HUMANITARIAN FEATURES
LATEST
DRUG PREVENTION
Drug Use Among Teens Falling, New Study Says
Despite the best marketing effort of the tobacco and cannabis industries, more kids than ever are saying no. Education is the most likely reason—and the ultimate answer.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Braulio Vargas’ Fight for Human Rights in Costa Rica is Purpose in Action
Braulio leads a nationwide movement to teach Costa Ricans about the 30 fundamental rights outlined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
The Top 10 Religious Freedom Stories of 2024
Throughout a year of conflict: religious inclusion, religious rights and religious diversity were defended around the world. Religion is more important than ever to more people—and these stories are the leading edge of progress.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Religion Ties Us Together—A Holiday Message of Common Faith
With 73 percent of all Americans considering faith an important part of their identity, religion is what unites us. It’s a resonant message for the holidays.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Hanukkah and Christmas Coincide—Reflecting the Shared Light That Unites All
So rare it happens just once per quarter-century, the holidays remind Christians and Jews of a shared tradition of resilience, hope and miracles.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Religion—Humanity’s Divine Spark and Not-So-Secret Weapon
The holidays refocus our gaze on the truth that religion is the sole civilizing factor in our lives. Our morality is grounded in our immortality.
VOLUNTEERISM
Winter Wonderland’s “Fairy Godmother” Waves Her Wand to Create Magic for the Holidays
Pam Ryan-Anderson puts the rest of her life on hold each September to create a beloved holiday tradition in Clearwater, Florida, with a group of fellow Scientologists giving back to their community.
DRUG PREVENTION
Icon of the Year Elton John Is Latest A-Lister to Speak Out About the Tyranny of Drug Abuse
John recognizes the dangers of marijuana and is speaking out publicly. So are others. Drug abuse is endemic in Hollywood, but the pushback has begun—not a moment too soon.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Global Nonprofit A21 Launches New Campaign to Prevent Human Trafficking
The “Can You See Me?” campaign raises awareness and encourages reporting of human trafficking to rescue victims.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
“Our Prayers Have Been Answered”—Prisoner Swap Reunites Uyghur Muslim Family
For the first time in over 20 years, former USCIRF Chair Nury Turkel was reunited with his mother, released—along with two other Uyghurs—as part of a larger prisoner swap.
CRIMINAL REFORM
Criminon’s Matt Robinson Helps Inmates Rediscover Themselves
Criminon New Life DC delivers effective rehabilitation to inmates—and up to 80 percent leave their criminal pasts behind. L. Ron Hubbard’s humanitarian discoveries show the way toward a world without crime.
ARTS & CULTURE
Notre Dame Cathedral Reopens, Completing Its Latest Miracle
The 861-year-old cathedral survived a fire in 2019. A “40-year restoration” was completed in just five—because faith makes everything possible.
