Story Search Results

Advanced Search

There are so many ways to search the solutions journalism stories in this database. Explore our searchable fields:

Search Results

You searched for: -

There are 225 results for your search. View and Refine Your Search Terms

What's behind Colorado's new suicide prevention campaign? Real teen voices

Jennifer Brown

January 24, 2019 |

The Colorado Sun |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Inclusion, access, and relatability – these are the foundations of Colorado’s “Below the Surface” program aimed at preventing teen suicide. The program is a text line that teens and adults can use to contact an on-call counselor, 24/7, and has been driven largely by teen voices who have experienced suicide and depression up close. Spreading the message about the program is a series of marketing materials, all conceived of by teenagers, that speaks to the disconnect between how people act and what they’re really feeling.

Read More
Go to Original Story
For the first time, Massachusetts cellphone users can text 911

John R. Ellement

January 16, 2019 |

The Boston Globe |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Massachusetts

After a successful test run, Massachusetts residents can now text 911 in the event of an emergency where it's too dangerous to call. Although there are limitations to this approach, known as the Next Generation 911 system, it greatly expands access for marginalized communities.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Eavesdrop on forest sounds to effectively monitor biodiversity, researchers say

Shreya Dasgupta

January 03, 2019 |

Mongabay |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Indonesia, Bontang, East Kalimantan

Bioacoustics, a method for studying sound in forests, has some powerful implications for conservation. For example, the U.S.-based non-profit Rainforest Connection used a remote smartphone network to discover logging and poaching in rainforests. The science is ongoing, but some promising applications are clear.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Let's Chat About Sex: Tech Platforms Target FCT Youth with Sexual Health Info

Chibuike Alagboso

November 28, 2018 |

Nigeria Health Watch |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Nigeria

In a nation that traditionally does not believe or address that adolescents have sex despite overwhelming data, Nigerian web- and mobile-based platforms are expanding access to quality sexual education for youth. Education as a Vaccine (EVA), a non-governmental organization, in particular has seen success with a set of three apps called LinkUp, Frisky, and DIVA that provide anonymous, accurate, and nonjudgemental sexual and reproductive information/counseling. Since 2007, EVA has received over 900,000 text messages, 28,433 voice calls and 800 emails/web entries.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Undocumented Black Migrants Build an Informal Organizing Network

Carla Pineda

November 06, 2018 |

Law at the Margins |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Los Angeles, California

Grassroots organizers use mobile technology to spread information and resources to underserved immigrant communities. Groups like the Haitian Bridge Alliance and UndocuBlack mobilize legal and social resources for immigrants who belong to groups often characterized as “invisible” in the public discourse, because they represent such a small percentage of the migrant population. Mobile tech enables these nonprofits to publicize individual cases and quickly connect immigrants to appropriate social networks.

Read More
Go to Original Story
These election tools are here to help you make sense of your long, complicated ballot

Adele Peters

November 02, 2018 |

FastCompany |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States

Easy-to-use web apps provide information about candidates and referendums, gathering information all in one place for voters. BallotReady and We Vote are two such tools.

Read More
Go to Original Story
The Pirate Cell Towers of Rural Mexico

Martha Pskowski

November 01, 2018 |

New York Magazine |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Mexico, Talea de Castro, Oaxaca

Indigenous communities in rural Mexico have typically faced challenges accessing internet and cell phone service. This is changing thanks to TIC, a nonprofit cell service provider. Lower costs, local community management, and open source technology keep the service affordable. After overcoming several legal battles, the nonprofit cell model is spreading to other areas in Mexico, Brazil, and more.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Sexual-Harassment-Reporting Apps Help Stop Abuse in Global City Streets

Sonia Weiser

October 12, 2018 |

New York Magazine |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: India

Using data collection and visualization, apps like SafeCity, HarassMap, and #WalkFreely are crowdsourcing locations where individuals have been sexually harassed or assaulted so that others know to take precautions. Some operate on a global scale, others locally, but what they all offer is a platform for people to share their story and hopefully prevent it from happening again. Such apps have led to action from community members, the media, and officials who have taken notice of the high rates in certain places and taken action.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Thousands of South Africans join GovChat

Vernon Pillay

October 04, 2018 |

IOL Business Report |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: South Africa

GovChat is the world's first platform that connects citizens with politicians via WhatsApp. It allows citizens to rate public services and report issues, submit service requests, and donate to community organizations. Thousands of people registered and began using the platform within the first 72 hours.

Read More
Go to Original Story
How to help homeless people – without feeding a habit

Stephen Moss

August 29, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom, Oxford

It's not uncommon for people to hesitate to give money to homeless because of an uncertainty of how the money will be spent. To address this, as well as an increasingly cashless society, an app known as Greater Change is being piloted in Oxford that "allows passersby to make donations via their phones using the QR code."

Read More
Go to Original Story