The hottest Activism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

'The Man Who Planted Trees' Was an Impossible Task

Animation Obsessive • 3049 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Filmmaking Environmentalism Activism Influences
  1. Frédéric Back made a significant impact in animation through his film 'The Man Who Planted Trees'.
  2. The film, 'The Man Who Planted Trees,' took Back five years to make and was a labor of love that symbolized the good humans can achieve.
  3. The task of animating 'The Man Who Planted Trees' was a challenging and historic endeavor, showcasing Back's dedication and artistic brilliance.

A win win opening for a president who badly needs one?

The Crucial Years • 1066 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate Environment Energy Policy Activism
  1. Environmental campaign is rapidly emerging in the Gulf of Mexico to halt LNG exports, influencing political and environmental grounds.
  2. Biden has the opportunity to show leadership by denying new LNG export licenses, which could cut costs for American consumers and address inflation concerns.
  3. Taking action against LNG exports can help Biden address his polling challenges, appeal to young voters concerned about climate change, and demonstrate commitment to clean energy initiatives.

NZ's Human Rights Commission is going to undergo some changes "in terms of the personnel".

A B’Old Woman • 479 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights Government Legislation Political parties Activism
  1. New Zealand's Human Rights Commission is changing its leadership. The current Commissioner, Paul Hunt, will not be reappointed, which some see as a step towards improvement.
  2. There is criticism about the Commission being too focused on activism, which some feel should not be funded by taxpayers. People are hoping for a more balanced approach in the future.
  3. Recent appointments within the Commission raise questions about their commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi. Some believe these changes might lead to confusion rather than clarity in human rights issues.

Open letter to the Christchurch City Council NZ – available for anyone to sign who is a current, or potential, resident or visitor to Christchurch.

A B’Old Woman • 359 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Rights Activism Local government Gender Issues
  1. The Christchurch City Council is being criticized for not including the word 'sex' in their new policy, which only mentions 'gender'.
  2. There are concerns about allowing men who identify as women to access women-only spaces like the pool's women's sessions.
  3. An open letter is available for current or prospective residents and visitors to Christchurch to support keeping female-only services and facilities.
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The COP is the Scoreboard, not the Game

The Crucial Years • 926 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Activism Energy transition Climate Crisis Greenwashing
  1. The COP negotiations serve as a way to talk and pressure each other but do not have legislative authority
  2. The outcomes at COP reflect the current state of the world and political pressure from mobilized people
  3. Language and agreements at COP do not immediately translate into tangible action, requiring further activism at the local level

A Newsletter About Climate Solutions (yes those, but mostly the other kind)

As If We Were Staying • 4 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Regeneration Activism Ecology Innovation
  1. The newsletter focuses on finding and creating alternatives to climate-related issues, aiming for a positive future. It's important to think about how we can improve the world rather than just focusing on problems.
  2. The creator has experience in both science and climate action, blending knowledge of biology and technology with grassroots climate solutions. This combination of backgrounds helps in understanding complex environmental challenges.
  3. The writing aims to tackle both technical solutions and the emotional aspects of climate change, encouraging readers not to give up and to stay engaged in sustainable practices. It emphasizes the importance of resilience and community in addressing these issues.

How it went down on the day - the 'Voices for Children' rally in Welly.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Protests Social movements Policy Debate Activism
  1. The 'Voices for Children' rally focused on concerns about gender ideology affecting kids. Many speakers argued that promoting certain ideas about gender to children is harmful.
  2. Despite some protesters, the rally was well-organized and brought together a variety of people concerned about children's welfare. There was a strong sense of unity among attendees.
  3. The event received positive feedback for the management by police and security. It gave a feeling of safety compared to previous events where tensions escalated.

Activists Continue to Murder Left-Wing Thought

I Might Be Wrong • 61 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Media Transgender Issues Public Health
  1. There's a claim that some academic sources prove there's no competitive advantage for trans women in sports, but these sources might not be as strong as they seem. It's important to be cautious about where such information comes from.
  2. Many people feel distrustful of institutions like government and media because they sometimes spread confusing or contradictory information. This can make it hard for people to know what to believe.
  3. Activists are often trying to push their point of view, but if others in power repeat these views without evidence, it can further hurt the credibility of institutions and confuse the public even more.

The neo-rainbow racket in New Zealand explained in the language of easy money.

A B’Old Woman • 339 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Activism
  1. Some charities in New Zealand are accused of making money from their supposed support for vulnerable groups. They often focus on the need for funding rather than addressing real issues.
  2. Organizations like InsideOUT, Rainbow Youth, and Rainbow Tick are frequently mentioned in discussions about LGBTQ+ support, raising questions about their motivations.
  3. There is a concern that these charities prioritize their financial gains over the actual welfare of the individuals they claim to help. This raises important questions about accountability in the charity sector.

What's Martin Luther King, Jr. Got to do with Gaza?

Humanities in Revolt • 339 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights International Law Conflict Activism Foreign Aid
  1. Hundreds of thousands expected to participate in a mass mobilization against Israel's war in Gaza for ceasefire, end of blockade, and international law mediation.
  2. Growing international awareness and alarm over dire conditions in Gaza leads to increased turnout in historic peace marches.
  3. The principles and practices exemplified by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., such as active justice, love ethic, and opposition to economic injustice, militarism, and racism, resonate with urgent demonstrations for Gaza.

How did I get here? A bit about me in brief(ish).

A B’Old Woman • 659 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism Gender Rights Activism Personal Story Social Issues
  1. Women's rights can be taken away, and we should never take our rights for granted. It’s important to stay aware of changes that might seem small but can lead to bigger problems.
  2. Paying attention to what some people call 'trivial matters' is crucial. Issues affecting women can often be dismissed, but they deserve attention to prevent further erosion of rights.
  3. Getting involved in activism can be eye-opening and transformative. Through experiences in advocacy, we can learn about the values and decency in people while also facing challenges.

"You're too angry---you only drive people away"

Disaffected Newsletter • 1278 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Public Discourse Activism Communication styles
  1. Being angry can push others away. It's important to find ways to express feelings without isolating yourself.
  2. Understanding the impact of your anger can help improve relationships. Listening and having calm conversations can create stronger connections.
  3. Recognizing when to step back is key. Sometimes, taking a break from discussing tough topics can be helpful.

TL;DRussia Weekend Roundup

TL;DRussia • 550 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Russia Military Economy Media Activism
  1. The Kremlin is escalating its military call-up process by digitizing and tightening rules for serving military notices.
  2. Russian citizens are expressing dissatisfaction with the new measures, but resistance or protests are not yet widespread.
  3. Academic research is shedding light on the role of financial service providers in maintaining networks of Russian kleptocratic capital.

Trump's "town halls" this week were filled with paid attendees and Republican activists

Michael Tracey • 94 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Candidates Media Activism
  1. Trump's recent events labeled as 'town halls' were staged with paid audience members and partisan activists. This makes them feel less like real discussions and more like organized rallies.
  2. Audience members were often recruited through casting agencies, with some even being paid $80 to attend. Many were unsure about what the event really was before arriving.
  3. These events do not provide a genuine platform for candidates to be questioned honestly. Instead, they tend to favor cheerleading by supporters rather than real scrutiny or debate.

The Cost of Kindness – a White Camellia podcast

A B’Old Woman • 519 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Empathy Activism Gender Issues
  1. Women often show more empathy and kindness, which can sometimes be taken advantage of. It's important to recognize when kindness is being exploited.
  2. As women gain life experience, they become wiser about balancing empathy with pragmatism. Understanding that the situation is bigger than just one person's story helps them make better decisions.
  3. The podcast discusses the impact of uncritical kindness towards men identifying as women on women and girls' rights. It's crucial to think about the broader consequences of our actions.

You can't always tell when you're on the right side of history

Odds and Ends of History • 804 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture History Politics Ethics Activism
  1. You can't always tell when you're on the right side of history, even when causes seem morally right now.
  2. Appealing to being on the right or wrong side of history can be a powerful but flawed argument tactic in debates.
  3. Progress is possible, and it's important to think deeply about moral crusades rather than relying on 'right side of history' arguments.

Bloody awesome day at New Zealand’s ‘Let Women Speak’ rally.

A B’Old Woman • 519 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Women's Rights Activism Protests Trans issues Public Safety
  1. The Let Women Speak rally in Auckland was a big event that gathered a supportive crowd of around 400 people. It aimed to give women a platform to share their views.
  2. There was a noticeable police presence at the rally to ensure everyone's safety, which helped attendees feel more at ease despite previous concerns about protests.
  3. The atmosphere was more relaxed compared to a previous rally, with fewer protestors trying to disrupt the event. This allowed for a successful and positive gathering celebrating women's rights.

Sophie Lewis is a revolting dunce

White Hot Harlots • 139 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Social Issues Demographics Government Activism
  1. The 'family abolition' movement is seen as extreme and regressive, causing divisions even within the left.
  2. Sophie Lewis, a prominent figure in the 'Family Abolition' movement, advocates for the dismantling of traditional family structures and promotes controversial views on gender and sexuality.
  3. Lewis argues that children should have full legal agency from birth and aims to create a society where kids are liberated from the influence of their parents, leading to skepticism about the practicality and implications of such ideas.

NZ’s biggest telecommunications company publicly disrespects women.

A B’Old Woman • 619 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Corporate ethics Activism Public Sentiment Social justice
  1. A major telecommunications company in New Zealand has been criticized for not supporting women's rights. Many feel the company favors a specific group over women.
  2. The company publicly backed an activist known for stirring up anti-women sentiments, causing unrest during a women's rally. This situation sparked discussions on social media.
  3. Some customers are considering switching to other services due to the company's stance on women's issues. There are opportunities for businesses that want to attract customers unhappy with current corporate attitudes.

Ady Barkan, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Be A Hero, dies at 39.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 439 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Health care Activism Policy Reform Disability Rights Human Rights
  1. Ady Barkan was a passionate advocate for healthcare reform who passed away at the young age of 39 due to ALS. He fought tirelessly to ensure that everyone has access to essential health care.
  2. He co-founded 'Be A Hero' to help protect the Affordable Care Act and promote universal healthcare. Even while battling illness, he inspired many to join the cause for better healthcare rights.
  3. Ady's love for his family and friends was a driving force in his activism. He believed that everyone should have the care they need to spend more time with their loved ones.

Cascade of Errors

Pitchfork Papers • 235 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Activism
  1. Problems often arise when people fail to think things through to their logical conclusion.
  2. The idea of understanding everything from first principles has been challenged by the complexity of nature and modern technology.
  3. Errors in decision-making can lead to a chain reaction of negative consequences in various aspects of society.

Rewritten

Disaffected Newsletter • 699 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Social justice Activism
  1. Some people believe that modern queer activists are trying to influence children, claiming this openly in videos.
  2. A public figure misrepresented the history of the Stonewall riots, falsely including people who weren't involved.
  3. New laws in California could allow kids to receive mental health treatment without informing their parents, raising concerns about parental rights.

An interesting thing happened at the 'Turn Up for Women' rally in Welly .....

A B’Old Woman • 739 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Activism Rights Social movements
  1. The 'Turn Up for Women' rally in Wellington was created for those who want to support women’s issues but may not feel comfortable speaking out. It aimed to provide a space for solidarity.
  2. Despite weather challenges, about 150 people showed up for the rally, which was a positive turnout compared to past events that faced violence.
  3. There was a notable incident where a man claimed to be a woman during the rally. This highlighted ongoing tensions between gender critical women and trans rights groups.

Normies Of The World, Unite!

Michael Shellenberger • 2066 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Social Issues Freedom of Speech Political Ideologies Medical Ethics
  1. Children are being rushed into gender-transitioning treatments without proper investigation, raising concerns about sterilization and medical abuse.
  2. Wokeism is compared to a powerful and dogmatic religion, uniting various social issues under one umbrella.
  3. There is a call for a united anti-Woke movement, bringing together liberal, libertarian, and conservative individuals to defend freedom of speech and reject harmful ideologies.

Cluck cluck peck peck

Disaffected Newsletter • 1039 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Public Opinion Free speech Activism
  1. People react differently to styles of communication; some prefer straightforward and blunt expressions. It's important to recognize that personal preferences shouldn't dictate how others express their ideas.
  2. If someone is resistant to a message, emotional appeals won't necessarily change their mind. It's often more about the content of the idea than the way it's delivered.
  3. Not everyone seeks to please or follow conventional advice on communication. Some individuals prioritize expressing their truth over trying to fit a more palatable mold.

Meryl Nass on WHO "Tyranny Treaty"

Kevin’s Newsletter • 432 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics UN Pandemic Corruption Activism Propaganda
  1. Dr. Meryl Nass is speaking out against the WHO "Tyranny Treaty" and facing backlash for prescribing ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine to COVID patients.
  2. Dr. E. Michael Jones is critical of the Anti-Defamation League and Elon Musk is supporting the hashtag #BanTheADL.
  3. There is ongoing criticism of NATO's role in Libya and the Washington Post's framing of the catastrophe.