Activism
MLK Day of Service in Philly — Where to Go, What to Do
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a perfect opportunity to engage with other Philadelphia citizens on civic projects that matter. Volunteer. Visit a museum. Build peace
By Laura Swartz
In Praise of Barry Grossbach, a Civic Hero
University City District’s president remembers the West Philly resident, who turned volunteering into a full-time effort to better his neighborhood
By Matt Bergheiser
“Nothing Short of A Miracle”
The annual convening of Black male educators late last year was a reminder of what can happen when Black men show up for the future.
By Dr. James Peterson
One Thing to Do Each Week to Make a Better City in 2026
52 small ways to make Philadelphia a little better for you, me, your neighbors and strangers
By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
How To Mobilize Hope In 2026
A longtime university president on how to turn the higher ed disasters of 2025 into actions that will preserve what’s best about our local colleges
By Elaine Maimon
Defending Human Rights at Home and Abroad
President Donald Trump didn’t show up for the United Nation’s most recent gathering on human rights. A Philadelphia social justice activist joined colleagues to make a stand on behalf of the values that should matter to all Americans
By Robert Saleem Holbrook
If These Two Could Become Friends…
What does America need on Thanksgiving 2025? Civility, kindness and open-mindedness, of the kind demonstrated by political enemies-turned-best friends Fred Guttenberg and Joe Walsh
By Courtney DuChene
17+ Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season
How to spread cheer to all Philadelphians in this time of joy — and need
By Charissa Howard
“To Be On Someone’s Mind Is To Be Loved”
It’s hard to serve others these days. That’s why the United Way’s Bill Golderer, along with former Big Brothers CEO Marcus Allen, is giving thanks this week to Philly’s nonprofit leaders
By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
Sleep Out at Citizens Bank
The Phillies and a Philly-born Hollywood producer have joined together to host an annual fundraiser for youth homelessness organization Covenant House PA next week.
By Courtney DuChene