviors, doing better in school and graduating on time. Afterschool programs also connect young people to resources like social services and counselors who are trained in helping people heal from trauma.

US Health

From the Classroom to My Living Room: Coping with Gun Violence as the Daughter of Public School Teachers

There’s no commandment etched into stone that teachers must sacrifice themselves for their students, but the feeling that they should is as palpable as it is suffocating. In many ways, teachers are their students’ protectors and advocates, charged with their wellbeing and education until the school day ends. But there’s no bell that dismisses my mom from her role as my greatest champion.

Gender and Sexual Reproductive Health

It Takes a Village: Motherhood During Unprecedented Times

Becoming a mom is a transformative experience (in both good and challenging ways), and all of it is trial by fire. The saving grace of it all, though, has been that we’re not alone. We have our “village” to lean on: our fellow Burness parents, our local moms' groups, our friends who’ve already had kids and our own parents. And that village is an extra comfort right now as we navigate trying to raise our babies during a pandemic (with vaccines for our babies only recently approved), historic inflation, a climate crisis, a national formula shortage, attacks on reproductive rights and more.

Human Rights

Letting Go of the Fear of Racism

I’ve won academic awards, traveled abroad, graduated from college and lived in my own apartment. If I had let fear of racism hold me back, I would not have achieved these accomplishments. I refuse to dress and act a certain way to be perceived as “acceptable” or “safe” and I am not going to hold myself back from opportunities out of fear of impending racism.

Climate Change and Environment

Indigenous Peoples at the Heart of Climate and Biodiversity Action Offer Hope

For years, Indigenous groups have advocated outside of COP walls — holding press briefings at picnic tables, leading demonstrations, telling stories of their communities and demanding to be heard. Their activism led them from the periphery of global climate events to the very nucleus where negotiations take place.

Children's Health and Wellbeing

The Power of Play

While donating to causes is one way to engage and support missions like these, it’s not the only answer. We need dedicated volunteers and mentors who can devote their time and act as positive role models and help bridge communities.