The Round Table: A Next Generation Politics Podcast Next Gen Politics

At this week's Round Table, Emmanuel and Hannah spoke with Isabel Luciano and Serena Prince, whose dedication to empowering communities and advocating for inclusive decision-making processes is truly inspiring.

Isabel Luciano, Director of Training and Curriculum Design, brings a wealth of experience from her tenure as Program Director of the People's Fellowship at the Participatory Budgeting Project. Having worked alongside community members across North America, Isabel has spearheaded initiatives to democratize decision-making by inviting residents to allocate public funds. Her passion for resourcing young people to design their own community engagement and participatory budgeting processes has led to the cultivation of spaces where decisions are made differently, fostering open access to our democracy.



Serena Prince, a Senior and Posse Scholar at Connecticut College, embodies the spirit of youth-led engagement and social change. Inspired by her participation in the Coro Participatory Budgeting youth fellowship, Serena has dedicated herself to exploring the intersections of race, class, education policy, and urban politics. Her commitment to upholding community strength and supporting marginalized populations has been evident through her volunteer work, internships, and mentorship programs.



In this enlightening episode, we delve into the intricacies of participatory democracy, sharing insights gleaned from our guests’ experiences and research. We also further explore the transformative potential of participatory budgeting and other forms of citizen engagement, highlighting the importance of transparent decision-making processes and the role of technology in facilitating inclusive debates.



Furthermore, Isabel and Serena discuss their shared interests in intersectionality, voting rights, housing, and civic engagement, providing nuanced perspectives on the pressing issues facing our society today. Their commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and empowering youth underscores the transformative power of grassroots activism and civic participation. 



Join the movement for inclusive decision-making in your community by volunteering with local organizations. Let's work together to support youth-led initiatives and ensure everyone's voice is heard in policy discussions. Together, we can make a difference! Thank you for listening!


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At this week’s Round Table, Hannah, Heba, and Inyoo spoke with Hajar Yazdiha, a sociologist and author of The Struggle for the People’s King. Our conversation with Hajar explores the ways right-wing movements manipulate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights figures.  Drawing on Hajar’s research, we discuss how these groups use the same historical sources to develop contrasting agendas, leading to polarized debates on issues like LGBTQ rights, immigrant and Muslim rights, and other areas of contention.



Hajar sheds light on the complex relationship between public memory, history, and social justice, emphasizing the ongoing struggle over the narratives we tell ourselves about the past. By examining how sanitized histories perpetuate racial inequality, she underscores the importance of critically evaluating the stories we accept as true and questioning whose interests they serve.



Our discussion also covers the impact of revisionist narratives on our multicultural democracy and the ways progressive and conservative movements come to drastically different conclusions about civil rights history. Hajar's insights reveal how the distortion of history continues to shape contemporary discourse and deepen societal divides.



We challenge you, our listeners, to take action in a meaningful way. Start by reading Hajar Yazdiha's book, The Struggle for the People’s King, and consider sharing it with your community. Look into organizations that advocate for civil rights and get involved in supporting their work. Attend town halls and community meetings to stay informed and make your voice heard. By actively seeking knowledge and engaging with local advocacy groups, you can play a role in reshaping our understanding of history and championing social justice. Thank you for listening!


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At this week’s Round Table, Emily, Emmanuel, Hannah, and Heba spoke with the esteemed Erika Howard, Director of Impact Strategy and External Relations for FRONTLINE. Through her pivotal role at FRONTLINE, Erika leads the charge in using documentary filmmaking as a catalyst for societal change and meaningful dialogue.



With a career spanning impactful roles at POV/American Documentary and now at FRONTLINE, Erika brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table. From crafting innovative film campaigns to forging partnerships with community organizations, universities, and beyond, Erika's dedication to amplifying diverse voices and sparking vital conversations is truly inspiring.



As Erika shares her perspectives on the relevance of investigative journalism in today's world and why staying informed is crucial for all citizens, especially those who are civically engaged, we explored the intersection of civic learning, education, and journalism. She also discussed how FRONTLINE is pioneering efforts to engage younger generations through their new platform, FRONTLINE Short Docs.



But the conversation doesn't stop there. Erika sheds light on the pressing issue of misinformation and disinformation, offering actionable insights on how we can combat it together. Furthermore, we delve into the importance of uplifting the voices of young people in discussions about the future of democracy.



Prepare to be inspired and enlightened as we discuss an engaging exploration of truth, impact, and the power of storytelling. Take the initiative to engage in meaningful discussions with peers and family members, sharing insights gained from this episode to promote media literacy and informed discourse within your community. Thank you for listening!


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At this week's Round Table, Emily, Emmanuel, and Hannah spoke with KJ Mauwong and Sean Schrader, Podcast Fellows of the Democracy Group.. Through their distinct paths and shared commitment to service, they embody the essence of leadership, empathy, and the power of collective action. 



As the discussion delved into the intricacies of community engagement, KJ and Sean illuminated the importance of aligning areas of passion with opportunities for impact. They emphasized the transformative power of grassroots mobilization and collective action, highlighting the myriad ways in which individuals can contribute to positive change within their communities. From volunteering at local organizations to spearheading grassroots initiatives, KJ and Sean emphasized the importance of active citizenship and civic participation in shaping the future we envision.



KJ and Sean instilled us with a renewed sense of purpose and agency through their unwavering commitment to promoting civil discourse and community engagement. Their stories served as a powerful reminder that true change begins with each individual's willingness to listen, learn, and engage with empathy and compassion. Reflecting on the profound impact of our shared values, KJ and Sean left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds, igniting a spark of hope and possibility for a more inclusive and equitable future.



Though their journeys may diverge in circumstance and experience, KJ and Sean are united by a common thread—their unwavering belief in the power of community, empathy, and collective action. As you delve deeper into their stories, you too will appreciate the resilience, compassion, and indomitable spirit that defines their respective paths. Through their voices, we find inspiration, courage, and the unwavering resolve to build a brighter tomorrow for all. Thank you for listening!


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At this week's Round Table, Hannah and Heba spoke with Caleb Christen of the InterMovement Impact Project, a dedicated advocate for democracy and civic health. Hailing from the heartland of Wisconsin, Caleb's journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to service and systems change.

Caleb's illustrious career spans over 16 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps. From overseeing operations across Europe and Southwest Asia to mentoring judges in Afghanistan, Caleb's leadership left an indelible mark on the global stage.

In a bold move to safeguard democracy in a new capacity, Caleb transferred from the Navy Reserves in 2020 and  into academia, entering into the hallowed halls of the Duke Divinity School and the University of Oxford's Said Business School. Recognizing the need for systems change, Caleb, along with systems change strategist Walt Roberts, co-founded the Inter-Movement Impact Project (IMIP).

IMIP is not just an organization; it's a force for collective impact. Caleb introduced us to the groundbreaking concept of "local democracy hubs." These hubs, incubated through IMIP's flagship project, the "Local Intersections Project," serve as beacons of holistic support for community needs and priorities.

Caleb also has a deep passion for the role of youth in building power and movement capacity, feeling strongly that movements, unlike traditional organizations, should not limit participation based on age. He believes that the dynamic energy of youth, coupled with their mastery of social media, can revolutionize the landscape of American democracy and civic health.

Whether you're curious about volunteering, supporting projects, internships, or informal movement building, Caleb will have a wealth of insights for you. We’re thrilled to have you join us for a riveting conversation with a visionary leader who is shaping the future of democracy, one local democracy hub at a time. Thank you for listening!


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At this week’s Round Table, Amelia, Emily, Hannah, and Heba engaged in a profound conversation with distinguished guest Emma Addams, Co-Executive Director of Mormon Women for Ethical Government (MWEG). Emma provides invaluable insights into the mission and principles of the organization, which is dedicated to inspiring women of faith to advocate for ethical government, transcending partisanship. Through her leadership, Emma aims to create a collaborative space where women contribute to the complex symphony that is our democracy. 

Emma brought a wealth of experience to our conversation, having navigated the realms of contracts negotiation, corporate transactions, and investor relations in Boston and Silicon Valley. Her journey from building and running large piano studios to her current role in Omaha, Nebraska, has uniquely prepared her for the dynamic and collaborative nature of Mormon Women for Ethical Government’s work.

In our discussion, Emma shared insights on being a principled voter, transcending partisan boundaries to embrace a broader political identity,. We explore the nuances beyond the conventional Republican and Democrat labels, delving into the spectrum of political ideologies and the role of temperament in shaping our political engagement. We also talked about the art of building peace within the complexities of democracy. Emma shared her insights on advocating for justice while adhering to the golden rule, emphasizing intentional efforts to de-escalate conflicts and promote reconciliation.  

Inspired by the wisdom shared in today's episode with Emma Addams, let's take uplifting strides towards a brighter democratic future. Embrace principled voting as a powerful expression of your values, fostering unity beyond political divides. Strengthen media literacy, engage in enriching cross-generational conversations, and let faith–however you define it– guide your journey to actively contribute to shaping a more harmonious and inclusive democracy. Thank you for listening!


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