E2: Running Ballot Measures with Community + Care with Lauren Brenzel + Sarah Parker

Running a ballot measure takes more than signatures and soundbites—it takes people, trust, and courage. In this episode, co-hosts Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian sit down with organizers Lauren Brenzel (Florida's Yes on 4 Campaign Director) and Sarah Parker (Executive Director of Voices of Florida) to unpack what it really takes to launch a ballot initiative.

From the tough early decision of whether to go to the ballot, to navigating funding challenges, to building a diverse and powerful coalition, Lauren and Sarah share the inside story of Florida’s 2024 fight for reproductive freedom. Listeners will learn how to balance strategy with care, build alignment across differences, and why the most powerful and equitable campaigns are always rooted in community. If you’ve ever wondered how grassroots organizing becomes a ballot measure, this conversation is your roadmap.

If you’re interested in the work that Lauren and Sarah are doing, you can learn more at:

 www.floridareprofreedom.org/  and www.voicesofflorida.org/

Check out a 2024 interview of Lauren with author and journalist Jessica Valenti:

https://jessica.substack.com/p/chat-with-lauren-brenzel-campaign

And also Sarah’s rousing and inspiring speech on election night 2024:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCBMGtVsVZV/

BISC on Instagram:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy⁠

BISC on LinkedIn:

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/⁠

BISC on YouTube:

⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter