In A Girl of the Limberlost, Gene Stratton-Porter writes, “The world is full of happy people, but no one ever hears of them. You have to fight and make a scandal to get into the papers.” Here is your opportunity to hear the good news: Every day people like you build a grateful world through acts of creativity and compassion.

(We add new items monthly so if you read a piece of grateful news on a reliable website, please send us a link).

The Mother Figure of Morne Lazarre

Among those suffering in Haiti are people in big camps where much aid has been concentrated.  Then there are those who are trying to maintain neighborhood cohesion with no assistance at all.  One woman - Rea Dol - is leading an effort to feed and care for the people of her neighborhood Morne Lazarre. » Full Story

5 Things That Will Make You Happier

Some scientists have argued that happiness is largely determined by genetics, health, and other factors mostly outside of our control. But recent research suggests people actually can take charge of their own happiness and boost it through certain practices. What's first on the list? Be grateful. » Full Story

Head of the Class

What makes a good teacher?  Innate talent?  Better pay incentives?  Doug Lemov thinks that teaching genius could actually be deliberate technique in disguise and that this can be taught to teachers.  Watch some video examples of winning methods.
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The nun and Glenn Beck: a standoff

Sister Marie Claude Naddaf, a sister of the Good Shepherd, a community founded almost 200 years ago to work for the reintegration into society of marginalized women, has been struggling for the advancement of women for over 50 years now. Read how she stands up for this "work of God." » Full Story  

Finding Love, And Gaining A Granddaughter

Coming into a family as a new life-partner can be awkward.  But for M.J. Seide she knew she "had hit paradise", because she discovered she now had a family that she could wrap her arms around. Hear a tender exchange between her and her granddaughter. » Full Story

From ‘Oprah’ to Building a Sisterhood in Congo

Five years ago, Lisa Shannon watched “Oprah” and learned about the savage, forgotten war in eastern Congo, played out in massacres and mass rape. That show transformed Lisa’s life, costing her a good business, a beloved fiancé, and a comfortable home in Portland, Ore. — but giving her a chance to save lives in Congo. » Full Story

In Portland, Growing Vertical

As part of a $133 million renovation, the General Services Administration is planning to cultivate “vegetated fins” that will grow more than 200 feet high on the western facade of the main federal building in Portland, Oregon, a vertical garden that changes with the seasons and nurtures plants that yield energy savings. » Full Story

Atlanta Family Learns to Live With Less, Gives Half Their Home's Sale to Charity

The Salwen family had volunteered for years at a soup kitchen, but daughter Hannah wanted to do more.  And do more is what they did; they sold their house, moved to a smaller one and donated $800,000 to The Hunger Project, empowering villages in Ghana and enriching their lives in the process. » Full Story

How did Quakers conquer the British sweet shop?

Cadbury, which has been sold to US firm Kraft, is one of several great British firms founded by Quakers. But how did they gain such a stranglehold on the chocolate industry and why were they so successful in business? » Full Story

Beyond Terrorism: Seeing Another Side Of Yemen

Five years ago, Sandy Choi studied Arabic in Yemen. Unlike other graduate students in her class, who chose safer destinations like Jordan and Cairo, she wanted an adventure. Choi is now a photographer, and her photos of everyday life in the country are featured on Foreign Policy magazine's Web site.» Full Story

Mixing Art & Technology and Finding Empowerment

Nazaury Delgado, who has a learning disability and struggled in school, did not consider applying to the art school until his artwork drew the attention of Cornelius Van Wright, his teacher at the Fred Dolan Academy, who encouraged him to apply. » Full Story

A Face of Hope

Emily Haager was born with a fatal disease, Cystic Fibrosis. The proactive and preventative care of Emily's parents and recent medical advances have allowed Emily Haager to live longer.  So has surfing! » Full Story

His Gift Changes Lives

Here’s a story for the holiday season. With help from author Dave Eggers, A 30-year-old former refugee, Valentino Deng, is putting together a most extraordinary Christmas present: the first high school his community has ever had. » Full Story