Evidence In Action The Urban Institute
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- News
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What does it look like when evidence drives change for people and communities? To find out, we ask influential leaders the tough questions. How do you prioritize the roles of research and facts? How do you turn policy into practice? And how do you hold yourself accountable for diversity, equity, and inclusion progression in your leadership? Evidence in Action (formerly Critical Value) inspires changemakers to lead with evidence and act with equity.
At a time when trust in institutions is low and the spread of misinformation is rampant, effective, inclusive leadership is more important than ever. Every episode, Urban Institute’s President Sarah Rosen Wartell and Senior Vice President Kimberlyn Leary will have in-depth discussions with experts and leaders on topics ranging from how to advance equity, public policy impact, and good governance, to designing innovative solutions that achieve community impact, to what it means to practice evidence-based leadership.
This feed was formerly Critical Value, now it is Evidence in Action. Both podcasts are produced by Urban Institute and center public policy from an evidence perspective.
The Urban Institute is a nonprofit research organization that provides data and evidence to help advance upward mobility and equity. We are a trusted source for changemakers who seek to strengthen decision-making, create inclusive economic growth, and improve the well-being of families and communities. For more than 50 years, Urban has delivered facts that inspire solutions—and this remains our charge today.
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Luke Shaefer on the Legacy of Persistent Poverty in America
We explore the resurgence of interest in rural communities. We delve into the current state of rural research, uncovering the gaps compared to urban research. We dive into the legacies of the deepest poverty in America and the mechanisms through which it persists. We’ll hear from Luke Shaefer, co-author of a new book, The Injustice of Place: Uncovering the Legacy of Poverty in America about the poorest places in the country – from Appalachia, the Cotton and Tobacco Belts, and South Texas – to examine the inequalities shaping people’s health, livelihoods, and upward social mobility and develop a multidimensional Index of Deep Disadvantage. Using a data-driven approach, Luke Shaefer has sought to understand what these places have in common and the potential for positive change. However, for real transformation to occur, evidence-based policies tailored to each unique rural landscape are essential. We’ll discuss transformative visions for rural research, advocating for national-level funding and coordination, policy relevance through an asset-based lens, and cross-stakeholder collaboration.
To learn more about Evidence In Action and the Urban Institute please visit Urban.org/evidence-action-podcast. -
Cecilia Muñoz on How Evidence Catalyzes Workplace Equity
We are joined by author and immigration advocate Cecilia Muñoz who served for eight years on President Obama's senior team, including five years leading the White House Domestic Policy Council as an assistant to President Obama. Cecilia opens up about how her experience as a Midwestern Latina shaped her identity, and how she pivoted from working as an advocate in the Latinx community to formulating immigration policy for the White House. Cecilia shares why it’s okay for leaders to second guess themselves, and the nuance of using data to influence actionable social change.
To learn more about Evidence In Action and the Urban Institute please visit Urban.org/evidence-action-podcast. -
Stephen Benjamin on Using Local Solutions to Drive National Impact
We explore the potential of applying locally sourced solutions to address national problems. We examine how research organizations can harness evidence from grassroots initiatives, community-led projects, and local expertise to inform national policies and drive meaningful change. Join us in our conversation with Stephen Benjamin, who served as Mayor of Columbia South Carolina for 3 terms over 12 years and as the President of the African American Mayors Association. In 2023 he began serving as the Director of the Office of Public Engagement for the Biden administration. He tells us about policymakers, and community advocates push for the power of localized evidence in shaping effective, inclusive, and sustainable solutions that have a positive impact on people and communities nationwide
To learn more about Evidence In Action and the Urban Institute please visit Urban.org/evidence-action-podcast. -
Welcome to Evidence in Action
In the series premiere of the Evidence in Action, Kim and Sarah explore the multifaceted role of evidence, revealing how it can inform and refine policies for better social, economic, and environmental outcomes. We delve into the pivotal uses of evidence in various contexts. We unravel how evidence can be harnessed to detect problems, identify effective strategies, and refine practices. From pinpointing areas that need attention to unveiling effective practices, this episode uncovers the transformative power of evidence in driving policy improvements. This season tune in to gain insights into the diverse applications of evidence, and discover how federal policymakers and program managers can leverage this critical tool to enhance policies, programs, and societal outcomes.
To learn more about Evidence In Action and the Urban Institute please visit Urban.org/evidence-action-podcast. -
Trailer: Evidence in Action
Welcome to Evidence in Action, a new podcast from the Urban Institute. In this season, co-hosts Sarah Rosen Wartell, President of the Urban Institute and Kimberlyn Leary, Executive Vice President of the Urban Institute, are going to explore the role of evidence and how it can help us to shape policy and achieve better social, economic, and environmental outcomes. On every episode, we'll be joined by a brilliant guest, ranging from federal policy makers, local leaders, philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, and those who meet community needs.
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How to Build Vaccine Confidence
Vaccines work -- but they only work if people get them. How can communities make sure that as many of their residents get vaccinated as possible? Host Justin Milner talks with Urban Institute researcher Leandra Lacy; Luis Garcia, director of technology and analytics at El Buen Samaritano; and Treshika Melvin, advocacy, training, and power building director at Springboard to Opportunities, about how to increase COVID-19 vaccine confidence, especially in areas where racial and ethnic disparities exist. This episode was produced with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Related Links: Partnering for Vaccine Equity Leveraging Community Expertise to Advance Health Equity Emerging Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic for Building Urban Health Equity
Customer Reviews
Inspirational and informative
Love this way to learn more about UI’s work and the thought leaders who inform and inspire it. I always leave a conversation energized and anxious to share some of the high points - not to mention to get to work putting them into action!
New voice, same great evidence
In our politically charged times, it’s so important to base impactful decisions on reality, not on feelings. Are there outcomes we don’t like? If you would forgive a metaphor, many people want to change the destination and seem to think they are powerless to change our direction. I believe evidence can lead us to understand that we are in possession of a steering wheel and can make our own roads! Very excited for the new episodes upcoming.
Evidenced based solutions
This podcast finds empirically tested solutions for large societal problems and how public policy can guide those solutions.