Blog

Thoughts and insights from our work applying behavioral science to social problems.

How Farmer Networks Can Unlock Sustainable Agriculture

by Jessica Li, Cecilia Shang, Dana Guichon

Early on a Tuesday morning in Boone, Iowa, while the corn fields are still wet with dew, the coffee counter at a local Casey’s gas station hums with conversation. Loitering near the cash register, John chats up his neighbors while his truck finishes filling with diesel.  He’s been coming here for coffee and a doughnut […]

Reframing Equity for Everyone: Lessons from Dr. King’s Legacy

by Bridgette Gray, CEO

This post originally appeared as a LinkedIn Article At first glance, it can seem contradictory that President Trump’s inauguration is on the same day we celebrate Dr. King’s legacy. We honor the face of the Civil Rights movement, the man who embodied social, legal, and economic security for not only Black Americans but all Americans. […]

The Power of Us: 2024 in Review

by Bridgette Gray, CEO

This year has been a testament to the idea that we are greater than the sum of our parts. We’ve collaborated with partners around the world in a range of fields. Here are a few projects that showcase how much more we accomplish together.

How a Board Game Empowers Girls in Ghana to Control Their Reproductive Futures

by Rahin Khandker

The girls jittered as they looked down at the game board. If they moved their piece one more square forward, they would win the game. Afia drew the game card for her team and the blood immediately drained from her face. Oh no—it was the dreaded Chance card. The girls on the opposing teams shrieked […]

Making Giving Season Expansive

by Bridgette Gray, CEO

  This post originally appeared as a LinkedIn Article We’re approaching the Giving Season, and if that stirs up a mix of emotions for you, you’re not alone. For those who want to support meaningful causes and make a positive impact in the world, the Giving Season is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the […]

Here’s How We Protect the Vote

by Bridgette Gray, CEO

This post originally appeared as a LinkedIn Article The Presidential election has begun. The polls won’t close for another two weeks, but record numbers of Americans have already been casting ballots in person and by mail. I’m encouraged by these early numbers and cautiously relieved because solid voter turnout has never been a given. But […]

8 Ways to Unlock Better Teaching Practices

by Katherine Flaschen

Despite nearly universal enrollment rates in primary education in many low- and middle-income countries, many children are not receiving the quality education they need to thrive. Nine out of ten children in Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, cannot read with comprehension by the age of 10. A critical piece in solving this learning crisis is to […]

The Power of Narrative Change: Transforming Lives Through Storytelling

by Bridgette Gray, CEO

This post originally appeared as a LinkedIn Article I’ve witnessed firsthand how stories can shape our world and how the stories being told fuel the discord in our country. Today, I want to share my thoughts on why everyone in the social impact space, regardless of their field, should attend to narrative change—and my advice […]

3 Tips for Making It Easier to Choose a Charity

by Jen Shafer

“The needs of the charitable world are endless, but unfortunately my financial resources are not—that is the most challenging part about giving.” “When I get too many emails, it’s overwhelming.… I just start deleting them.” Donors receive a constant stream of requests for their attention and money. Fundraisers know this, and so they engage in […]

Courts Without Fear

by The ideas42 Team

How Kansas City Municipal Court is leveraging insights from behavioral science to help more people voluntarily clear their nonappearance warrants, without the threat of being arrested.