The editorial introducing the section notes that:

Throughout its history, rock ’n’ roll has been derided as morally bankrupt, blamed for everything from the proliferation of drugs to the Columbine shootings. When it comes to social justice, though, rock has often led the way—it was on the vanguard of the peace and civil-rights movements, it raised money and awareness for the famine in Ethiopia, it helped American family farmers, and, to this day, its practitioners often look after one another when tragedy strikes the music community.

The section includes stories about the Live Earth concerts earlier this summer, Bono’s work in Africa, Peter Gabriel’s involvement with human rights, and powerful work being done by Jars of Clay, Jay-Z, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, and a dozen others.  In addition to global warming and Africa-related issues, the artists are making important contributions on issues ranging from health care to modern-day slavery to land-mines and the death penalty.

What is most exciting to me about this work is how it goes beyond the more typical charity/fundraising dynamic, and moves into real advocacy for social change.  

As the artists themselves realize, it’s easy to make fun of their involvement, to chalk their efforts up to dilettantism.  But there is something more, much more, than that going on.  The editors ask:

Can rock save the world? Probably not. Can rock change the world? Unequivocally, yes. For better and worse, it always has been a powerful force for change, and we celebrate those working to improve the human condition. Cynicism be damned.