Social Justice: Community Comes First

Volunteers from Asian Americans United by Sierra Turner & Grid staff There are many opportunities to lend a helping hand and make Philadelphia a more just city. You can do anything from helping to address the immediate needs of homeless Philadelphians or new immigrants, or look farther into the future by building the next generation of leaders

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2 mins read

Arts and Culture: People Power Through the Arts

by Sierra Turner & Grid staff Philadelphia’s diverse and vibrant arts community is one of the reasons that we’re topping “best of” lists across the country. Community-centered art programs that expand who has access to the power of art need your assistance. So, pick up a paintbrush, help someone tell an important story or serve on the board of

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1 min read

Rescues: All About the Animals

by Sierra Turner & Grid staff We’ve all seen the “Who Rescued Who?” bumper stickers and T-shirts that speak to Philadelphia’s deep love for the family members we’ve found in shelters. Running those shelters takes a lot of time, elbow grease and kibble, and they are always looking for volunteers to help care for animals and give

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1 min read

Environment: Good Stewards Make Good Neighbors

by Sierra Turner & Grid staff The health of our environment directly impacts the health of our people and our economy. These are just some of the great organizations working across the region to ensure that we’re protecting some of our most valuable assets: healthy air, clean water and neighborhood access to nature. Lend a green thumb

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3 mins read

Mentorship: Each One Teach One

by Sierra Turner & Grid staff Kids are resilient, which is a good thing given the challenges that many of them face in Philadelphia. One of the biggest gifts that we can give them is awareness of their own potential and pathways to achieve it. Camp Sojourner This nonprofit leadership program for Philadelphia girls focuses on team-building, leadership

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1 min read

Food Justice: Feeding Our Souls

Friends of Farmworkers staff by Sierra Turner & Grid staff Food is central to everyone’s life, but it doesn’t come easily to everyone’s table.  Whether it’s ensuring that none of our neighbors go hungry, or protecting the people who help to feed our community, volunteering can help nourish your soul. Friends of Farmworkers Friends of Farmworkers

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1 min read

Care for Kids and Elders: Lean on Me

Although Philadelphia has robust networks of charitable groups providing resources to people in need, it can still be daunting to navigate these public and nonprofit systems—especially for the elderly and for people with health concerns. Here are just a few organizations helping some of our most vulnerable citizens receive food, shelter and health care. CARIE

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1 min read
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Sriracha and Old Bay seasoning liven up a fall favorite

Spicy Sprouts by Peggy Paul Casella For a short window of time, from September through December, you can find knobby Brussels sprout stalks at farmers markets and some grocery stores across our region. These mini brassicas are one of the healthiest vegetables around, with more vitamin C per serving than oranges and lots of vitamins

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1 min read
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Refugees in Pennsylvania shouldn’t suffer more abuse when they seek political asylum

Illustration by Jameela Wahlgren End Family Incarceration by Erika Almiron When I was taken into custody at Berks County Residential Center in Leesport, Pennsylvania—for hugging women who had been unlawfully detained there for months with their children—I couldn’t believe it.  As the executive director of Juntos, a community-led, Latino immigrant organization fighting for our human

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3 mins read

Lay down your arms—but be prepared to fight

A Truly Civil War by Heather Shayne Blakeslee In 1849, in the run up to the Civil War, Henry David Thoreau wrote in his essay “Civil Disobedience” that “All men recognize the right of revolution; that is, the right to refuse allegiance to, and to resist, the government, when its tyranny or its inefficiency are

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2 mins read