In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re looking at a non-profit organisation which operates book clubs and writing workshops in prisons across the US, a historic victory for the LGBT+ community in German politics, and a new bill in Illinois that will allow students to take up to five mental health days off school.
NGO offers constructive reentry to society for prisoners through book clubs
Founded in 2002, Free Minds engages incarcerated people in writing workshops at jails and juvenile detention centres, helping individuals through their reentry programme once they are released.
Two transgender women elected to German parliament
The results of last week’s election are being celebrated by the LGBT+ community, with many viewing the win as a symbol of an increasingly accepting society.
Schoolchildren in Illinois will be able to take 5 mental health days off school
Under a new bill, students who require a break from school for mental health reasons will not need to provide a doctor’s note, nor will they be asked to make up any work that was missed.
New app takes aim at sexual harassment in the film industry
The co-founder of a soon-to-be-launched app, Call It!, Wilson is determined to ensure that workplace bullying, discrimination and harassment have no place in the UK film and TV industry.
A new tool lets you report anti-Asian hate crimes anonymously
The goal of NAPCA’s online report form is to better gauge incidences of anti-Asian violence and harassment, with these data set to be key in influencing public policy and legislation.
An adoption agency for preloved toys is redirecting playthings from landfill
Loved Before is a social enterprise adoption agency for unwanted soft toys of any kind, with donations washed, restored and photographed before finding a new home.
Noninvasive lasers are helping the US wildlife service monitor bears’ health
Highlighted as part of the annual Fat Bear Week, the lidar technology aims to assess the weight and nutritional status of bears in a safer and less intrusive manner than existing methods.