Hosted by Lougan Bishop and Jenna Spinelle, Higher Ed Social is a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to those that work in higher education. In each episode, we dive into the lives and careers of people who help make colleges and universities work. So sit back, relax and get ready for some fun conversation.
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When the People Decide, a podcast from the McCourtney Institute for Democracy at Penn State, explores the promise — and sometimes peril — that ballot initiatives have brought to American democracy by telling the stories of people who have organized initiative campaigns across the country. America’s founders were famously skeptical of direct democracy, citing fears of mob rule if people had too much power. Since then, however, the initiative and referendum process has emerged as one way that ...
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Freelance gives women the flexibility and freedom to make money in a way that Corporate America just can’t. Join longtime freelance writer, journalist, and mom of three Ashley Cisneros Mejia as she interviews fellow women freelance writers and other freelance professionals about the business of freelancing. If you want to learn how to monetize your creative talents, make money on your own terms, and design a flexible life you love, this show is for you. Talk Freelance To Me: A Podcast for Wo ...
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Freelance Breakthroughs: Priya Joi on Science, Identity, and Motherhood
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Send us a Text Message. What lessons can a two-decade freelancer in science and health communication offer to the next generation of freelancers? In this episode we chat with Priya Joi, a distinguished science journalist and global health communications expert, about changes in the freelance marketplace worldwide. Explore Priya's insights on adapti…
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Freelancer to Professor: How to Land Your Dream Teaching Gig with Jenna Spinelle
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Send us a Text Message. Hey freelancer, have you ever considered teaching at a university? Our guest, Jenna Spinelle, is a freelance writer, podcaster, and instructor at Penn State University. She shares her inspiring journey from freelancer to professor and reveals how YOU can leverage your freelance skills to teach the next generation. Learn how …
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How Niche Freelance Writing Can Elevate Your Career with Birder Bryony Angell
25:05
25:05
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25:05
Send us a Text Message. How do you find and fill a freelance writing content vacuum in your industry? Join us as we sit down with Bryony Angell, a narrative non-fiction writer who has carved out a unique niche in the world of birding. Bryony shares her journey from observing a lack of content for young women birders to becoming a leading voice in b…
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How to Juggle a 9-5 and Thriving Freelance Side Hustles Without Losing Your Mind with Donna Raphael
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Send us a Text Message. Can you run a successful freelance business while working in a corporate 9-5 job? Yes, IF you can master time management and set clear expectations! Don't miss this inspiring episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast featuring the multi-talented Donna Raphael. As a musician, technologist, and creative force, Donna shares h…
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Top of Mind: Is government transparency essential in a democracy?
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We're excited to bring you an episode fro Top of Mind with Julie Rose, a podcast from BYU Radio about becoming better citizens and kinder neighbors. Government transparency is a basic tenet of American democracy. But the U.S. Constitution was drafted in total secrecy and the founders believed they couldn’t have done the job otherwise. When is openn…
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How To Find Freelance Writing Work FAST When You Need Money NOW
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39:07
Send us a Text Message. Are you a freelance writer struggling during economic uncertainty? Tune in to this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast where host Ashley Cisneros shares actionable strategies for finding freelance writing work fast when you need money quickly. Ashley draws on her experience freelancing during the Great Recession to o…
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Understanding Audiences and Writing Compelling Stories with Lyle Smith, author of WHY YELLOW MATTERS
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Send us a Text Message. Discover the secrets to finding inspiration and creating meaningful work on the latest episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast. Host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with author and consultant Lyle Smith to discuss his new book WHY YELLOW MATTERS and how it can help you question your beliefs, understand different audience…
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Our Freelance Writing Podcast Turns 1! A Year of Freelance Success Stories
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31:04
Send us a Text Message. In a special anniversary episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia takes listeners on a reflective journey through the past year of the podcast, celebrating its first birthday with insights, stories, and key takeaways from a diverse array of guests. From personal finance writers to visual artist…
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Burnout to Boundaries: How to Value Your Time & Protect your Sanity As a Freelancer with Wudan Yan
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Send us a Text Message. What's the first step to taking control of your work life as a freelance entrepreneur? Tune in to the latest episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast featuring award-winning journalist Wudan Yan! In this episode Wudan shares her inspiring journey from academia to an award-winning freelance career, and gives an update abou…
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Equal Pay Day: Women Freelancers’ Guide for Getting PAID
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Send us a Text Message. “We work hard for the money, so hard for it, honey!” In this episode we chat about Equal Pay Day and uncover the staggering truths behind the gender and race pay gap, with hard-hitting statistics that illustrate how women, particularly women of color, lose over hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of their career…
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When Motherhood Meets Writing: Surviving Chaos and Rediscovering Satisfaction with Sarah Greesonbach
22:09
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22:09
Send us a Text Message. How do you balance a thriving freelance writing career with the challenges of parenting young children? On this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with B2B writing expert and fellow mom Sarah Greesonbach to discuss the highs and lows of juggling creative work with raising a fami…
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Introducing Lauren Cordero, Talk Freelance To Me’s Very First Intern
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Send us a Text Message. Are you ready to meet our very first intern? In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia introduces Lauren Cordero, an ambitious freshman at the University of Central Florida who is already pursuing opportunities to gain professional experience. Lauren shares her background and passion for…
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Season 2 Kickoff - A New Journey of Empowerment and Opportunity in Freelance Writing
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Send us a Text Message. Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle In this episode we kick off the second season of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast! Listen in as host Ashley Cisneros Mejia shares what you can look forward to in the season ahead. Hear some of …
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Truths That Will Transform Your Freelance Business in 2024
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Send us a Text Message. Ready to reflect and recharge for 2024? In this end-of-year recap episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia shares key lessons she's learned from nearly a year of producing the show. You'll discover the two major truths that have emerged for Ashley around taking action and stopping comparisons. …
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Mastering High-Income Freelancing with Ed Gandia
37:07
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode we sit down with one of the pioneer business coaches focused on helping freelance writers, the one and only Ed Gandia! Ed sheds light on the holy grail of freelancing -- achieving freedom and flexibility without compromising income. In a world where advisory services are becoming increasingly valuable, Ed emp…
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Maria Ferrer AKA Maria Bone on Turning Passion into a Powerhouse Brand
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Send us a Text Message. Over 700,000 fans follow her on social media, and this is your chance to get to know her personally! Turn up this episode as we get one-on-one time with mega music influencer Maria Ferrer AKA Your '90s Homegirl and Maria Bone! In this episode, Maria, a vocal coach turned social media sensation, talks about reimagining social…
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Wealth-Building Strategies for Solopreneurs with CFO Christina Gamache
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Send us a Text Message. During the pandemic's peak, outsourced CFO and wealth manager Christina Gamache had a front-row seat to the tough decisions small business owners faced with keeping the lights on. She watched many decide to close up shop only to realize they had nothing substantial saved for retirement. Christina knew she could help them and…
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How Freelance Writing Took Jessica Walrack Around the World
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Send us a Text Message. Driven by a yearning to spend more time with her husband and expose their young son to the wonders of the world, Jessica Walrack transitioned from B2B sales into launching a freelance writing business over a decade ago. This was a move that would not only re-define her career but also her life. Jessica lived out dreams many …
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Navigating Freelance, Tech, and Fatherhood with Damon Brown
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Send us a Text Message. Explore the world of freelancing, technology, and fatherhood with Damon Brown in the latest episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast. A champion for side hustlers, solopreneurs, and non-traditional creatives, Damon has a knack for helping creative minds flourish. As an influential voice in the entrepreneurial space, Damon…
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Local News Matters: Public policy as a tool to support local news
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If you enjoyed our episode on civic media, you'll want to check out this episode the podcast Local News Matters, which explores issues in local news and democracy. The show highlights the innovative work of local newsrooms and the crucial questions they face about their role in American democracy. This episode features an interview with Steve Waldm…
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Telling Stories, Mastering Motherhood, and Writing Freelance with Amaris Castillo
1:02:47
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Send us a Text Message. In this illuminating episode, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia chats with Amaris Castillo — an award-winning journalist whose roots trace back to winning a storytelling contest in elementary school and whose prowess led her to be hired as an NPR Public Editor in Research at the famed journalism school The Poynter Institute. As we …
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Navigating Full-Time Work and a Side Hustle with Leydi Montoya
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Send us a Text Message. On this episode, we’re thrilled to host an entrepreneurial powerhouse, Leydi Montoya, the driving force behind RSP Translation Services. Over the past decade, Leydi has been bridging language gaps, providing top-tier, certified translation services from English to Spanish in Central Florida and beyond. She's more than just a…
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The Alchemy of Art: Luisa Padro AKA Artysta LuLu
1:02:09
1:02:09
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we have a captivating guest whose art brings vibrant colors and cosmic wonder to life. Join us as we welcome Luisa Padró, better known as Artysta LuLu, a professional visual artist and expressionist painter. LuLu’s paintings offer a unique perspective, unveiling a childlike simplicity in the face of complex …
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The final episode of the season takes a step back from individual democracy reforms to look at what it will take to create a healthy civic culture where power is shared across the community — rather than concentrated in the hands of a few stakeholders. Eric Liu believes this can happen and is working tirelessly to spread his idea of civic faith acr…
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Some 2,500 newspapers have closed in the U.S since 2005, leaving entire communities without a source for local news, as well as with limited means to keep their government officials accountable. What if there was a way to fill the news desert, with an entirely new approach to informing the public? Host Jenna Spinelle discusses the relevance of civi…
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Ashley Feller: Amplifying Florida's Arts Scene With Podcasting
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Send us a Text Message. Special Note: Since the time of this recording, Ashley Feller has ended her original podcast and will be launching a new one! Sunshine State Showcase will also celebrate the creative spirit of Florida, but on a statewide level. Sunshine State Showcase is set to premiere on September 24th, 2023. ******************************…
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When public officials embark on efforts to incorporate more civic input in city decisions, they are often hamstrung by inefficient means that favor the loudest voices in a room. But more people want a say in their local government; they just need the right opportunity. For Petaluma, California, it was something called the "democracy lottery." In th…
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Librarians have spoken for years about “library faith,” the belief that public libraries are central to democracy because they contribute to an informed citizenry. Today, the idea is gaining even more traction, and even conservative crackdowns on what’s permitted in libraries reinforce the idea that they’re more than just “book warehouses” but cent…
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Carina Barrau on Freelancing, Creativity, and Bits Of Catharsis
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we sit down with the vibrant and savvy Portugal-based Carina Barrau, the creative force behind Bits Of Catharsis. Carina has carved out a niche in helping creative businesses say goodbye to mundane content, and hello to powerful, engaging writing. Carina's ethos revolves around maintaining her youthful spiri…
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Putting money and power in the people's hands
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22:47
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The United Nations calls participatory budgeting a best practice for a democratic government and the New York Times calls it “revolutionary civics in action." Participatory budgeting, or PB for short, deepens democracy, builds stronger communities, and creates a more equitable distribution of public resources. Around 7,000 cities worldwide do it, i…
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Peeling back the curtain on local government
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When Linda Harris began working at city hall in her hometown of Decatur, Georgia, she noticed that the relationship between local government leaders and their constituents was often tense, or nonexistent. City workers were used to residents interacting with them when they had a complaint, for example. She came up with an idea: a straightforward cla…
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In the second season of this podcast all about how people engage with U.S. democracy, Jenna Spinelle zeroes in on hyperlocal efforts to increase participation in local government. She talks to the activists, city leaders, and academics doing everything from democracy lotteries to civic courses at city hall and the library–all aiming to empower resi…
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Unleashing the Power of Listening, Flexibility, and Collaboration in Entrepreneurship with Dianna Romaguera
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we delve into the mind of the accomplished entrepreneur and dynamic thinker Dianna Romaguera. With a unique blend of wisdom, experience, and practical insight, Dianna invites listeners into her world, revealing the secrets to her successful collaborations and best tips for bridging the gaps when working with…
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Create, Release, Repeat: Marielou Mandl on Mastering Content Creation & Influencing
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we're incredibly excited to chat with Marielou Mandl, a successful content creation entrepreneur, influencer, and beacon of self-care. Marielou has made it her mission to empower women in content creation, and she joins us to share her unique journey and valuable insights. In this episode, Marielou shares ho…
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Mastering the Balancing Act: Lindsay Diven's Secrets to Having a Thriving AEC Marketing Career and Growing A Successful Business
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we’re delighted to chat with someone who truly embodies the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship while successfully balancing an incredibly successful 9-5 career – Lindsay Diven! Lindsay is not only a dynamic professional who’s won awards for her leadership in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construc…
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Balancing Business, Homeschooling, and Networking in the Freelance World with Lauren Ward
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29:40
Send us a Text Message. Join us as we take a deep dive into the world of freelance writing with the talented and inspiring Lauren Ward. Her journey from dabbling in freelance work to running a full-fledged business while managing a busy home life offers a wealth of insights for both seasoned freelancers and those just starting out. In this episode,…
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From Policy to Real Estate: The Inspiring Journey of Serial Entrepreneur Lola Sophia Bovell
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Send us a Text Message. This episode features the illustrious Lola Sophia Bovell, a real estate investor, attorney, serial entrepreneur, and host of The Latina Advocate Podcast. Join us as Lola shares her inspiring journey, including the moment she finally had the courage to ask herself if she was truly happy and the pivotal moments that led her to…
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White House Correspondent Laura Figueroa Hernandez Talks Journalism, Writing & Reporting About Politics
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Ashley interviews her longest journalist friend Laura Figueroa Hernandez, a White House correspondent for News Day. Listen in as Laura recounts what led her to pursue a career in journalism and why politics became her focus. During the interview, she takes us through a typical day in her work life, revealing…
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Freelance 101: What is Freelance Writing?
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Send us a Text Message. Welcome to the second episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast! On this episode, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia gives listeners a crash course introduction to the world of freelance writing. Listen in as Ashley discusses the basics of freelance writing, including what it is, the different types of writing you can do, how much…
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Trailer: Introducing The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast
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Send us a Text Message. Introducing The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast! Freelance writing gives women the flexibility and freedom to make money in a way that Corporate America just can’t. Join longtime freelance writer, journalist, and mom of three Ashley Cisneros Mejia as she interviews fellow women freelance writers and other freelance professional…
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How Freelance Saved Ashley's Financial Life - My Story
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Send us a Text Message. #001 Welcome to the very first episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast! On this episode, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia shares her personal story of how she turned her freelance writing skills into a successful full-time career and business. Ashley has been working as a journalist and freelance writer for nearly 20 years, an…
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Equal rights, not special rights: A follow up
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In this bonus episode, we hear from Roger Asterino, a former Cincinnati city employee whose story was at the heart of the anti-LGBTQ ballot initiative in the 1990s. Roger shares the story of coming to terms with his sexuality in rural Ohio, the harassment he and others received from a coworker at the City of Cincinnati, how the Issue 3 ballot measu…
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Why does American Democracy look the way it does today and how can we make it more responsive to the people it was formed to serve? Democracy Decoded, a podcast by Campaign Legal Center, examines our government and discusses innovative ideas that could lead to a stronger, more transparent, accountable and inclusive democracy. This episode focuses o…
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The first season of When the People Decide has officially ended, but we have a few bonus episodes for you that we’ll be sharing over the next few weeks. This first is a conversation with Kelly Hall, Executive Director of The Fairness Project. We mentioned The Fairness Project briefly in episode 7. It is one of the organizations working to fight bac…
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Throughout the series, we’ve seen what can happen when major decisions are put to the will of the people. Initiatives are far from perfect, but will we miss them if they go away? This episode will explore whether ballot initiatives can withstand the challenges they’re up against, and some groups are looking to initiatives as a way to strengthen Ame…
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Many state leaders are fighting to restrict access to this tool of democracy—or get rid of ballot initiatives altogether. While challenges to voting rights in states across the country captured the news cycle throughout much of the last two years, those same forces also seek to make it more difficult to engage in direct democracy. With 12 states ba…
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The polarization that exists in U.S. politics has some voters questioning the integrity of our two-party system—whose interests are the politicians really representing? Ballot initiative organizers claim that they are building new coalitions that transcend party lines, and unite voters on their values, not their partisan affiliations. In doing so, …
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For decades in Nebraska, people would gather in the parking lot of state prisons to tailgate executions of prisoners on death row. A new crop of state legislators decided to put a stop to the death penalty, but the state’s residents—and its governor—had other plans, and used a ballot initiative to achieve them. We often think of public policy as ha…
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In the early 1900s, birth records of children given up for adoption were sealed and confidential, an effort to shield mothers and children from the societal shame of being born out of wedlock. Fast forward to the advent of the Internet, and adopted adults used the power of the web to form online networks connecting the community, and as helpful as …
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Christian conservatives in Ohio used the ballot initiative in the 1990s to restrict protections for LGBTQ folks in the workplace. The community fought back—how else? With their own initiative. In 1992, when anti-gay legislation was sweeping the U.S., Citizens for Community Values, one of the most active Christian right organizations in Cincinnati, …
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