Sunday, September 20, 2026
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What’s Working

For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

HopeResilienceGratitudeConnectionCourageKindnessCreativityGrowth

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Connection

The quiet, durable work of belonging to one another.

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ConnectionUpworthy

104-year-old Navy veteran shares her surprising secret to staying young: ‘Skippy peanut butter’

In a heartwarming encounter, 104-year-old Navy veteran Ella shares her secret to longevity: a lifelong love for Skippy peanut butter. The serendipitous meeting with documentarian Kara Lewis at a diner allows Ella to recount her rich life story, from joining the Navy during World War II to forging an 81-year friendship with a fellow servicewoman, meeting her husband, and building a large family. Her story, filled with humor and wisdom, captivates viewers online, highlighting the resilience and joy of a woman who has lived through significant chapters of history.

  • Gratitude
  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

7 ‘bad’ things your kids do that actually mean you’re a good parent

In a world where parenting is often critiqued under the harsh light of perfection, this article offers a refreshing perspective: the very behaviors we might hastily label as 'bad' in our children could actually be signals of a strong, healthy relationship. From children saving their most unfiltered selves for home to teenagers pushing back against rules, these actions can be indicative of trust and developmental milestones. As Dr. Jennifer Politis points out, a child's ability to 'fall apart' at home signifies a safe space where they don't have to perform, highlighting parental success rather than failure.

  • Perspective
  • Courage
  • Curiosity
YouTube
ConnectionGood News Network

Team Sequesters Plastic and Makes New Products Before it Breaks Down in Environment

In San Carlos, California, the Schick family is tackling the pervasive issue of plastic waste through their nonprofit, Peninsula Precious Plastics. By focusing on hard-to-recycle thermoplastics, they transform potential environmental hazards into new products such as furniture and keyrings. This initiative not only prevents these plastics from degrading into harmful microplastics but also galvanizes community involvement, drawing in students, engineers, and artists to contribute innovative solutions.

  • Gratitude
  • Curiosity
  • Courage
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

Neo-Nazis slowly realize this small town brilliantly pranked them for a great charity

In a masterstroke of subversion, the small Bavarian town of Wunsiedel turned a neo-Nazi march into an unexpected fundraiser for EXIT Deutschland, an organization dedicated to helping individuals leave extremist groups. By sponsoring each of the 200 marchers with donations for every meter they walked, the town cleverly redirected the march's energy against the very ideology it sought to propagate. This ingenious plan not only raised over $12,000 for anti-extremist efforts but also demonstrated the power of wit and community solidarity in countering hate.

  • Courage
  • Kindness
  • Perspective
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

Want to communicate better? Try these casual-but-deep questions that ‘super communicators’ use

In an era where genuine connection often feels elusive, the art of asking thoughtful, open-ended questions emerges as a beacon for improved communication. Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, highlights how 'super communicators' distinguish themselves by asking significantly more questions than the average person, inviting deeper engagement and understanding. These questions, often deceptively simple, encourage others to share their values, beliefs, and experiences, facilitating conversations that are both meaningful and enriching.

  • Curiosity
  • Love
  • Perspective
TikTok
ConnectionUpworthy

Christian Bale worked for nearly 2 decades to open a ‘foster-care village.’ Last week, it finally happened.

Christian Bale's nearly two-decade journey to establish a 'foster-care village' in Palmdale, California, has finally materialized, marking a significant milestone in foster care reform. Through 'Together California,' Bale and his wife, Sandra Blazic, have created a 12-home community designed to keep siblings together, addressing a critical issue where up to 75% of siblings in foster care are separated. This initiative not only provides stability and support for up to 72 children at a time but also aims to serve as a model for future foster care systems.

  • Perseverance
  • Kindness
  • Hope
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ConnectionUpworthy

Canadian comedian offers Americans a gentle invitation to ‘be friends again’

In a world often dominated by divisive rhetoric, Canadian comedian Simon King extends a heartfelt olive branch to the United States, reminding us of the enduring bond between the two nations. Through humor and sincerity, King addresses the complexities of the current U.S.-Canada relations, acknowledging the challenges while emphasizing the shared history and mutual respect that have long defined this cross-border friendship. His message, couched as a 'wellness check,' resonates deeply, offering a moment of reflection and hope for rekindling amicable ties.

  • Kindness
  • Hope
  • Perspective
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

Seattle teachers wanted to strike despite 6-figure salaries. Parents had their backs.

In an inspiring show of solidarity, parents in Seattle backed teachers in their demand for better pay and conditions, despite the disruption a strike could have caused to their families. This support came as a surprise to many, given that Seattle teachers already earn significantly above the national average. However, with the cost of living in Seattle being extraordinarily high, parents understood the teachers' plight and stood by them, recognizing the essential role educators play in nurturing the future generation.

  • Gratitude
  • Courage
  • Kindness
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

National Teacher of the Year has a brilliant plan to recruit more young teachers: Invite them

Leon Smith, the National Teacher of the Year, is confronting a critical decline in new teacher recruitment with a refreshingly simple strategy: invite young people to consider teaching as a career. Noticing a 70% drop in local students pursuing education degrees, Smith, a veteran educator with 25 years of experience, believes the key lies in actively engaging and inviting students to see teaching as a viable and impactful profession. By directly asking young people, "Have you ever thought about being a teacher?", Smith challenges the assumption that everyone understands the value and role of educators.

  • Hope
  • Courage
  • Gratitude
TikTok
ConnectionUpworthy

Philosophy expert shares the ‘weird’ sign that someone is happily married

In an era where relationships are often evaluated by superficial metrics, philosopher Julian de Medeiros offers a refreshing perspective on what constitutes a happy marriage. Drawing on the wisdom of Michel de Montaigne, de Medeiros suggests that the secret lies in friendship rather than the traditional notion of romantic love. This approach resonates with the idea that a marriage grounded in mutual 'weirdness'—where partners embrace each other's quirks and idiosyncrasies—creates a unique bond that transcends the typical highs and lows of romantic passion.

  • Perspective
  • Love
  • Curiosity
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

Want free concert tickets? EARNT has a simple idea: Volunteer for them.

EARNT has ingeniously tapped into the fervor of fan culture, transforming the often passive adoration for artists into a conduit for community service. By offering concert tickets in exchange for volunteer hours, the organization has turned the anticipation of a Harry Styles concert into an opportunity for tangible good. In March, 200 volunteers restored a playground in Manchester, earning them access to a coveted performance. This initiative not only rewards fans with memorable experiences but also fosters a sense of community and purpose.

  • Hope
  • Curiosity
  • Kindness
TikTok
ConnectionUpworthy

Want to be more likable? Here’s the type of question to avoid and the one to always ask.

The article delves into the nuanced art of conversation, revealing that while mirror questions—those that simply reflect what we've been asked—may seem polite, they don't necessarily enhance our likability. Harvard Business School's Alison Wood Brooks suggests that these questions often lack authenticity and genuine curiosity, leading to perfunctory exchanges. Instead, she advocates for topic-switching and follow-up questions, which indicate a deeper interest in the conversation partner and can significantly boost our likability.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Kindness
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

Behavioral scientist shares 10 questions that will make people fall madly ‘in like’ with you

In a world where social interactions often feel fraught with anxiety and superficiality, Dr. Alison Wood Brooks offers a refreshing approach to building genuine connections. Her research suggests that the secret to being likable is not about dazzling others with our own stories, but about showing genuine curiosity in theirs. The article highlights ten thoughtfully crafted questions that encourage openness and vulnerability, fostering a deeper sense of connection and understanding between people.

  • Curiosity
  • Kindness
  • Perspective
YouTube
ConnectionNice News

Always on Guard? Learn What Drives Defensiveness and Get a Therapist’s “Antidote”

In the insightful article by Stephanie Baxter, the pervasive issue of defensiveness in relationships is dissected with the help of licensed therapist Linda Carroll. Defensiveness, often perceived as a protective mechanism, paradoxically erodes the very connections it aims to safeguard. Carroll highlights that both biological instincts, such as the fight-or-flight response, and environmental factors, like upbringing, contribute to this behavior. She emphasizes the importance of cultivating curiosity as an antidote to defensiveness, suggesting practical steps like slowing down and naming one's emotions to foster a more open and constructive dialogue.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Courage
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

A 19-yr-old built a beautiful tiny home on her parents’ property. More young people are following suit.

In an inspiring twist on the housing market's challenges, 19-year-old Annie Rose built a tiny home on her parents' property, a trend gaining traction among young adults seeking affordable and meaningful living solutions. Her journey, showcased on YouTube, highlights the creative and resourceful ways Gen Z is tackling the housing affordability crisis. By utilizing plans from Etsy and support from her family, Rose constructed her 300-square-foot sanctuary for $45,000, a testament to ingenuity and familial collaboration.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Gratitude
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

Forget the names of people you just met? Psychologists say it says something good about you.

In a refreshing twist on the often-embarrassing act of forgetting names, psychologists suggest that this common lapse may not indicate apathy or poor memory but rather a sign of high intelligence. The phenomenon, known as the Fan Effect, reveals that individuals with above-average intelligence often absorb so much information in social interactions that retrieving specific details like names becomes challenging. This insight reframes a social faux pas as a testament to one's empathetic and prosocial tendencies, highlighting a deeper engagement with the person beyond their name.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Kindness
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

Four guys write a letter asking to walk their new neighbor’s dog. The dog writes back.

In a charming tale of neighborly love and canine companionship, four friends in Bristol, England, found a delightful way to fill their pet-shaped void. Jack McCrossan and his housemates, unable to have a dog due to their landlord’s policy, reached out to their neighbor, Sarah Tolman, through a heartfelt letter offering to walk her black Sheprador, Stevie. To their surprise and amusement, Stevie 'responded' with a letter of her own, full of playful demands for ball throws and belly rubs, penned by Tolman. This whimsical exchange not only sparked a meaningful friendship between the neighbors but also highlighted the power of simple gestures to break down barriers.

  • Kindness
  • Curiosity
  • Love
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

A man searched 20 years for his birth mother with three clues. ChatGPT found her in minutes.

Avtar Singh's journey to find his birth mother was a decades-long odyssey marked by scant clues and emotional hurdles. Raised by his grandparents in India and later sent to Canada, Avtar always felt a disconnect with the woman he believed was his mother. It was only after a geneticist's inquiry about his family history, years later, that he felt the urgency to uncover his roots. Despite the commonality of the name 'Savinder' and his reluctance to use DNA tests due to privacy concerns, Avtar turned to AI, which quickly identified his mother, Savinder Kaur Nagi, through a tribute article. This breakthrough connected him to a family he hadn't known, revealing a mother who had long mourned her lost son.

  • Perseverance
  • Hope
  • Love
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

9/11 Pentagon survivor runs 2,977 miles, speaking the name of a life lost with each mile

Captain Hanna Born's heartfelt tribute to the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001, is not just a physical challenge but a poignant act of remembrance. By running one mile for each life lost and speaking their names aloud, Hanna transforms a staggering number into individual legacies, ensuring that each person is remembered and honored. This journey is deeply personal for Hanna, a Pentagon daycare survivor, and her actions resonate with profound gratitude for the life she was able to live and the lives that were cut short.

  • Gratitude
  • Perseverance
  • Love
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

100-year-old flute player asks band to play blues, then joins in and steals the show

In a heartwarming scene at a nursing home, a 100-year-old flute player unexpectedly joined a band led by Lithuanian musician DØVYDÅS, turning a routine performance into an unforgettable blues jam. Requested to play in the key of C, DØVYDÅS obliged, and the centenarian flaunted his remarkable musical prowess, bringing the room to life with jazzy riffs. The surprise performance not only uplifted the spirits of the elderly audience but also underscored the timeless joy and vitality that music can evoke, regardless of age.

  • Hope
  • Courage
  • Love
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

Man who’s rated over 300 benches finally gives a perfect 10—for the most heartwarming reason

Sam Wilmot, the man behind the unique endeavor of rating over 300 benches, has finally awarded a perfect 10/10 to a bench for the most heartwarming reason: it was the site of his wedding to his fiancée, Sophie. For Wilmot, who has been meticulously scoring benches based on both functional and aesthetic criteria since 2019, this particular bench transcended its physical attributes by becoming a symbol of personal joy and shared memories. Their love story began with a conversation about benches, and Sophie has been a steadfast supporter of Wilmot's passion, making this bench not just a seat, but a cornerstone of their relationship.

  • Love
  • Curiosity
  • Gratitude
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

Stevie Nicks wrote ‘Landslide’ in 5 minutes. Here’s why it resonates with every generation.

Stevie Nicks' 'Landslide' is a testament to the enduring power of music born from a moment of introspection and crisis. Written in just five minutes during a period of personal uncertainty, the song has transcended generations due to its deeply personal yet universally relatable themes. Nicks composed it in Aspen, Colorado, at a crossroads in her life, reflecting on the potential collapse of her dreams alongside her musical partner Lindsey Buckingham. The song's strength lies in its ability to resonate with anyone facing change, capturing the delicate balance between fear and hope.

  • Hope
  • Courage
  • Perspective
TikTok
ConnectionGood News Network

Indie Comic Creator Sells Out Thanks to Viral Visit from Reviewer Who Stopped When Others Didn’t

In a world where social media often feels saturated with negativity, the story of Dare, an indie comic creator, offers a refreshing counter-narrative. Through the unexpected kindness of a TikTok reviewer known as @slow_comics, Dare's Nigerian heritage-infused comic, 'Ori: Holder of the Heads,' found an audience that transformed interest into viral success. The reviewer, who makes it a point to visit overlooked booths at comic conventions, highlighted Dare's work, praising its unique art and cultural richness. The resulting video captured the imagination of a million viewers and led to Dare selling out his entire stock, necessitating a family call for more supplies.

  • Curiosity
  • Kindness
  • Hope
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

A free climber was stranded 250 feet up a mountain. His 911 call reveals his one true fear.

In a gripping tale of survival and unexpected priorities, Thomas Perry found himself stranded 250 feet up on Mount Yonah, Georgia, after a free-climbing mishap. Despite the perilous situation, Perry's primary concern during his 911 call was not his own safety but the anxiety his ordeal might cause his father, fearing he would end up in the news. His calm demeanor during the call and the subsequent rescue by firefighter Will Roper, who rappelled down to secure him, highlight a remarkable blend of human resilience and community support.

  • Courage
  • Love
  • Perseverance

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HopeResilienceGratitudeCourageKindnessCreativityGrowth