News Moves Us
In today’s fast-paced world, news is everywhere — on computers, tablets, and phones in addition to traditional media outlets like newspaper, television and radio. We are often moved by what we read and hear, but until now, we’ve struggled to find ways to participate, to actually reach out and change the news. That’s where RYOT comes in. Instead of leaving you feeling helpless and frustrated, RYOT gives you the power to “Become the News.“
RYOT Activates Us
1. Every story posted on RYOT.org is accompanied by an action box, which either links directly to a leading organization that is making a positive impact on the issue, a petition, or another related action that allows you to have an impact on what you’re reading. Look for the gray box alongside the story.
2. At the end of every story, you’ll find a RYOT note, our take on the traditional editor’s note. This is where you can read about the connection between the story and the featured cause or organization. You can also discover additional facts and figures related to the story.
3. A percentage of all advertising revenue goes to a featured non-profit, which changes weekly. Just by getting your news from RYOT and sharing our stories, you are helping to change the world.
What does RYOT Stand For?
It’s not an acronym, but rather a philosophy: In the Hindi language the word Ryot means “peasant”: an untouchable, a person without a voice. The name also stems from the Martin Luther King Jr. quote, “A riot is the language of the unheard.”
Our philosophy is that anyone can make in impact no matter who they are, and also that the nature of the term “riot” is evolving. The way we see it, RYOT has a productive, rather than destructive energy in the modern era, and is the result of organized effort rather than chaos. Our goal is to embody this philosophy by giving our readers a way to not feel helpless, to take action and have an impact on what they read in the news.
Who’s Behind RYOT?
David Darg — Co-Founder
One of Esquire Magazine’s “2012 Americans of the Year,” David spent the last decade as a first responder and frontline contributor for Reuters, the BBC and CNN, covering some of the world’s largest natural disasters and wars. As Vice President of Operation Blessing International, he has traveled to over 100 countries and is currently based in Haiti. As a filmmaker, David has won numerous awards including a Special Jury Mention at the 2012 Tribeca film festival as Co-Director of Baseball in the Time of Cholera. David grew up in the Middle East and England. After receiving his degree in Philosophy from Oxford University, he moved to Africa to work in the non-profit sector. David loves to surf and play guitar.
Bryn Mooser — Co-Founder
Bryn has spent the last three years in Haiti as the Country Director for Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ). He helped build APJ’s secondary school in Port au Prince—the only free school of its kind serving the poorest areas of the city. Before working in Haiti, Bryn served in the Peace Corps in West Africa. He then hitchhiked from Bangkok to Berlin. He speaks Creole and parts of several other African languages. Bryn Co-Directed Baseball in the Time of Cholera with David, and was also named one of Esquire Magazine’s “2012 Americans of the Year.” Bryn grew up in Los Angeles, New York City and Africa. In his spare time, he plays bass and sax in the London-based band Proud Mary.
Molly Swenson — Strategic Partnerships
Originally from Seattle, Molly lived in Cambridge, Buenos Aires, New York and Washington D.C. before moving to Los Angeles. After graduating from Harvard University, she worked in the fashion industry in NYC. Molly then took an internship at the White House and made a brief but memorable appearance on American Idol Season 10, where Randy Jackson punched her in the kisser. Since moving to LA, she has worked with some of the world’s most high-profile individuals on philanthropic strategy. Molly still sings and has been known to rap, occasionally.
Brian Klonoski — Editor in Chief
Born in Krakow, Poland, Brian moved with his family to America when he was one year old and spent much of his childhood moving throughout the United States. He graduated from Colby College in Maine with a degree in English Literature and Government. Inspired by writers like Ernest Hemingway, Brian decided to explore his passion for journalism, creative writing and photography after graduating. He published several short stories and worked as a designer, editor and reporter for the Lewiston Sun Journal. After an especially brutal Maine winter, and compelled by a shocking deficiency of Vitamin D, Brian set off for the warm, sunny embrace of Los Angeles. In addition to writing, Brian loves spending time outdoors, fly fishing, camping and working on his photography.
