Activism, Meet Impact.

How many people are held in slavery today? What does modern slavery really mean?

I recently read "The Truth About Modern Slavery" by Emily Kenway. This book goes beyond the term modern slavery, a popular rallying cry, to explore the true nature of exploitation in the global economy. Looking at migration, sex trafficking and supply chains, Kenway shows how the current dialogue around modern slavery and exploitation leaves out a big part of the picture.

Read more in today's article: https://www/novelhand.com/the-truth-about-modern-slavery

Alexa here! It's been a few weeks since we've had a new episode, but it's only because our team is so busy creating new ways for you to turn your activism into impact.

We're launching a new product on June 1st- and we want to hear from you as we plan it! Email me at alexa[at]novelhand.com to share what you're passionate about. Novel Hand covers all sorts of topics, but we want to be sure that we're covering the issues that are most important to you. You can also contact us via Facebook and Instagram.

We'll be back with another episode next week!

Due to the growing opioid epidemic, Appalachia has a death rate by poisoning, which includes drug overdoses, that is 37 percent higher than the rest of the country.

This week on the podcast, Olivia explores issues affecting Appalachia. Learn more: https://novelhand.com/opioid-epidemic-in-appalachia/

What does it take to be a public interest lawyer? 

Today on the podcast, Alexa spoke with current law student Angelina about her experiences working in the justice system. Impact is central to Angelina's mission-- but how can aspiring lawyers (and anyone who wants to help others) learn about how to best create impact? Angelina gives advice for finding what you're passionate about and how to start law school on the right foot.

As the Biden administration settles into the White House, it faces many challenges and juggles many potential policies for how to combat the problems the world is facing. One such suggestion comes from a surprising place – the fashion industry.

On Feb. 9, journalist Elizabeth Segran published an article in Fast Company calling on the Biden administration to focus on the issues plaguing the fashion industry; a lack of environmental regulations and human rights abuses were named as key examples. Segran’s primary suggestion was that President Biden appoint a fashion czar, someone who would oversee programs and laws designed to combat the industry problems.

Learn more: https://novelhand.com/the-us-need-fashion-czar/

Each year, in preparation for the chocolate-centric Easter holiday, a coalition of NGOs survey the world’s largest chocolate companies on their environmental and social impact. This year’s ‘chocolate scorecard’ might surprise you.

Twenty-seven companies were evaluated based on six criteria: human rights due diligence, traceability & transparency, living income, child labor, deforestation & climate, and agroforestry.

Learn more: https://novelhand.com/2021-chocolate-scorecard/

How can I pay rent in a pandemic?

As we approach the one-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic here in the United States, this question weighs heavily on the minds of about one in five renters.

In December, it was estimated that the nationwide eviction crisis would put 11.4 million households more than three months behind on their rent payments by the new year. With each of these households owing an average of $6,000 two months ago and a relief package still delayed, American renters collectively owe over $70 billion in past-due rent, late fees and unpaid utility bills.

Learn more: https://novelhand.com/tracking-understanding-evictions-during-pandemic/

As you’re taking a shower or filling up your water bottle, you probably don’t think much about water and its role in your life. But how we conceptualize and use water can affect who has access to water and how much of it is available.

Today is World Water Day, and this year’s theme is ‘Valuing Water.’ While water may seem neutral or unremarkable, it is critical to our lives and to society. This World Water Day, we’re considering the value of water and how our perspectives on water affect humanitarian issues around the globe.

Today on the podcast, Alexa, Emma and Grace discuss water through three different perspectives.

Learn more here: https://novelhand.com/world-water-day-2021/

U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order condemning anti-Asian racism on Jan. 26, but anti-Asian hate crimes continue to make the headlines.

To get a better understanding of what is currently happening, Valerie interviewed Raymond Chang, president of Asian American Christian Collaborative (AACC), about the rise of Anti-Asian hate crime in the United States.

Read more here: https://novelhand.com/interview-on-anti-asian-racism/

Today on Handful, Olivia shares several ways to ensure that your clothes are good for people and the planet.

Read more here: https://novelhand.com/move-toward-sustainable-closet/