Join the National Discussion: How Do We #WorkAgainstViolence?

Every minute, 24 people in the U.S. are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner, according to the Centers for Disease Control. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and many organizations and individuals across the U.S. are engaging in discussions on ways we can stop the violence. What: YWCA Week Without […]

Two Sisters “Think Virtues” May be the Answer to Bullying

Being kind, sharing and respecting others are behaviors all parents hope their children practice on the playground. But at a time when SpongeBob has more street cred than Mom and Dad, instilling good manners and morals in kids can be tough. “Kids are bombarded by bad behavior on TV, radio and in violent video games, […]

15 Favorite Products that Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This October, we’re thinking pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the year’s best commemorative products. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and, according to Susan G. Komen, an estimated 232,030 cases will be diagnosed this year in the U.S. Support breast cancer research, education, treatment and more by snagging any of […]

3 Ways to Honor Our Firefighters this Fall

Last Thursday marked the 13th anniversary of September 11. As we paused from our normal routines to mourn all those who lost their lives, we also reflected on the startling acts of heroism shown by firefighters, police officers and paramedics. The outpouring of courage on the part of firefighters and relief workers that day served […]

A Round of A-Paws for PAWS North Shore

Get ready, North Shore. There’s a parade of cuteness headed your way. Since 1997, Chicagoans have turned to PAWS Chicago for all of their pet adoption needs. Last year, the organization completed nearly 6,000 adoptions from its center in Lincoln Park, but it has outgrown its current location. To meet the growing need, PAWS will […]

Nominate an Outstanding Nonprofit for the 2014 Philanthropy Awards

We built Make It Better Media to make the lives of our community easier and, truly, better. We’ve partnered with hundreds of organizations and individuals to share their stories and the innumerable ways they are making a difference in our world. The best of these organizations deserve to be recognized and rewarded. In the past […]

The Diamond Project Builds Fields, Furthers Dreams

Ten-year-old Josh Siegel thought someone was pulling his leg when they told him he would be stepping onto the actual diamond at Wrigley Field. “When I realized it was real, I was so happy!” says the fifth-grade shortstop. Siegel was one of nearly 15 elementary and high school athletes walking onto Wrigley Field Thursday, Sept. […]

3 Ways to Make Your Shopping Matter

It’s October, and that means the holidays and shopping madness are around the corner. Instead of waiting around for Black Friday bargains, you can get a jump-start on your purchasing and feel good about where you’re spending your money while staying in the neighborhood or just sitting at your computer. 1. Shop Your Cause Care to […]

Buying Sex: A World Premiere Play About Supply & Demand in the Sex Trade

Sex trafficking sounds like something that happens in far-off places, like Thailand or China, maybe. But sex trafficking is happening in our North Shore communities, in the suburbs, in Chicago. Since 2012, the Cook County Sheriff’s Department has picked up more than 300 children forced into prostitution. Globally, it’s a $32 billion economy that survives […]