Shows
The Pledge PodcastNow is the MomentThe Moment is Now takes us to the grassroots campaign centered on reproductive justice - meaning the right to decide if, when, and how to have children. Katrina Rogers's story shows us the potentially devastating impact of Amendment One on lower-income people and people of color. We also hear from Kim O'Brien, a white, economically secure professional, who shares her story of being forced to go out of state to terminate a pregnancy after she learned that the child she and her husband eagerly expected would have severe neurological defects. Her story gives perspective on the burden that restrictive...
2020-10-2921 min
The Pledge PodcastPersevere with Dignity and Grace - Organizing Asian Americans in MichiganLaura Misumi, a fourth generation Japanese American, will give you hope! With her innovative strategy for organizing and mobilizing Asian Americans in Michigan, she is building community and fostering lasting political engagement. She will also open your eyes to the ways in which Japanese Americans have been fighting for justice for decades. Laura's organization, Rising Voices for Asian American Families, is targeting 183,000 Asian American voters in carefully selected counties in this very important swing state. It's an effort and a constituency that absolutely have the capacity to change the outcome of the State and Federal elections. Guests:
2020-10-1515 min
The Pledge PodcastLet's Get Out There! Organizing in DetroitAs a sixteen year old growing up outside Detroit, Vanessa Velazquez was shocked by her family's outrageous water bill. After helping her mom pay the bill, she questioned the bigger political context of social justice issues in her city. In Let's Get Out There, we learn how that experience motivated her to study political science at Michigan State, and end up as an organizer in the Detroit area fighting to do something about it. Now, as the Field Director for Detroit Action, Vanessa is managing a team of organizers working nonstop to reach 150,000 potential voters in their...
2020-10-0113 min
The Pledge PodcastIt Mattered! Gerrymander Reform in MichiganIn this episode we move to Michigan, where a group of novice activists got fed up with gerrymandered districts with politicians who were unaccountable to the people, and decided to do something about it. Nancy Wang is the Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, the nonprofit organization that led the 2018 campaign to defeat gerrymandering in Michigan, but that was never her plan. Responding to a Facebook post from a stranger, Nancy became one of the thousands of volunteers throughout the state to get involved. As an attorney, she ended up leading the policy committee that drafted the n...
2020-09-1720 min
The Pledge PodcastWhen People Have Power: Florida's Fight to End GerrymanderingThis episode tells Ellen Freidin's story of leading a successful gerrymandering reform campaign in Florida, and then fighting to make sure the new electoral maps were drawn fairly. Ellen's story took place over several years, starting with her discovery of how damaging gerrymandered districts were to Florida's democracy, and through the painstaking process of crafting a redistricting process that could honor a truly diverse group of stakeholders. Ellen asked many questions, she listened, and she persevered. Listen and remind yourself what's possible! Find Us Online -Website: https://www.thepledgepodcast.com/ -Newsletter: ht...
2020-09-0324 min
The Pledge PodcastThis is Bigger than Us: Sheena Meade Part 2In the second episode featuring Sheena Meade and the fight to restore voting rights to returning citizens in Florida, we see how persevering in the face of expected and unexpected obstacles is a crucial part of making our democracy work. The amazing victory of Florida's Amendment Four in 2018 was just the beginning of a long and ongoing battle to give people back their voice. As Hedrick Smith says, "Democracy is a participant sport. It's not a spectator sport." For Desmond and Sheena, democracy is also about a focus on people and their needs. This took on new...
2020-08-2020 min
The Pledge PodcastReleasing the Chains of our AncestorsSeason 3 begins with the story of Sheena Meade, who was instrumental in the passage of Florida's 2018 Amendment 4 and restoring the right to vote to 1.4 million returning citizens who had formerly been incarcerated. But for that vote to happen, it took the hard work and strategic talent to organize, organize, and organize some more. That's where Sheena Meade came in. In Part One of this two-part story, you'll learn how Sheena has defied the odds over and over again, eventually becoming a powerful force behind the groundwork that led to this victory. You'll also learn how Sheena supports a...
2020-08-0621 min
The Pledge PodcastSeason Three TrailerIn the past four years, we have seen both critical progress and set-backs with voting and voter empowerment across the country. Starting August 6th, we are bringing stories of women from 3 different states determined to secure voting rights for every citizen. The COVID-19 pandemic has paralyzed so many of us, making these stories of action are more important than ever. This season we are also excited to collaborate with Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Hedrick Smith to provide broader context for each episode.
2020-07-2301 min
The Pledge PodcastThe Blessing of All This MadnessIn this final episode of Season 2, we meet a dedicated group of chef-activists who have created a new recipe for change in Virginia, without ever leaving their home in state of Vermont. Their solution is instructive, inspiring, and delicious!
2020-01-1719 min
The Pledge PodcastMy whole world shiftedThree women—Kathryn Laughon, Althea Laughon-Worrell, and Miss Katrina Turner—had their worlds shifted by the events surrounding the hate rallies in Charlottesville, VA in August 2017. Hear their stories of how they were affected, and how it has motivated them to fight for justice in their communities. Warning: Includes sounds of violence that may be triggering and strong language.
2020-01-0523 min
The Pledge PodcastYou Saw his GreatnessLearn about Valerie Slater's tireless efforts to transform the juvenile justice system in Virginia with her organization, RISE for Youth, and meet Douglas Johnson, one of the teenagers she has helped. Valerie's remarkable journey from high-school drop-out through law school, together with her strong faith, helps her see the value and potential in every young person. She is on a mission to confront and repair the pervasive racism and distorted law enforcement priorities that rob black and brown people like Douglas of their futures. She is unstoppable at protecting the rights of youth and creating alternative solutions that support...
2019-12-1923 min
The Pledge PodcastIt's Painfully Easy to be IgnoredAs a leader in the student group Transparent GMU, Janine worked with faculty and other students to expose the strings attached to private donations to George Mason University. Janine grew into a leadership role following a chance encounter with group co-founder Samantha at a political rally. She learned valuable and empowering lessons about her own abilities to make change in the face of imposing, well-funded opposition. Samantha and Janine's work brought them all the way to the Virginia Supreme Court with a case that could have impact on the whole state, and implications for transparency for university donations everywhere.
2019-12-0517 min
The Pledge Podcastif I don't say anything, nobody says anythingIn this first of two episodes highlighting activists working to expose the risk big-money donors to universities pose to our democracy, we learn why Bethany has devoted herself to fighting for the rights of marginalized people - and how she refused to ignore the growing but hidden influence of dark money at George Mason University in Virginia. Warning: Contains description of sexual assault.
2019-11-2118 min
The Pledge PodcastNo Sir! Not on my watch!Learn how Kim experienced the growing threats of climate change amidst the increasingly powerful hurricanes on the coast of Virginia and became an organizer for Mothers Out Front. Her activism helped Kim transform her life, and led her to start helping and inspiring others. Also meet Cindy Burbank to learn about her efforts to bring more conservatives into the fight against climate change.
2019-11-0716 min
The Pledge PodcastWhat the Heck? Why is this not a thing?Lisa Sales drew energy from her past trauma to become a tireless advocate for women's rights. Now she is fighting to help Virginia tip the scales for the Equal Rights Amendment by becoming the 38th and last state required for ratification. We also hear from the Executive Director of Generation Ratify, adding the voices and energy of young people who want to see equal rights guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution.. Warning: contains description of a sexual assault.
2019-10-2415 min
The Pledge PodcastThe Pledge Joins the Global Climate StrikeThanks to #Podstrike for supplying this feed for podcasts supporting the Climate Strike on Friday September 20th. Listen, get inspired, and make your voice heard. I'll be joining the protest in Boston. Where will you be?
2019-09-1902 min
The Pledge PodcastSeason 2: Virginia is for Lovers...and The Pledge!Season 2 of The Pledge Podcast will focus on the promise of people working together across ages, race, and even party to use their collective power on specific issues in Virginia.
2019-09-1201 min
The Pledge PodcastWHat change really meansIn this episode, Allison shares her own story of political activism in the 2018 midterm elections. Using audio diary entries along with interviews with friends who shared the journey, Allison explores the highs, lows, and ultimate rewards of organizing support for candidates in the southeastern US. Ultimately, Allison became the Southeast Regional Coordinator for Swing Left and focussed her energy on the long-shot congressional campaign of Tabitha Isner in Alabama.
2019-08-2322 min
The Pledge PodcastI love it here - and I'm not leavingThe Pledge asks people on the street about their pledges to work for our democracy. We also bring you an update on plans for Season Two!
2019-07-1105 min
The Pledge PodcastCivil Rights Hero Joyce LadnerFor this second episode of the mini-bonus season of the Pledge, we're going to hear an interview with Dr. Joyce Ladner, from the podcast Democracy Works. As someone who is relatively new to activism, I'm inspired and humbled by those who've come before me - who have blazed trails by dedicating their lives to ending injustice. In 1963, at just 19, civil rights activist Joyce Ladner helped organize the March on Washington. A member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in the 1950s and 60s, Dr. Ladner was mentored by Medgar Evers, but was expelled from Jackson State University in Mississippi f...
2019-06-2729 min
The Pledge PodcastWhat Change Really MeansIn the first of three episodes from our bonus mini-season of the Pledge, Allison shares her own story of political activism in the 2018 midterm elections. Using audio diary entries along with interviews with friends who shared the journey, Allison explores the highs, lows, and ultimate rewards of organizing support for candidates in the southeastern US. Ultimately, Allison became the Southeast Regional Coordinator for Swing Left and focussed her energy on the long-shot congressional campaign of Tabitha Isner in Alabama.
2019-06-0922 min
The Pledge PodcastBonus episodes coming!The Pledge announces three bonus episodes for our listeners to be released in June - stay tuned!
2019-05-3001 min
The Pledge PodcastI'm angry. I'm not scared.Mary Wilson spent most of her life keeping her thoughts under wraps, only taking them out on the piano keys. After her husband was unjustly laid off she realized it was time to speak her mind and get politically active. A self-defined "feisty old broad", Mary is not afraid to proudly confront people who think she should keep her political views to herself. Mary's resolve, her candor, and her humor show the beauty and power of being authentically yourself.
2019-04-2814 min
The Pledge PodcastRally Up!Nancy Deabler, a traditional White, Southern woman, breaks every stereotype. She demonstrates what it means to link her liberal politics to her Christian values, and to have these values inform every part of her life. Nancy reminds us that we have to act now — our democracy, and Alabama's children, can't wait.
2019-04-1417 min
The Pledge PodcastHow do you break that mentality?Episode Four of The Pledge introduces Ashley Smith. Ashley ran to become a District Judge in rural Lowndes County, Alabama, where the court system reflects the same all-white power structure it has since before the civil rights movement. Inspired by her grandfather and dedicated to providing justice for everyone regardless of race, Ashley drove hundreds of miles and shook thousands of hands to get her message out. Listen to The Pledge as Ashley tells her story of the ongoing struggle for equal rights and justice in the footsteps of the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery march for voting rights.
2019-03-3116 min
The Pledge PodcastAre you scared of the cafeteria lady?Episode Three of The Pledge tells the story of Oni. A resident of one of Birmingham's poorest neighborhoods, Oni regularly visits barbershops and strip clubs to speak with members of the community, to inform them of their rights and encourage them to speak out.
2019-03-1816 min
The Pledge PodcastNot just my little world, the whole world.Episode Two introduces us to Stacie Propst, the Director of Emerge Alabama, who is training and supporting a generation of first-time woman candidates in Alabama. Growing up Stacie fit in well with her anti-feminist republican peers, but she sensed something was wrong with how outsiders were treated and how women were expected to behave. Now Stacie is certain that the future of Alabama, and the country, depends on more women gaining political power and breaking up the status quo. Listen to The Pledge as Stacie shares the story of her own political evolution, and what keeps her working every...
2019-03-0415 min
The Pledge PodcastThey actually called me back!Episode One of The Pledge tells the story of Elizabeth, who found her political voice in the Alabama special election for Senate and just keeps fighting for change. Listen as we explore what motivates this inspiring and tireless activist, and follow her evolution as a political force in her state.
2019-02-1818 min
The Pledge PodcastTrailerIn this pilot episode we introduce The Pledge Podcast and meet host Allison Daskal Hausman. We are also introduced to some of the inspiring Alabama activists who will be featured in Season One.
2019-01-3003 min