Solutions New Stories

1600 Solutions Stories by Professional Journalists Now Available Online

In a world plagued by bleak news, it’s critically important that we have a way to share with each other stories of world citizens taking action to find solutions to society’s toughest problems. The American News Service archive lets us do just that. Its 1,600 articles cover topics ranging from environmental action to education reform. Every one provides an example of community problem-solving.

Founded by Frances Moore Lappé and Paul Martin DuBois in 1995 as a project of the Center for Living Democracy, The American News Service (ANS) was the nation’s only newswire covering “America’s search for solutions.” Lasting five years, its stories appeared in over 300 newspapers and in almost half of the top 100 newspapers by circulation.

Seeing the value of these stories, Berkshire Publishing has made the full archives searchable online, free of charge, here. To search a topic of your interest, choose “Advanced search.”

See our Stories from the Edge blog posts, coming soon, for the latest solutions-oriented news stories.

Stay Connected!

Frances on Fox News Challenges Burger King’s Global Strategist

Watch Frances on Fox News.  “In this clip I argue that Burger King’s new ad campaign not only uses poor people to enrich the company but reflects a flawed business model — one that’s turned the Whopper into the Hummer of the food industry. Burger King executives, I suggest, could learn from the fate of the Hummer makers now on their knees in Washington and go for a savvy business model.”
— Frances

Events with Frances & Anna

The Lappés speak frequently to university audiences, civic groups, green festivals, and more. See what’s next for them on our Events page, or inquire about bringing the Lappés to your community.

Hear Frances on Radio Nation

Imagining a new New Deal, with Howard Zinn, Frances Moore Lappe, Andrea Batista Schlesinger, Eric Schlosser and...FDR himself. Plus: Ennis Carter.  Click to listen.

Take a Bite out of Climate Change

Your fork has more to do with the climate crisis than you may know. Learn! Act! Eat! Check out the “Bite blog” and more resources.

The Small Planet Fund

The 7th Annual Small Planet Fund Gala, December 10th, was a huge success. We celebrated the Coalition of Immokalee Workers at the famed Colors Restaurant, and raised more for the Fund than in any previous year. Connect and learn more.

“Getting a Grip: Clarity, Courage, and Creativity in a World Gone Mad”

Check out Frances’s video introduction to her award-winning new book.

Read a review of her book!

Democracy’s Edge

Read about Frances’ book Democracy’s Edge and find stories of living democracy emerging.

Books from The Small Planet Institute

Getting a Grip

more | buy

Grub

more | buy

Diet for a Small Planet

more | buy

Democracy’s Edge

more | buy

Hope’s Edge

more | buy

You Have the Power

more | buy

World Hunger: Twelve Myths

more | buy

Rediscovering America’s Values

more | buy

The Journey That Launched Small Planet