Summary

This Yale SPH Q&A explains how alcohol contributes to cancer risk and why U.S. leaders are exploring updated warning labels. Dr. Vasilis Vasiliou highlights mechanisms (e.g., acetaldehyde, oxidative stress), dose–response effects, and the way alcohol amplifies other carcinogens such as tobacco smoke. Guidance includes: don’t start drinking for health reasons; if you drink, keep it modest and consider personal/family risk factors.

Government policies often sound great in meetings but fail when real families try to use them. A healthcare policy might work perfectly on paper but be impossible to navigate if you're a single parent working two jobs. This research shows leaders how to design policies by starting with people's actual experiences, testing ideas small before rolling them out, and improving based on feedback from real users. When policies work for everyday people, democracy gets stronger.

The Democracy & Belonging Forum’s Network Catalyzers Program supports selected Forum members in launching and growing their own virtual or in-person communities related to othering, belonging, bridging, and democracy. 

These communities are entirely member-run, but are in part resourced, promoted, and supported by the Forum. In 2025, six communities (and seven catalyzers) were selected to participate, addressing topics as diverse as bridging in rural France, food insecurity in Texas, and intergenerational engagement among immigrant families. 

Why This Matters

Democracy and social justice aren't competing priorities—they're deeply interconnected. The Forum recognizes that othering can't be countered through more othering, and that democracy rooted in belonging means engaging with those different from ourselves. In an era of rising authoritarianism and toxic fragmentation, building bridges while centering marginalized communities is essential for strengthening democratic systems that serve everyone.

Three Essential Steps

• Create more opportunities for connection - Space must be intentionally created, like a garden, for relationships to take root and grow

• Focus on shared goals - Americans prefer working together toward common community objectives rather than just discussing their differences

• Build on success - Research shows that the more people connect across differences, the more likely they are to want to continue doing so

Frientimacy: The 3 Requirements of All Healthy Friendships” by Shasta Nelson
TEDx Talk | 16 min video
A powerful and funny talk by our very own Chief Friendship Officer that breaks down what makes friendships meaningful and how to strengthen the ones you have.

Our unique program gives food-insecure families an opportunity to access unaffordable, better-for-you alternatives that drastically curb sugar, salt and fat intake. In communities where generational chronic health conditions are the norm, the Better Box is helping thousands take positive steps toward a more nutritious and sustainable lifestyle. Behind the scenes, our Direct-to-Need model leverages over 2,000 Wellfare volunteers and aligns procurement, warehousing, fulfillment, distribution and customer experience under one umbrella, making the program incredibly efficient, transparent and cost-effective. The Better Box is a dynamic and impactful first step in our long term aim to create true food security across the United States.

In one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas, affordable housing is increasingly out of reach for many working families. Habitat MCTX provides a pathway to homeownership through a model rooted in dignity, equity, and community partnership. Their approach reduces generational poverty, creates stability for families, and builds stronger neighborhoods from the ground up.

Why It Matters

As threats to voting rights, transparency, and accountability grow, Democracy Forward ensures that everyone’s voice is heard through the courts and the halls of power.

Synopsis

This article explains how kids in some parts of the country have more chances to move up in life. It uses research from Harvard and shows how local traditions, history, and culture can affect success. Some areas support strong communities and good schools, while others may have fewer public services or opportunities.

Young people already want to work alongside adults to solve community issues—but often lack spaces with real power or connection reciprocal collaboration.

In the face of ongoing humanitarian crisis, Hope Revival offers life-saving psychological and social care in some of the world’s most underserved areas. Their integrated services build long-term resilience while addressing urgent trauma recovery needs. Their work fosters dignity, inclusion, and local capacity in areas affected by war, poverty, and instability.