Open Society Reports on Democracy, Rights & Social Change

The Open Society Foundations publishes dozens of reports each year on democracy, human rights, and social justice issues around the world. Their publication library includes over 1,200 documents covering topics like environmental protection, economic justice in Africa, AI in journalism, and fighting authoritarianism. Recent reports examine the Escazú Agreement protecting environmental defenders in Latin America, how democratic governance and economic growth can work together in Africa, and the impact of "foreign agents" laws on civil society. The foundation also produces explainers on fiscal sponsorship for nonprofits and showcases the work of artists fighting for social change through their Soros Arts Fellowship program. These publications support fact-based public discourse and free expression globally. You can filter publications by region (Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, United States) and type (reports vs. explainers). The foundation was started by George Soros and has been working for 30 years to promote democracy, justice, and rights worldwide.

Related

The Bigger WeStudent Reporters Bridge Divides Through Collaborative News StoriesNews Ambassadors connects student journalists from different political and geographic areas to work together on news stories. Students from places like rural Missouri and New York City partner up to report on community problems and solutions. The program teaches special reporting methods that focus on finding common ground instead of creating more division. Student reporters learn 'Solutions Journalism' - covering how communities solve problems rather than just reporting on what's wrong. They also learn 'Complicating the Narratives' - a way to report on controversial topics that helps people understand different viewpoints. The program pairs journalism schools with public radio stations across the country. Students get training, mentorship, and editing help from their professors. The best stories are broadcast in both partner locations, so communities with different political views can hear each other's perspectives. The program also trains radio stations to do 'Community-Responsive Reporting' - getting story ideas directly from community members, especially in rural and urban areas that don't get enough news coverage. This helps fill gaps in local news while giving student reporters real-world experience. The goal is to help Americans better understand each other across political divides and strengthen democracy through better journalism.

VoiceDaedalus Journal: War and American Democracy ResearchDaedalus is a scholarly journal published by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences that explores big questions about society. Their Fall 2025 issue examines how wars have shaped American democracy over time. The journal features essays by university professors and experts who study topics like how war has given more power to the president, how the Supreme Court handles security issues, and how war appears in movies and TV shows. Daedalus covers many subjects including democracy, justice, global affairs, and social health. Past issues have looked at changing rules of war, the common good in democracy, Indigenous knowledge, and immigration and race in America. This is an academic publication meant for scholars, researchers, and people who want to deeply understand complex social and political issues. Readers can browse current and past issues online, sign up for alerts about new publications, and donate to support the Academy's work.

NeighborhoodHouston's Poorest Neighborhoods Still Drowning in Illegally Dumped TrashDespite federal intervention, Houston's low-income neighborhoods face persistent illegal dumping. Environmental injustice as trash accumulates in underserved communities.

The Bigger WeStories That Inspire and Connect People3 Minute Storyteller is a platform that shares short, inspiring stories designed to spark meaningful conversations. The website features stories across different categories including spirituality and mindfulness, self-discovery, social good, sciences, leadership, and creativity and the arts. The platform encourages people to connect through storytelling and offers a newsletter 'For the Love of Conversation' to help build community through shared narratives. While the specific content of individual stories isn't detailed in this overview, the platform appears focused on using brief storytelling formats to inspire personal growth, social connection, and meaningful dialogue between people from different backgrounds and experiences.

The Bigger WeStories of Community Builders Who Weave Neighbors TogetherThis article shares inspiring stories of three community builders from Phoenixville, PA who found ways to connect neighbors and strengthen their town. Maddie Goodwin started PXV Gives after the Women's March to help people find volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits. Julie Miller, an English teacher for immigrants, created a Spanish library and builds bridges between immigrant families and the community. Teresa Haag paints murals that bring beauty to the town and create spaces for neighbors to share stories. These 'weavers' show how regular people can make their communities stronger by building relationships and helping others get involved. Their work demonstrates that lasting change happens when neighbors know and care for each other. The stories are part of a series celebrating everyday people who create positive change in their communities through small but meaningful actions.

The Bigger WeFather Greg Shows How Community Heals Gang ViolenceFather Gregory Boyle runs Homeboy Industries, the world's largest program helping former gang members. He says gang violence comes from having no hope, and nobody who feels hopeful joins a gang. At Homeboy, people get job training, mental health help, and most importantly - hope and belonging. Father Greg believes you don't go to help people in tough situations to save them, but to be saved yourself. Every day starts with a family meeting where everyone feels welcomed. Former gang members learn skills and then help others, breaking the cycle of violence. The program creates a safe space where people feel loved and accepted just for showing up. Father Greg's approach shows that when we treat people with dignity and give them community, they can transform their lives and help others do the same. The story explains how radical love and acceptance can heal deep wounds and create lasting change in communities affected by violence.