Upstanders

Choosing to Participate asks us, “How can I make a positive difference in the world?”

We invite you to explore these inspirational stories of friends, neighbors, civic leaders, and others who have taken up the challenge to speak out, do the right thing, and make decisions that help create positive change in our world. The people featured here serve as a small sample of the extraordinary Upstanders who are making a difference everyday around the globe. Some acts were big and some were little, but none were too small to notice.

Upstander: An individual, group, or institution that chooses to take a positive stand and act on behalf of themselves and others.
Name City, State Country
Joe MarshallDr. Joseph E. Marshall, Jr., is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Omega Boys Club, a grassroots youth development and violence prevention... California United States
John PrendergastActivist John Prendergast has been on a mission to focus the world's attention on the genocide in Darfur, Sudan and inspire people to intervene in... United States
Josh & Dani BernsJosh & Dani BernsFounders, The Race What can kids do to help find a cure for breast cancer? Just ask Josh and Dani Berns. In 2004, Josh (age 12) and Dani (age 10)... Chagrin Falls, Ohio United States
Joyce DeLaneyJoyce DeLaney has done many wonderful things for Kaiser at Redwood City. She was the manager of the Operating Room, which means she had to keep track... California United States
Juan PuebloJuan Pueblo, Resident Artist of Tia Chucha's Cafe Cultural, Sylmar. Juan does art and music workshops on the weekends for kids and adults. He is a... Sylmar, California United States
Julie ZeilingerJulie ZeilingerWomen’s Rights Activist A lot of people complain about life not being fair, but Julie Zeilinger actually does something about it—pursuing a more just... Chesterland, Ohio United States
Karen PihlakAs the first woman hired by the Azusa Police Department, Captain Pihlak has been a leading community activist in confronting hate crimes. Her leading... Azusa, California United States
Katie MulcahyAge 5, Katie Mulcahy demonstrates that language need not be a barrier to compassion and friendship. Katie was nominated by her father, Sean Mulcahy. Van Nuys, California United States
Koyen Shah & Cammie DubieKoyen Shah & Cammie DubieDirectors, Aspire ProgramHathaway Brown teachers Cammy Dubie and Koyen Shah saw firsthand the value of a well-resourced, independent school education... Shaker Heights, Ohio United States
LaJean RayLaJean RayDirector, Fatima Family Center, Catholic Charities Community ServicesLaJean Ray is passionate about families, especially children and teens. As... Cleveland, Ohio United States