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For the 70th Anniversary of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), refugees have been given a place to write their stories — in one sentence. Teaming up with lexicographer Susie Dent and collecting submissions from thousands of refugees, the organization created The Refugee Dictionary: a collection of unique definitions of the word “refugee.” This dictionary is a collection of the stories of survival and hope afforded by human rights across the globe — and it has been accessioned by The British Library as a record of public solidarity for refugees in 21st Century Britain. The dictionary begins with the legal convention from the 1951 Refugee Convention: A refugee is a person who “owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social…

GGG PRESS GOOD NEWS FROM AFRICA OO8 While all regions around the world must play their part in combating climate change, Africa is uniquely situated to build its climate economy. With an abundance of biodiversity, forests, and other natural resources, the continent is doing its part to accelerate global climate action. “The continent doesn't have an ‘old economy’ that needs to be decarbonized,” Jack Kimani, the founding CEO of the Climate Action Platform of Africa wrote in an essay in 2022. “It can invest right away in the green economy that we need — an economy that's net positive for the planet and the people.” As strides are made in renewable energy, and huge investments from both private and public stakeholders are put into action, countless companies, organizations, and initiatives…

Millions of LGBTQ+ youth around the globe live in countries with discriminatory laws and harmful social norms. In addition to violent punishments and social discrimination, being queer can be dangerous to mental health, too. Johnathan McKay, who grew up questioning his sexuality in South Africa, decided to use his background in technology, social justice, and media for good. He created a digital platform and nonprofit called SameSame, which supports the mental health and resilience of LGBTQ+ youth throughout the global south. By connecting young people with vital services, supporting their mental health, providing information, and uniting queer young people through community, SameSame finds channels to save the lives of LGBTQ+ youth in places where they are not accepted. The platform uses WhatsApp chatbots to communicate with its users, relying on…

When arriving in America, refugees are offered a variety of resources to mitigate things like housing and food insecurity. While food banks and local organizations provide much-needed resources and non-perishable foods, they don't always consider the power of taste. As thousands of Afghan refugees resettled in the States in recent years, the St. Louis community realized one way to give newcomers a taste of home. The International Institute of St. Louis, an organization that works with immigrants and refugees, began working with local grocer Global Foods Market to host a spice drive for immigrant and refugee community members. The first drive in 2021 collected a total of 600 donated jars of spices. “If you're eating food that you're not familiar with, or you're not sure what it is, it's less…

GOOD Use search engines like Ecosia that help plant trees through ad revenue. This contributes to reforestation efforts—and all you need to do to make a difference is browse the internet! BETTER Donate to organizations like Amazon Frontlines and Amazon Sacred Headwaters Initiative, which work closely with Indigenous communities to preserve the Amazon rainforest and its surrounding territories. BEST Vote and pledge to support Indigenous communities fighting to protect the Amazon by emailing major corporations harming the rainforest. You can find email templates on Rainforest Action Network or Amazon Watch.…

São Paulo Records Historic Low In Police Intervention Deaths, 80% Drop Among Teenagers In Units Equipped with Body Cameras Deforestation In Brazil's Amazon Drops 34% In First Half of 2023 Innovative FamilyOwned Plant In Argentina Generates Electricity Exclusively From Industrial Organic Waste 50 Paraguay Drag Queens Have Built Safe Spaces For LGBTQ+ Folks, Organizing In Bars, Parties, Community Theaters, and Private Homes Local Researchers Are Studying Iconic Pink River Dolphins With Radio Transmitters To Save The Species…

GOOD Along with folks seeking refuge in new countries, there are also people facing internal displacement or statelessness. Learn more about the nuances between these populations by visiting unrefugees.org. BETTER Hold a fundraising event in your community or school in support of NGOs like UNHCR, Refugee Council, and forRefugees — organizations that offer food, shelter, medical care, education, and legal assistance across Europe. BEST Consider participating in a community-based refugee sponsorship program. Check out the Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative (refugeesponsorship.org) or the Welcome Corps (welcomecorps.org) in the U.S.…

GGG PRESS GOOD NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA ISSUE 16 In Australia, elders of the First Nations Waradjuri tribe have opened the Wollundry Dreaming Youth Hub, to share, delight in, and preserve aboriginal culture with area youth. Built as part of a senior community center, this intergenerational project provides an outlet for Waradjuri youth to learn traditional language, cook, or engage in recreational activities like boxing, Didgeridoo practice, and more. Aunty Cheryl Penrith named the facility for its association with strength and hopes it will be a space to empower younger generations — something she wished she had growing up. The timing couldn't be more on the dot. Australia's 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum — which will be voted on at the end of this year — would approve an alteration to…

After over-hunting (and settler colonialism) nearly eradicated bison across the North American continent, Canada has spent the last five years working to recover the population through a reintroduction program. It's been nearly 150 years since plains bison roamed the great expanse of Canada's landscape, and now, Banff National Park is home to more than 100 of these gentle giants. Federal agency Parks Canada launched a five-year reintroduction plan in 2017 by moving 16 bison to the backcountry in Banff as part of a $6.5 million pilot project, according to the Calgary Herald. Within five years, the bison population in the protected area grew to more than 80, and this spring, 18 more calves were born. Collaborating with Indigenous groups, Parks Canada finalized a report earlier this year that clocks in…

As China leads the way in global green energy transformation, leaders have been left with a new project: finding something to do with the old infrastructure left behind by now-unnecessary fossil fuel production. It's a good problem to have, and it's already led to creative solutions. Take, for example, the former Hangzhou Oil Refinery Factory Park, located near China's Grand Canal, covering roughly 45 acres of land near the waterfront. Now obsolete as a chemical plant, the space is being transformed into a mixed-use development full of retail and office spaces — and an art and science center. Much of the original structures have already been demolished, but architects are excited to use some of the oil storage drums as quirky elements in the new design. But the hot ticket…

The Philippines is one of the world's leading producers of seaweed, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, and seaweed farming is the world's fastest growing form of aquaculture. Leading the way? The women of the Philippines. What has historically been a male-dominated industry saw increased support from local governments and private funders that led to an uptick in production in recent years. This motivated 120 women seaweed farmers in the Palawan village of Balintang to start The Cherish Fisherfolk Cooperative in 2017. “Cherish means to protect and care for what we have,” Mardy Montaño, president of the cooperative, told Context. “That's how valuable seaweed farming is for us all.” And it's now a lucrative business, even despite climate threats in the area. Plus, it's a family…

The World Mosquito Program has one goal: to rid the world of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The organization works with local communities in Asia, Latin America, and Oceania with something called The Wolbachia Method. The Wolbachia bacteria is a naturally occurring bacteria in about 50% of insect species, but it is totally safe for humans, animals, and the environment. When aedes aegypti mosquitoes (the ones who most commonly transmit viruses) carry Wolbachia, the bacteria competes with diseases like dengue, Zika, and yellow fever. In other words, when these mosquitoes carry Wolbachia, they are significantly less likely to spread illnesses to people. The World Mosquito Program breeds mosquitoes with Wolbachia, allows it to establish in the local population, and monitors the insects. This is only done…

SOLUTIONS JOURNALISM NETWORK The Solutions Journalism Network is an organization dedicated to critically — and optimistically — exploring solutions to some of the world's biggest problems. Visit solutionsjournalism.org/storytracker. OUR WORLD IN DATA Looking for some big-picture positivity? Our World In Data shares facts and figures about the ways in which our world is improving, from increased literacy rates, to decreases in crime. Visit ourworldindata.org. GOOD GOOD GOOD Please enjoy this shameless plug. Our team works hard to share good news stories from all around the world on our website, social media accounts, and daily newsletter! Visit goodgoodgood.co.…

GOOD Promote and support African entrepreneurs by amplifying their products, services, or success stories — it helps increase their visibility! Use directories like Black Owned Association or EatOkra to get started. BETTER Call your elected officials and ask them to support legislation or increased grant opportunities that will positively impact African entrepreneurs at home and abroad. Show them all of the progress already being made! BEST Small businesses and startups in Africa face limited access to funding and the infrastructure to grow. Consider investing what you can through online crowdfunding platforms that focus on African ventures.…

Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster are doing more than just singing the ABC's on “Sesame Street.” As part of a new partnership between USAID and the iconic show's nonprofit arm — Sesame Workshop — Ukrainian children and families have support processing the trauma of conflict. New content, which is broadcast in Ukrainian language, includes 140 five-minute animated shorts, designed to bring playful early learning lessons to children — while also zooming in on the unique needs and experiences of young ones impacted by conflict and crisis. Videos include a series on positive self-identity, created alongside Ukrainian advisors and made by a local Ukrainian production team, designed to celebrate contemporary Ukrainian heritage through dance, music, arts, crafts, language, and food. “These materials … were developed with the input of global…

GOOD Use social media for good! Follow international food bloggers, global journalists, or diverse video creators. One of the biggest perks of social media is being able to connect with new people in real time. BETTER Join a platform like World Pulse. If you're interested in social good and want to empower and uplift other women, this is a great place to keep your finger on the pulse — literally and figuratively! Visit worldpulse.org. BEST Find a pen pal! You can actually sign up to be pen pals with an international friend safely and securely online. Create a profile, write secure messages online, or even send out some snail mail! Visit globalpenfriends.com. WHAT'S THIS? THIS IS THE GOOD BAR. We believe in celebrating good and then joining in to make…

Samba has long been an art form integral to the experience of Afro-Latino musicians and dancers — but it's an art form that's been dominated by men. And as we know, areas of our lives and culture that do not lean into diversity often leave consumers looking for a fuller picture. Some hit samba songs also include “dubious” representations of women, according to Silvia Duffrayer, founder of the all-female Samba Que Elas Querem band. Duffrayer's band has been one nine-piece group hoping to change the way these songs are written and performed. In fact, they have become well-known for their “feminist rewrite” of the hit “Mulheres,” originally written by Toninho Geraes in 1995, about the many kinds of women in his life. The new version includes empowering lyrics written by…

THE DAILY EURØPEAN GGG PRESS GOOD NEWS FROM EUROPE Ø14 In the first part of 2023, the European Union passed a law that would require all new cars sold to be zero-emission vehicles from 2035 forward. And European countries are eager to create the infrastructure needed to make this switch a reality. Sweden has begun to turn a highway into a permanent electrified road — one that can recharge electric vehicles while they drive. The country has already built temporary electrified roads in pilot projects, but this stretch would be the world's first-ever permanent electrified road. The road, which is European route E20, connects hubs between three of the country's major cities: Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, and should be finalized by 2025. But how does it work? Well, experts still…

Anyone who has struggled to care for their mental health has likely tried any series of interventions: therapy, medication, diet and exercise changes, and more. With engaging modalities like art, animal, or dance therapy, there are certainly a variety of ways experts have attempted to use to improve mental health. In Australia, coastal dwellers are suggesting that patients hang ten. Flowstate Margaret River, a nonprofit in Western Australia, is made up of accredited mental health and occupational therapists, educators, surf coaches, and active surf community members who provide surf therapy. Four- and six-week programs are funded by state and local governments and take place at a remote beach in the area. The sessions combine surf instruction with structured group or individual activities, breathing exercises, and more to promote psychological and…

Colorado City Makes History As World's First Certified Municipal Pollinator District Campuses & Libraries Across The U.S. Are Increasingly Adding Bikes to Their Inventory — Boosting Access To Cycling Canadian Government Enacts Full Ban On Cosmetic Animal Testing & Trade, Celebrating A Victory For Animal Rights Advocates And EcoConscious Consumers Lake Superior's Largest Private Island To Be Sold To Canadian Conservation Group A Mexican Family Gave Up Fishing To Monitor And Rescue Sea Turtles — Now Training Indigenous Youth To Start Their Own Conservation Groups…

GOOD Amplify the voices of female journalists who continue to report Afghan stories — despite the risks. Follow Rukhshana Media, an online news agency covering issues affecting women in Afghanistan. rukhshana.com BETTER Afghan women have turned to writing, storytelling, and art as a form of resistance. Support and engage with authors and educators like Homeira Qaderi and artists like @kimia_arts_ and @atena_soltaniii_. BEST Support Afghan women and marginalized communities by contributing to organizations like Afghan Relief and grassroots initiatives like PARSA Afghanistan. Visit afghanistan-parsa.org. GGG PRESS…

The 2022 World Happiness Report has been released —and it analyzes global levels of happiness, trust, and benevolence across the globe. The most recent report specifically interrogates these levels through the lens of how COVID-19 has altered different aspects of life. While many of us may assume the pandemic kept humans from being kind, the report indeed finds a contrasting data point: Global benevolence has increased. Researchers found three key increases in benevolence, or “pro-social” behaviors: donations, volunteering, and helping strangers, which escalated in every global region. In fact, those pro-social behaviors increased by 25% globally, compared to pre-pandemic levels, even though the report also saw an increase in negative emotions across the board. So… one might conclude that in an attempt to combat those big, negative feelings that accompanied…

Let's call it how it is: A majority of the world carries a lot of harmful stereotypes about Africa (thanks for that, imperialism), like the belief that African women are stuck in unequal societies, unable to succeed with what they have. There certainly are a lot of systemic barriers for women and girls across Africa, heavily exacerbated by disparities in education, healthcare, and the plague of gendered violence. And women across Africa do need and deserve more resources. But that is true for women and girls everywhere. Just like there are a diverse range of gendered experiences in all the other continents around the globe, so, too, are there a wide array of experiences for women in Africa's many unique nations and cultures. And when it comes to corporate boardrooms,…

What if there was a place online dedicated solely to the empowerment, celebration, and storytelling of women? That's what former international journalist Jensine Larsen was wondering when she created World Pulse. World Pulse unites women around the world to make social change, tackling big issues such as oppression, education access, climate change, and more. Users can share content and connect with others like any other digital forum, but World Pulse also goes a step further and offers digital trainings, a micro-donation lab, and a storytelling awards platform. Since its foundation in 2007, World Pulse has grown to over 109,000 members from 233 countries and territories. Those peer-to-peer connections have a ripple effect, leading to an estimated 24.8 million people reached across the globe through various social impact initiatives. In a…

GGG PRESS GOOD NEWS FROM SOUTH AMERICA NO. 12 The astonishing ability of Indigenous peoples to restore nature through ancient and historical knowledge is not breaking news. In fact, it's painfully obvious: Return natural resources to those who have been most successful in their stewardship — prior to colonialism — and you'll see environments thrive. Though simple in theory, it has taken far too long for governments to reconcile with histories of colonization — but finally, landback efforts across the globe are making an impact on the environmental restoration of our most integral natural worlds. In fact, researchers and Indigenous experts alike now agree: Legally returning the rainforests to Indigenous ownership is the key to their survival. Recent research out of the University of Colorado Boulder zeroes in on Brazil's…

Before former U.S. diplomat Charles Burgess got into the business, Colombia's emerald mines were a war zone, battling for the lucrative green gemstones. Controlled by family clans and drug traffickers, the safety and economic security of miners was neglected, with frequent explosions inside the mines, gun battles outside, and money laundering operations that led to little — if any — pay. Disputes for control over the industry in the 1980s are referred to as the “green wars,” and historians estimate that 3,500 people were killed in the process. However, as resources depleted, family leaders were imprisoned, and selling out was the only option, Burgess bought the most lucrative mine in 2012, and things have improved dramatically. Burgess's company, the Muzo Companies Colombia, now mines and exports 85% of Colombia's emeralds,…

Throughout the war in Ukraine, team members of Kyiv's artisan bakery, Bakehouse, have decided to keep the bakery's doors open and its sourdough fermenting. Since the invasion, Bakehouse has provided over 100,000 free loaves of bread to soldiers, hospitals, and the elderly. While co-owner Anna Makievska fled the country with her two-month-old baby, her team continued to operate out of a basement bakery to distribute food to those in need, as she crowdfunded to support their efforts. Most recently, Bakehouse got a boost from the global community of bakers through a communal cookbook: “Knead Peace.” British chef and sourdough baker Andrew Green rallied bakers from far and wide to contribute recipes. “The baking community is such a special community,” Green told the BBC. “It's an amazing response to the situation…

Australia To Replace Queen Elizabeth II's Portrait On $5 Note, Unveiling New Design Celebrating Indigenous Culture & History Australia Has Become The First Country In The World To Legalize The Use Of Psychedelics To Treat Some Mental Health Conditions Australia To Set Aside At Least 30% Of Its Land Mass To Protect Endangered Species Medical Abortion Pill Set To Become Much Easier To Access In Australia Australia's Dirtiest Power Plant Will Shut a Decade Earlier Than Planned Australia Blocks Proposed Coal Mine Near Great Barrier Reef…

GGG PRESS GOOD NEWS FROM ASIA # 18 In the fall of 2022, Afghan women were officially banned from gyms and parks under the Taliban. Since seizing power in August of 2021, this is only one element of the harm the Taliban has caused, shutting down girls’ high schools, barring women from jobs, and imposing harsh restrictions on dress and movement. But across the country, some women continue to dance — just now, in secret. Laila Ahmad hosts exercise classes in a basement of a private home in Kabul, where windows are blacked out and workouts are done while wearing headphones. Ahmad has qualifications in bodybuilding and yoga, and she teaches former UN staff, government officials, teachers, policewomen, journalists, and businesswomen. “Women can't go to restaurants and cultural events by…