Stanford Social Innovation Review

How CitiStat’s hard data and straight talk saved Baltimore.

The traditional approach among human rights groups in Nigeria had been accusatory: publicize injustices or sue the government. But in January 1998, on the eve of democracy, an NGO called the CLEEN foundation set out to reform law enforcement from within.

The Montana Meth Project’s graphic ads saturate TV, radio, billboards, and newspapers to portray the reality of methamphetamine use, in all its grit. Scabs and body sores are just the beginning. So far, the shock factor is working.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Mohammad Yunus aims for a more just society for all.

Commercial microfinance institutions (MFIs) must calculate two bottom lines: alleviating poverty for clients and also generating profits for investors. To achieve the latter goal, some MFIs charge their impoverished clients exorbitant interest rates. The recent Banco Compartamos IPO in Mexico raises a red flag, demonstrating how easily well-intentioned MFIs and their investors can shift from microlending to microloan-sharking.

Grassroot Soccer uses the world’s most popular sport to educate kids in sub-Saharan Africa about HIV and its prevention.

Museum teaches about ending world hunger.

THE INSANITY OFFENSE: How America’s Failure to Treat the Seriously Mentally Ill Endangers Its Citizens by E. Fuller Torrey

SUPERCAPITALISM: The Transformation of Business, Democracy, and Everyday Life by Robert Reich

New research estimates the value of the services provided by faith-based organizations.

We must break the stereotype that low-income communities are unable to help themselves.

RAMP nurtures local inventors in India, Peru, and Indonesia

Research supports violent media’s negative impact on civility.

How a Jewish charity is responding to one of the biggest scams in history.

THE SPIRIT LEVEL: Why Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger by Richard Wilkinson & Kate Pickett

LOOKING FOR THE LIGHT: The Hidden Life and Art of Marion Post Wolcott by Paul Hendrickson

A close study of 13 high-growth economies suggests that, counter to some received wisdom, political leaders are an integral part of creating successful economies

The evidence doesn’t support the political left or right.

Some families lack the purchasing power to eat well.

For Manna, the path to affordable housing runs though a peer-support club.