This is among the basic issues the Peoples World/Nuestro Mundo grapples with every day. What story can we tell to inspire and mobilize people to get involved?

There are a million stories out there that make you depressed, tired and overwhelmed. Many of them are meant to do that. Why fight? You won’t win, they say.

The Peoples World tells the untold stories of people coming together and figuring out how to make their job, their community and their world a better place for all.

These aren’t fairy tales. These aren’t just words. They are stories, photographs, blogs and videos that show actions. People in motion, fighting.

But is it enough just to fight?

You also need an outlook, a world view, a strategy for the long haul. And the staff and volunteers of Peoples World/Nuestro Mundo grapple with that as well. Like, who are the main enemies of health care reform? Who are the main fighters for universal coverage? How can we win?

It’s not enough to just critique developments, as many in the media do. To paraphrase a wise German man, “Journalists interpret the world in various ways, the point is to change it.”

Maybe that’s why Marilyn Bechtel’s story “Workers demand Toyota keep NUMMI plant open” has been the most popular story on www.peoplesworld.org for three days running. Because people joining together to change their situation inspires.

Or why Susan Webb’s “Unfazed by Glenn Beck, silent majority turns out for health reform” also hit the top of the charts. (See page 5) The determination of the American people to make sure the far-right Republican fringe do not commit a “coup” on health care and turn back progressive gains since President Barack Obama’s election is also inspiring.

The fight to win meaningful change — from health care to jobs to peace to democratic and workers rights (especially the Employee Free Choice Act) — is the project of millions, united and mobilized.

You know this. That’s why getting Peoples World and Nuestro Mundo stories out to millions is part and parcel of bringing long-lasting social change to the country.

In the coming weeks, history will be made. Our website, www.peoplesworld.org, will be transformed. You can be part of this history by making a donation, and getting your friends and family to donate. It’s easy and it’s necessary. Because the Peoples World/Nuestro Mundo isn’t just about words, but about action.

Take action, donate today.


CONTRIBUTOR

Teresa Albano
Teresa Albano

Teresa Albano was the first woman editor-in-chief of People’s World, 2003-2010, leading the transition from weekly print to daily online publishing and establishing PW’s social media presence. Albano had been a staff writer for People’s World covering political, labor, and social justice issues for more than 25 years. She traveled throughout the U.S. and abroad, including India, Cuba, Angola, Italy, and Paris to cover the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference. An award-winning journalist, Albano has been honored for her writing by the International Labor Communications Association, National Federation of Press Women, and Illinois Woman Press Association.

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