Notes from a Power-ful Trip to Virginia

Power is a big theme that I ran into again and again during my interviews in Virginia. I heard a lot about forms of Power that are hurting people—abuses by the police in Richmond and Charlottesville, Koch Brother money in higher education, utilities that build pipelines in poorer neighborhoods. But I also saw the power of people working together to make Virginia and our world better; using the power of their collective voice and action to overcome harmful and dangerous policies.

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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. Once again I am primarily bringing you stories of inspiring women. Women pledging to protect their democracy by working on issues they are passionate about. You can look forward to learning how:

  • Virginia could be the last state needed to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment for the U.S. Constitution and, thanks to groups like VA Ratify ERA, the time could be now. The VA General Assembly needs just one more “yes” vote to make it happen, so the November 2019 Elections are HUGELY important.

  • Virginia could be the first state to truly transform Juvenile Justice, thanks to https://www.riseforyouth.org.

  • Virginia climate activists can be a model for all of us in collaborating across the political divide to combat global warming.

  • Virginia’s George Mason University has been forced to respond to faculty and student activists standing up to dark private money’s efforts to take over our public higher education institutions.

  • AND MORE!

I AM HOPING TO TURN AROUND THESE STORIES QUICKLY SO STAY TUNED FOR RELEASE DATES.

Awards!

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I am so excited to announce that we are a nominee for a People’s Choice Podcast Award. Thank you to everyone who voted for The Pledge. The winner will be announced Sunday September 29th. Fingers crossed!

The Pledge Podcast also received an honorable mention for the Civvy’s Awards, which honor organizations working to “serve their nation and their neighbors through collaborative, creative efforts that inspire, unite and facilitate civic participation.” Go team!


Have you donated yet? THANK YOU!

Thank you so much to those who have donated to support Season Two, and I hope you are enjoying your stylish Pledge Podcast pins! You made my trip to Virginia possible. If you haven’t had a chance yet, please consider sending a donation of any size to help support this project. If all of our listeners donate even a small amount, we will reach my goal. Please go to https://www.thepledgepodcast.com/donate.