Goodnet | Goodness Exchange

Image: A valedictorian at commencement, facing the crowd of graduates the way this non-speaking valedictorian did in her speech.

Non-Speaking Valedictorian Gives College Commencement Speech

College commencement ceremonies highlight the transition from being a student to going out into the real world. The moving speech at Rollins College – a private college in Winter Park, Florida – on May 8, 2022, admonished the graduates to use their own voices and serve others. It was especially poignant because the valedictorian is a non-speaking autistic woman who never said a word.

Arts & Culture, Happiness & Hope, Members Content

This Glam Squad Lifts Spirits and Self-Esteem for Hospital Patients

Making hospital patients feel beautiful is the mission of the nonprofit Simply From the Heart. But it is much more than just providing glam. The organization’s volunteers – called the glam squad – lift spirits and self-esteem wherever they go.

Happiness & Hope, Members Content

Image: A film assistant holding a clapperback.

CODA Wins Three Oscars, ‘Unmuting’ the Deaf World

A sweet coming-of-age film has captivated audiences, including the judges at the Academy Awards. Following Ruby, a hearing teenage girl with deaf parents and a deaf brother, CODA is shining a wonderful light on the deaf community and sweeping this year's awards season.

Arts & Culture, Happiness & Hope, Members Content

Image: A cat laying on a blanket, looking at the camera. The same type of cat who guards artwork at this Russian museum

These Cats Take Care of This Iconic Museum’s Art!

Does your cat think it rules the house? Does it expect to be treated like royalty? Don't worry, you aren’t alone. These crafty cats in Russia secured a gig from Empress Elizabeth herself, who welcomed a handful of cats to work in the museum keeping it free of mice and rats. These "guardians of the gallery" are "paid" in room and board, and have been protecting the museum for the last 250 years.

Arts & Culture, Members Content

Image: A woman using plant fertilizer on her crops, the same way battery plant food will be used.

Turning Batteries Into Plant Food

Batteries are extremely useful. Many ordinary household items are powered by single use batteries including, TV remotes, toys, flashlights, and even smoke detectors. But what happens when the batteries are used up and have to be replaced? Could they be turned into... plant fertilizer?

Environment, Members Content

Image: A car driving on an icy stretch where sugar beets have been used to de-ice roads.

Cities are Using Sugar Beets to De-Ice Roads

Damage from using traditional road salt on highways comes with an expensive price tag both for tax payers and the environment. Now, innovative cities are using sugar beets, pickle juice, cheese brine, and even leftover beer brine to help solve the problem. So, why does this work?

Environment, Members Content

Image: Two boys dressed as their favorite superheroes.

This App Lets Kids With Hearing Loss Enjoy Movies

This caring high school senior is improving accessibility for youngsters with hearing loss by creating an app that translates Disney movies into sign language.

Science & Technology, Members Content

This Beautiful and Iconic City is Creating More Space to Stroll In

A new initiative underway wants to make life in Barcelona even better by transforming public spaces into 20 miles of pedestrian green spaces for walking, playing, and just spending time, putting the wellbeing of people front and center.

World, Members Content

Image: two kids playing chess in a public park. On the left, a girl staring at the board, playing white. On the right, a boy holding an ice cream cone and making his move, playing black.

This Mentor Inspires Kids to Make Better Moves in Life Through Chess

For Damen Fletcher, chess is much more than a game. This inspiring California man uses chess to help young people from some of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in Southern California and beyond to develop self-confidence and find purpose in their lives.

Happiness & Hope, Members Content

Image: 5 Year Old Harvey Sutton raising his arms to the sky on top of a mountain on the Appalachian trail.

A 5-Year-Old Completes the Appalachian Trail With his Parents

Looking to get inspired? Check out this amazing 5-year-old who this year hiked the Appalachian Trail—a journey that took 2,193 miles and 209 days—with his parents. As the youngest ever through-hiker of the trail, this journey is one for the books!

Happiness & Hope, Members Content

The Magical Music of Trees: Artist Transforms Biology Into Song

Yes, trees sing! A special technology lets you hear this magical song. An artist is harnessing this technology to connect people with nature in an ethereal concert, increasing respect and awareness for majestic trees.

Nature, Members Content, Science & Technology

World’s First Underwater Farm is Growing Fruits and Vegetables

Nemo's Garden is not your typical farm. That's because this unique agricultural enterprise is located under the sea just off the coast of Italy. And the unique biosphere is teaching us tons about the future of sustainable agriculture.