Stories about Ideas from December, 2016
The Best of Latin American Info-Activism in 2016 (Part 1)
The best of Latin American info-activism did not fit into one post, so this will be the first of two articles discussing initiatives that sparked online fire throughout the region.
The 2016 Russian Words of the Year, Explained
Like many words in Russian, the 2016 words of the year can be explained but not quite translated.
This Was Also the Year of Citizen Heroes in Latin America
Global Voices reviews the Latin American stories in 2016 that taught us about fighting back.
‘Painting on Death': One Syrian Artist's Mission Under Siege in Douma
"We will make a Christmas tree from your shells and bombs, and light it for peace in our wounded Ghouta."
Macedonia's Pollution Is So Bad That Activists Have Installed ‘Mountain Air Breathing Booths’ in Protest
Other unhappy citizens have resorted to parody. A piece of graffiti recently circulated on Twitter pokes fun a government inaction: "Recommendation: Don't die from cancer!"
For a Limited Time, Croatians Get Free Access to a Digital Library of 100,000 Books
Not in Croatia? The Croatia Reads app also offers people outside the country Croatian books free of charge.
What Worried Latin Americans in 2016?
"How philosophical, how profound are the doubts that trouble the Latin American minds of our times."
Investigative Journalists Reveal Accumulated Wealth of Serbian Politicians
The revelations, compiled by investigative journalism network KRIK, are generating lively debate online and within traditional media.
Watch TED Fellow Bektour Iskender's Talk on the ‘Mega Force’ of Youth Journalism in Kyrgyzstan
In the era of fake news and 'information warfare', the story of Kloop.kg is one that both inspires and reassures.
Iranian-American Designer in New York Leverages Fashion to Create Social Impact
An Iranian-American architect has created a brand inspired by cities to create “an awareness of place and leveraging fashion as a messaging tool to create social impact.”
Activists Around the World Could Learn From Peru's History of Protest
Look to civil society's innovations in 1990s Peru, and activists around the world today could learn some vital lessons in resisting autocracy.
Sleeping or Dead – Part 6: Do Not Forget Them
"There are others who haven’t had the chance to bring their stories to an end, but are at this moment still stuck in them. Do not forget them."
In Addition to Innovation, Journalism Needs Trusted Communities
A friend donates part of a grant to Global Voices, because "infrastructure, communities and trust take a long time to build—and without support, those gains can all too quickly disappear."
What Are People Naming Their Kids in Mexico?
Did you know there are Mexicans named "Christmas Day" or "Yahoo" and that -- to make matters worse -- online bullying violates their privacy?
Student Leaders Spark Hope for Change on Iran’s National Student Day
"Iran’s civil society and student movements remain a ray of hope, and indeed pride, for a nation that continues to struggle for change."
There Are Many Organizations in Caracas Trying to Change Things for the Better
Can people in small groups change the stories that are told in the Venezuelan capital? Civil organizations strongly say 'yes'.
Interested in Cultural Feminism? Serve Yourselves!
A well-known Peruvian educational outreach blog has listed 70 Spanish-language texts available on cultural and women's struggles.
Russian Students Create Programming Language to Help Their ‘Streetwise’ Peers Graduate
Students at St. Petersburg's College of Information Technologies have built a new programming language using the "gopnik" vernacular.
Now That's Epic: Kyrgyz Woman Singer Remakes Poem Traditionally Sung By Men
"The whole might of the Kyrgyz Nomadic Spirit, the intimate, magical fluid of our mountainous country."
Sleeping or Dead – Part 5: This Farce Called a Homeland
"You’re lucky, as some were transferred out today, before we had shifts for standing and sitting....we are managing by squatting and sleeping on each others’ shoulders.”
Macedonian Election Campaign Started with Attempt of Identity Theft on Opposition Party
Upcoming parliamentary elections in Macedonia began with electioneering campaign tactics that were suspiciously sneaky.
