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

At this week’s Round Table, Emmanuel and Hannah spoke about the dynamic world of civic engagement and education with esteemed guests June Klees and the vibrant members of Bay State Civic Corps: Chloe Pokovich and Samantha Combs.

Dr. June Klees, a beacon of academic excellence and community leadership, guided us through the rich tapestry of the Civics Corps, shedding light on its inception and evolution. As an educator with a profound commitment to fostering civic awareness, Dr. Klees shared her wealth of experience from Bay de Noc Community College, where she tirelessly champions civics education and the humanities.

In addition, Chloe and Samantha bring their unique perspective and passion to the discussion. Hailing from diverse backgrounds and driven by a shared sense of purpose, these students illuminate what draws them to the Civics Corps and the transformative power of civic engagement.

Together, we explore the profound impact of initiatives like the Veterans Speak Events, spearheaded by these dedicated students, who embody the spirit of service and solidarity. Through their experiences, we uncover the profound connections that can be forged between history, education, and community building.

Furthermore, our conversation delves into the innovative realm of Civic Diplomacy micro-credentialing, a pioneering endeavor empowering students to navigate complex global challenges with resilience and empathy. With Dr. Klees' expert guidance and the students' firsthand insights, we dug deep into the transformative potential of this educational paradigm shift. Thank you for listening!


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We've got a special BONUS episode this week. Christine, Eloise, Jiwan, Theo, and Zarina--amazing Next Gen Civic Fellows who are conducting a Civic Action Project (CAP) on media literacy in collaboration with Ahmed Baba of Rantt Media--are doing a takeover. Listen in as they discuss the intersection between political polarization and social media, the impact of AI, what it means to be media literate today, and what we can all do about it. Thanks for listening!


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At this week’s Round Table, Emily and Emmanuel spoke with visionary leader and change-maker Debilyn Molineaux, founder of AmericanFuture.us.

American Tales isn't just a project; it's a beacon of hope in a world often overshadowed by pessimism. Debilyn's mission is clear: to ignite our collective imagination towards a future filled with possibility, rather than succumbing to the despair propagated by those who profit from conflict. As the host of the newly launched podcast, Terrified Nation, Debilyn invites us to reimagine our national narrative, to dream of a future that transcends the divisive rhetoric plaguing our society.

In this episode, Debilyn delves into the concept of conflict profiteers—those who profit from sowing discord and amplifying grievances. Drawing from Amanda Ripley's astute observations, Debilyn sheds light on how these individuals and entities manipulate our fears and insecurities for personal gain, perpetuating a cycle of division that threatens to lead us down a dystopian path.

In a time in which unity seems elusive, Debilyn offers a compelling antidote—a call to action for all of us to reclaim our agency and to dare to dream of a future where cooperation wins over conflict, and where empathy transcends animosity. Thank you for listening!


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At this week’s Round Table, Emmanuel, Hannah, and Heba conversed with a remarkable young leader, Chelsea Osei. Chelsea, a Ghanaian American high school senior based in Illinois and a member of Citizen University's Youth Collaboratory brings with her a wealth of experiences and insights that inspire and enlighten. Throughout her academic journey, Chelsea has distinguished herself as a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion. As a founding board member of her school’s Student Equity Action Committee and the founder of AP Advisory, she has tirelessly championed the cause of fairness and justice within her educational community.

But Chelsea's activism extends far beyond the walls of her school. Engaging with platforms such as Civics Unplugged and her local Board of Education, she has found her voice and her purpose in effecting positive change on a broader scale. Thanks to her participation in Citizen University's Youth Collaboratory, Chelsea's vision for change has grown stronger: inspired by the resilience and creativity of activists and artists during the pandemic, she is embarking on a power project aimed at elevating young artists who shine a light on societal conflicts and educating others on these vital issues.

At the heart of Chelsea's work lies a deep commitment to community organizing and civic education. Her experiences on the Board of Education and her advocacy for educational equity and diversity, equity, and inclusion have shaped her understanding of the power of collective action and informed her approach to grassroots activism.

Join us as we delve into Chelsea's journey as a young activist, exploring the challenges she has faced, the victories she has achieved, and the lessons she has learned along the way. Together, we'll uncover the transformative potential of youth leadership and the importance of fostering inclusive spaces where all voices are heard and valued. Thank you for listening!


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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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