In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about the pope’s endorsement of same sex partnerships, India’s first sustainable fishermen’s radio channel, and Iran’s approval of women to run for presidency.
Starting 2021, women will be allowed to run for presidency in Iran
After four decades of barring women from presidency, Iran has made the decision to include female candidates in presidential elections from 2021 onwards.
Cities are giving paid leave to government employees that work on the polls
Before COVID, 60% of poll workers were older volunteers that resigned earlier this year. Now, governments are giving paid leave to their employees who volunteer to serve as election officers.
Colleges across the US are helping their students find resources
In spring it was revealed that 3 in 5 students in the US experience needs insecurity. Thus, colleges across the country have taken matters into their own hands by providing support including food and housing.
This organisation makes doulas available to minority communities in San Francisco
Sisterweb provides free training and fair wages for doulas, while simultaneously offering free services for clients who include pregnant Black, Latinx and Pacific Islander women.
Farming communities in the US are making mental health a priority
In the US, suicide incidences have notoriously increased in farming groups. To counter that, initiatives such as The Farmer Angel Network aim to address and spread awareness about psychological safety in their communities.
26 scarlet macaws have been released back into the wild in Guatemala
The endangered bright red birds face threats including habitat loss, poaching, and forest fires. The lastest conservation efforts in Guatemala saw 26 birds released into the wild in efforts to boost their numbers.
Australia: the role indigenous knowledge plays in climate change resilience
Indigenous people, whose calendars are based on ecological signs, are bound by spiritual beliefs to protect their communities. Organisations have turned to their gems for fire and biodiversity management.
Source: The Inkline
Read more
More bikes on London’s streets, free fashion upcycling classes, libraries at bus stops
Big Ten schools create ‘mutual defense compact’, salt-powered fridge, sequoia forest in Detroit