social activism

Andrei Sakharov and Yelena Bonner standing in urban setting (© Daniel Janin/AFP/Getty Images)

Honoring human rights champion Andrei Sakharov

Prominent musicians will perform a benefit concert at Carnegie Hall in New York in honor of Andrei Sakharov, a respected Russian scientist.
Activists holding rainbow flag in parade (© Andre Penner/AP)

A day to stop discrimination against LGBTQI+ people

Learn more about the forms of discrimination LGBTQI+ people face and how everyone can create a more inclusive world.
Illustration of people looking at phones while walking past large column with electrical diagram as its grooves (State Dept./D. Thompson)

How technology can strengthen democracy

Activists are using technology to promote democracy initiatives. Find out how social justice movements use social media to build support.
Tight photo of woman's hand holding candle in Ukrainian flag colors with words 'We Want Peace' (© David 'Dee' Delgado/Reuters)

Russians in the U.S., and elsewhere, press for peace

Many Russians in the U.S. and around the world continue to voice their opposition to Russia's war against Ukraine.
Students standing by table filled with donation baskets (© David Minton/Times Media Group)

In the U.S., democracy begins in the classroom

American students are participating in the democratic process, from choosing classroom leaders to creating change in their communities.
Woman in hard hat talking to two men in front of Golden Gate bridge pillar under construction (© AP)

First woman on a president’s Cabinet put workers first

Learn more about the first woman to serve as secretary of labor and hold a Cabinet position in the United States.
Group of people posing for photo (State Dept.)

Honoring human rights defenders

Labor and women's rights activists, a journalist and a surgeon are among recipients of the 2023 Human Rights Defender Awards.
People looking at exhibits (Shawn Miller/Library of Congress)

Exhibit explores how Americans work together for a cause

Volunteering is one of the pillars of American democracy. Learn about a Library of Congress exhibit that explores voluntary associations.

Defending Ukraine: Yana Zinkevych and Hospitallers

This installment in a series focuses on a group of volunteer paramedics who respond to the medical needs of civilians and soldiers.