Rick Steves' Social Activism
Discover how travel has shaped Rick's outspoken social activism, advocacy of drug policy reform, and other political work.
Travel as a Political Act
Discover how travel has shaped Rick's outspoken social activism, advocacy of drug policy reform, and other political work.
Developing a Global Perspective Through Travel
In this collection of articles, Rick shares how travel (as Thomas Jefferson put it) makes a person "wiser, if less happy."
Affordable Housing
Concerned about homelessness in his own community, Rick purchased a 24-unit apartment complex to house homeless mothers and their children (administered by the YWCA).
Drug Policy Reform and Decriminalizing Marijuana
Bringing a European perspective to the issue, Rick believes rather than "soft on drugs" or "hard on drugs," America can be "smart on drugs." Rick explains why he supports ending the current prohibition on marijuana.
Travels in El Salvador and Nicaragua
Journals from Rick's three educational tours through Central America explain how those trips were instrumental in shaping his political values.
Video Projects with the Lutheran Church (ELCA)
When asked to host a teaching video for his church, Rick says sure. His ELCA videos (on Martin Luther, St. Peter, St. Paul, and Church work in Papua New Guinea) are viewable here.
The American Flag is Not a Logo for War
Rick explains how taking down the flag can actually be a patriotic act when a "tyranny of the majority" cheapens Old Glory by turning it into a logo for a political agenda.
Rick's Business Supports Global Causes
Beneficiaries include Bread for the World (lobbying our government to be mindful of the needs of homeless and hungry people both at home and abroad) and American Forests (this year's donation of $80,000 to plant 80,000 trees in an effort to fight global climate change).
Mixing Business with Politics
Rick Steves doesn’t worry about his provocative politics creating unwanted baggage.