Upstanders Season 1

Watch Upstanders Season 1

  • 2016
  • 2 Seasons

Upstanders Season 1 is a documentary series produced by Starbucks Coffee Company that features individuals and organizations making a positive impact in their communities across the United States. The show's tagline, "Inspiring stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things to create positive change" accurately summarizes the essence of the show.

The first season of Upstanders consists of ten episodes. Each episode is approximately ten minutes long, making it a quick and easy watch. The series has been praised for its high production value and compelling storytelling.

The season starts with an episode titled "Breaking the Prison Pipeline," which follows the story of a judge in Texas who is trying to implement alternative sentencing programs to reduce the number of people sent to jail. Other episodes examine topics such as community policing, homelessness, and education.

One standout episode of Upstanders Season 1 is "The Mosque Across the Street," which tells the story of a Christian congregation in Memphis that welcomes a Muslim community into their building after their mosque is vandalized. The episode explores the power of religious tolerance and understanding in a time of rising hate crimes against Muslim-Americans.

Another memorable episode is "The Empathetic Police Academy," which follows the story of a police officer in Nashville who is trying to change the culture of policing from within. The episode examines the challenges and successes of implementing empathy training for police officers to improve their interactions with the communities they serve.

Upstanders Season 1 also features episodes about individuals making a difference in their local communities. In "The Art of Ending Homelessness," viewers are introduced to a San Francisco artist who is using his talent and resources to help homeless individuals. In "The Kids Who Saved An Island," a group of students in Massachusetts take on the challenge of preserving their local ecosystem by saving a nearby island from environmental degradation.

The show also highlights organizations and businesses making a difference. In "The Transformation of Westwood," viewers learn about a community development organization in Denver that is working to revitalize a struggling neighborhood. In "The Perfectionist: Life on a Coffee Farm," viewers are taken on a journey to a coffee farm in Colombia where sustainable farming practices are being implemented to benefit both the environment and the local community.

Overall, Upstanders Season 1 is an inspiring and uplifting series that shines a light on the individuals and organizations working to make a difference in their communities. The show's diverse range of topics and storytelling methods keep viewers engaged and motivated to take action in their own communities.

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Seasons
The Disappearing Island
11. The Disappearing Island
October 10, 2017
Former South Carolina Republican congressman Bob Inglis, who once scoffed at climate change, overcame a humiliating defeat by deciding to take on skeptics within his party.
The Firefighters' Rescuer
10. The Firefighters' Rescuer
October 10, 2017
Seattle firefighter Mike Washington told colleagues about some of his most painful and personal moments to encourage them to seek help and draw more attention to stress among our nation's first responders.
Saving Middletown
9. Saving Middletown
October 10, 2017
Ami Vitori gave up a successful big-city career and tapped her retirement fund to help rebuild the struggling Rust Belt community of Middletown, Ohio.
Love for All in Utah
8. Love for All in Utah
October 10, 2017
Stephenie Larsen forged past fear and skepticism to create the first LGBT community center in Provo, Utah, in an attempt to reduce suicides among gay teens and build bridges with the Mormon Church.
One Doctor's Needle Fix
7. One Doctor's Needle Fix
October 10, 2017
Hansel Tookes spent four years on a life-saving mission to convince Florida legislators to allow drug users in Miami to exchange dirty needles for clean ones.
A Racist's Rehabilitation
6. A Racist's Rehabilitation
October 10, 2017
When Garry Civitello, a white man, admitted he was prejudiced on national television, Heather McGhee, who is President of the public policy organization Demos and a black woman, offered him advice to become a better American. Their exchange transformed his life and forged a remarkable friendship.
Planting Hope in a Coalfield
5. Planting Hope in a Coalfield
October 10, 2017
Entrepreneur Brandon Dennison decided to address poverty in his native West Virginia by extending a hand of opportunity to former coal miners.
Befriending Her Shooter
4. Befriending Her Shooter
October 10, 2017
Ian Manuel was just 13 when he shot Debbie Baigrie. A year into his life sentence, he called her to apologize. That eventually led to her forgiveness, an unlikely friendship and a mission to help free him.
From War to Montana
3. From War to Montana
October 10, 2017
Mary Poole, a mother with no background in foreign policy, convinced her community to welcome refugees by harnessing hundreds of volunteers and embracing her opponents.
The Wave to Recovery
2. The Wave to Recovery
October 10, 2017
Two Navy SEALs help wounded warriors regain strength and confidence through surfing.
Knives, Fire and Opportunity
1. Knives, Fire and Opportunity
October 10, 2017
Chad Houser quit his job as the executive chef at a hot Dallas eatery and risked his career to open a restaurant staffed almost exclusively by former juvenile detention inmates.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    October 4, 2016