ONE LAST THING...

Every conflict is an opportunity

Aik Kramer didn't see his ideals about justice reflected in traditional law, but he did see them reflected in mediation. Two years ago he set up Generation Why, a Dutch platform and gathering point where young people can go for training and information on mediation.

 

PEOPLE

25 Intelligent Optimists

Ode asked 25 famous people–Hollywood actors, prominent politicians, scientists, authors–to nominate their favorite Intelligent Optimist, a person who isn't famous but should be for his or her work to create a better world. The result: 25 inspiring profiles of changemakers you've never heard of–yet.

 

Danny Kennedy: Solar energy entrepreneur

Actress Cate Blanchett applauds Danny Kennedy's work in the solar power industry. He helped in turning the Sydney Theatre Company into a green building.

 Charles Eisenstein: Social theorist

Author David Korten nominates a young graduate of Yale, Chareles Eisenstein who has an amazing ability to combine philosophical and spiritual depth to practical insight. One such solution he is hoping to promote is a gift economy.

 Cameron Sinclair: Innovative architecture for humanity

Dean Ornish, founder and president of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute, nominates Cameron Sinclair, the co-founder of Architecture for Humanity and the Open Architecture Network. Sinclair believes that designers should innovate globally to build housing, schools, clinics and other essential infrastructure locally.

 Gareth Strangemore-James: Organizer and change agent

Systems theorist and author Ervin Laszlo nominates Gareth Strangemore-James for his work in creating solutions oriented organizations such as Tsunami Relief, European Social Forum and WorldShift 2012.

 Esra’a Al Shafei: Blogger and free speech activist in the Middle East

Ode reader, Lieke Fortuin, nominates Esra'a Al Shafei for her work in mobilizing people online to support a fellow blogger who had criticized Islam. You too can nominate your favorite Intelligent Optimist online and your choice might be featured in Ode.

 

Dr. Denis Mukwege provides hope to women in Congo

Playwright and female activist Eve Ensler nominates Dr. Denis Mukwege for his compassion and courage to protect and heal women in his native home in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

 Elise Christofias and Oya Talat: Peace activists

The first female prime minister of Norway, Gro Brundtland, says Elise and Oya work behind the scenes to bring together the divided island of Cyprus.

 Hermann Albers: Wind energy advocate

President of Eurosolar, Hermann Scheer nominates Hermann Albers for his work on Germany's wind energy industry.

 David Wilkinson: An environmental scientist who is not afraid to look into the futre

Author James Lovelock praises David Wilkinson's broad-minded approach to looking and science and our earth.

 

Jim Channon: Mobilizing the military to clean up the earth

Actor Jeff Bridges nominates Jim Channon, who wants to mobilize the military to plant trees, clean up freshwater reserves and restore reefs.

 Carole Thate: Sports promoter and psychologist

Dutch soccer star Johan Cruuff nominates Carole Thate as an intelligent optimist for creating sports programs for disabled and less privileged kids.

 Yonas Tadesse: Ethiopian sports coach

Johann Olav Koss, Norwegian Olympic speed skating gold medal winner, nominates Ynas Tadesse who grew up with polio and now leads a sports program in Ethiopia for kids with disabilities.

 Kyle Zimmer: Literacy promoter

Actor John Lithgow, says Kyle Zimmer is "an impatient optimist." Her goal is to not fight illiteracy, but to end it. She is doing so with her new company, First Book.