Growing Democracy Podcast

In this episode, Ashley and guest host Dr. Christie Bahlai (Kent State University, Co-Director ESDRI) talk with Dr. Dorceta Taylor (Senior Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Professor of Environmental Justice, Yale University) about the intersection of ecology, race, and environmental justice - as well the history and present of the American Conservation Movement. This podcast is made possible with funding from the School of Peace & Conflict and the Center for Pan African Culture at Kent State University - with additional support from Mark Lewine and the John Gray Paynther Program. Links: https://environment.yale.edu/profile/taylor Co-Host Links: https://bahlailab.org/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-do-you-know/id1571195823

In this episode, Casey and Shemariah talk with Elaine Tso (Chief Executive Officer, Asian Services In Action) about her path to serving as ASIA's CEO, and how ASIA's programs and mission serve to empower, support, and advocate for the AAPI community throughout Northeast Ohio. This podcast is made possible with funding from the School of Peace & Conflict and the Center for Pan African Culture at Kent State University - with additional support from Mark Lewine and the John Gray Paynther Program. Links: https://www.asiaohio.org/

In this episode, Casey and Ashley talk with Fahiem Shabazz (President, New Era Cleveland) and Michelle B. Jackson (Campaign Organizer, PB CLE) about the mission and work of Participatory Budgeting Cleveland. This podcast is made possible with funding from the School of Peace & Conflict and the Center for Pan African Culture at Kent State University - with additional support from Mark Lewine and the John Gray Paynther Program. Links: https://www.pbcle.com/ Links to PB results from 3 Cities: https://www.pbdurham.org/cycle_1_winners https://www.myvallejo.com/participatory-budgeting-2-01 https://www.cambridgema.gov/news/2021/12/pbvoteresults Link to short video about PB process: https://vimeo.com/162743651 Links to recent articles: https://thelandcle.org/stories/city-council-approves-two-major-projects-on-southeast-side/ https://thelandcle.org/stories/the-saga-of-shaker-square/ https://www.cleveland.com/opinion/2021/11/a-new-cleveland-mayor-a-new-opportunity-for-food-justice-michelle-b-jackson-and-gwendolyn-garth.html

In this episode, Casey and Shemariah talk with Greg Deegan (Executive Director, Teaching Cleveland) about his mission to teach the history of Cleveland in the K-12 classroom. This podcast is made possible with funding from the School of Peace & Conflict and the Center for Pan African Culture at Kent State University - with additional support from Mark Lewine and the John Gray Paynther Program. Links: https://www.teachcle.org/about-teaching-cleveland

In this episode, Ashley and Shemariah talk with Josiah Quarles, Director of Organizing and Advocacy for the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the homeless. This discussion of the "Two Shakers" is part 2 of 2. This podcast is made possible with funding from the School of Peace & Conflict and the Center for Pan African Culture at Kent State University - with additional support from Mark Lewine and the John Gray Paynther Program. Links: https://www.neoch.org/our-team

In this episode, Ashley and Shemariah talk with Tiara Sargeant (DEI Coordinator, Shaker Heights Schools) and Dr. Donna Whyte (professor at Cleveland State University) about their experience living in and attending school in the Cleveland suburb of Shaker Heights, OH. This discussion of the "Two Shakers" is part 1 of 2. This podcast is made possible with funding from the School of Peace & Conflict and the Center for Pan African Culture at Kent State University - with additional support from Mark Lewine and the John Gray Paynther Program. Links: https://www.shaker.org/EquityUnscripted.aspx https://shaker.life/people/witness-history/

We're back, listeners! In this podcast relaunch, the three co-hosts - Ashley Nickels, Shemariah Arki, and Casey Boyd-Swan - talk about the relaunch and preview the next few episodes! Look forward to the following discussions in the coming weeks: Two Shakers: parts 1 and 2 Cleveland in the Classroom PB CLE: Participatory Budgeting in Cleveland This podcast is made possible with funding from the School of Peace & Conflict and the Center for Pan African Culture at Kent State University - with additional support from Mark Lewine and the John Gray Paynther Program.

This episode is part of Series 6, Race and Democracy in Northeast Ohio. In this ninth episode, Ashley and Casey talk with returning guest Jerry Peña (founder & senior member Gradient A Human Equity Think Tank). Jerry shares his experience as both a community organizer and a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion consultant for organizations - the conversation also focuses on community organizer responses to current events. This series is made possible with funding from Mark Lewine and the John Gray Paynther Program. Links: https://gradientthinktank.com/team

This episode is part of Series 6, Race and Democracy in Northeast Ohio. In this eighth episode, Ashley and Shemariah talk with Midtown Cleveland staff Aisia Jones (Director of Community Empowerment) and Samira Malone (Neighborhood Planning Manager). The conversation emphasizes the importance of Black women in local activism, municipal politics, and neighborhood planning. The guests share their experiences with intersectional solidarity in organizing and activism. This series is made possible with funding from Mark Lewine and the John Gray Paynther Program. Links: https://midtowncleveland.org/

This episode is part of Series 6, Race and Democracy in Northeast Ohio. In our seventh episode, Casey and Anuj talk with Madhu Sharma, Executive Director and Director of Immigration Legal Services at International Institute of Akron in Akron OH. The conversation explores the intersections of race, religion, and resettlement in Akron, OH with a particular focus on current events. Madhu shares her personal experiences of facing discrimination and the multitude of challenges that racially & religiously minoritized populations face when resettling in Ohio. This series is made possible with funding from Mark Lewine and the John Gray Paynther Program. Links: https://www.iiakron.org/

This episode is part of Series 6, Race and Democracy in Northeast Ohio. In our sixth episode, Casey and Anuj talk with Katie Beck, Co-Artistic Director of the Gum-Dip Theatre in Akron OH. The conversation explores the changing face of Akron, OH - and Katie reflects on how community identity can be reinvented and reimagined with tools of storytelling and theatre. This series is made possible with funding from Mark Lewine and the John Gray Paynther Program. Links: http://www.gumdiptheatre.com/katie-beck

This episode is part of Series 6, Race and Democracy in Northeast Ohio. In our fifth episode, Casey and Shemariah talk with Dr. Khyati Y. Joshi (Professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University, author: White Christian Privilege). The conversation explores topics of religious privilege and the intersections of race, religion, and democracy. Dr. Joshi provides personal anecdotes and expertise on how the US institutionally prioritizes White Christianity. This series is made possible with funding from Mark Lewine and the John Gray Paynther Program. Links: https://nyupress.org/9781479840236/white-christian-privilege/

This episode is part of Series 6, Race and Democracy in Northeast Ohio. Our fourth episode features two youth of color who are active in the NEO organizing space. Ashley and Casey talk with Akii Butler (Ohio Organizing Collaborative) and Erik Gomez (Director of Governmental Affairs for Undergraduate Student Government at Kent State). The conversation focuses on recent work opposing Ohio HB327 (Bill Title: Prohibit teaching, advocating, or promoting divisive concepts) and what it is like to be a student/youth of color doing organizing work in predominantly white spaces. This series is made possible with funding from Mark Lewine and the John Gray Paynther Program. Links: https://www.honestyforohioeducation.info/ https://ohiostudentassociation.org/

This episode is part of Series 6, Race and Democracy in Northeast Ohio. Our third episode begins by exploring how individuals identify themselves, and why self-identification is a fundamental part of autonomy. Ashley and Shemariah talk with Tessa Xuan (Statewide Co-Director, OPAWL) and Dr. Suparna Bhaskaran (non-resident Fellow at the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy at The New School, OSU). The conversation focuses on defining and understanding social construction of identity and intersectional solidarity, and how "othering" is used as a tool to divide. This series is made possible with funding from Mark Lewine and the John Gray Paynther Program. Links: Immigration Justice Storytelling Campaign - http://opawl.org/advocacy/love-has-no-borders/

This week the podcast continues the series, the Power of Political and Civic Engagement. In this episode, Ashley and Casey welcome Phil Kidd, Special Projects Manager for Northwest Neighborhoods CDC in Cleveland. The three discuss differences in community development and organizing across suburban and urban spaces - as well as how running can serve to connect people to their communities. Links: Cleveland street running project: www.EveryStreetCleveland.com Book suggestion: "Legacy Cities: Continuity and Change Amid Declince and Renewal": https://upittpress.org/books/9780822945635/

This episode is part of Series 6, Race and Democracy in Northeast Ohio. Our second episode begins by exploring the 3R's: race, racism, and racialized systems of oppression. Casey and Shemariah talk with Professors Nishani Frazier (Associate Professor of American Studies and History at University of Kansas) and Ayesha Bell Hardaway (Associate Professor of Law at Case Western Reserve University School of Law). The conversation focuses on defining and understanding racial justice, as well as how racialized systems of oppression make racial justice increasingly challenging. This series is made possible with funding from Mark Lewine and the John Gray Paynther Program. Links: https://harambeecity.lib.miamioh.edu/

This week the podcast continues with the series Demystifying Policy-Relevant Research in collaboration with the Northeast Ohio Chapter of Scholars Strategy Network. Ashley and Casey speak with Dr. Jay Chen, Associate Professor at Cleveland State University. The three talk about causes behind current supply chain disruptions and the ways in which his work can impact public policy. Links: Scholars Strategy Network - NE Ohio bit/ly/3xXZrL0 CSU: http://facultyprofile.csuohio.edu/csufacultyprofile/detail.cfm?FacultyID=J_CHEN27

This week the podcast continues with the series Demystifying Policy-Relevant Research in collaboration with the Northeast Ohio Chapter of Scholars Strategy Network. Ashley and Casey speak with returning guest Dr. Meghan Novisky, Assistant Professor at Cleveland State University. The conversation centers around the impact of COVID-19 on incarcerated individuals, the failure of policy responses to protect these individuals, and how research can center the voices of those it studies. Links: Scholars Strategy Network - NE Ohio bit/ly/3xXZrL0 CSU: http://facultyprofile.csuohio.edu/csufacultyprofile/detail.cfm?FacultyID=m_novisky

This episode is part of Series 6, Race and Democracy in Northeast Ohio. Our first episode begins by exploring the Power of Storytelling. Ashley and Anuj talk with Elaine Hsiao, faculty at Kent State's School of Peace and Conflict Studies. The conversation focuses on storytelling as a research tool, as a bridge for creating human connections, and the role it plays in building community and growing democracy. This series is made possible with funding from Mark Lewine and the John Gray Paynther Program. Links: https://healourcommunities.org/resources/

This week the podcast continues with the new series - demystifying policy-relevant research-in collaboration with the Northeast Ohio Chapter of Scholars Strategy Network. Ashley and Casey speak with Michael Palmieri, Research Associate at Kent State University's Ohio Employee Ownership Center. The conversation centers around on the ways employee-ownership can be used as an economic development strategy to create individual and community wealth while creating space for greater political and civic engagement. Links: Scholars Strategy Network - NE Ohio bit/ly/3xXZrL0 OEOC: https://www.oeockent.org

In this episode, Ashley and Casey welcome two new co-hosts to the podcast, Dr. Shemariah Arki and Dr. Anuj Gurung. Series 6 centers on the theme of Race & Democracy in Northeast Ohio, and is a collaboration with the School of Peace and Conflict Studies and the Center for Pan African Culture at Kent State University. The series will include a 10 podcast episodes series focused specifically on the intersections of race and democracy in northeast Ohio. We are also have an upcoming in-person community workshop as part of this collaboration - learn more here: https://growingdemocracyoh.org/events/race-place-and-political-boundaries/. This series is made possible with funding from Mark Lewine and the John Gray Paynther Program.

Since it's Labor Day, the podcast wanted to reflect back on our discussion with Service Employee's International Union (SEIU) Local 1 union organizer Camilo Villa and union representative Kathy Curlee-Jones. The discussion includes how unions protect worker's rights and how labor unions help individuals collectively build and shift the balance of power in today's economy. Links: SEIU Local 1 - https://www.seiu1.org/

THis week the podcast continues with the new series - demystifying policy-relevant research-in collaboration with the Northeast Ohio Chapter of Scholars Strategy Network. Ashley and Casey speak with Dr. Wendy Regoeczi, professor and chair of the Department of Criminology, Anthropology, and Sociology at Cleveland State University. The conversation centers around new reforms in the Cuyahoga County criminal justice system addressing domestic violence. Links: Scholars Strategy Network - NE Ohio https://bit/ly/3xXZrL0 http://facultyprofile.csuohio.edu/csufacultyprofile/detail.cfm?FacultyID=W_REGOECZI

This week the podcast launches a new series – demystifying policy-relevant research – in collaboration with the Northeast Ohio Chapter of Scholars Strategy Network. Ashley and Casey speak with Professor Sharona Hoffman, Co-Director of the Law-Medicine Center at Case Western Reserve's School of Law. The conversation centers around the use of Artificial Intelligence in medical decisions, specifically thinking through how the use of AI can lead to discriminatory outcomes. Links: Scholars Strategy Network – NE Ohio https://bit.ly/3xXZrL0 https://case.edu/law/our-school/faculty-directory/sharona-hoffman

After a long break, we are back! This week the podcast continues the series The Power of Political and Civic Engagement. In this episode, Ashley and Casey welcome Bryson Davis from the Akron Leadership Foundation. The discussion focuses on the importance of solidarity and grace in civic engagement. Links: https://www.akronlf.org/our-team-1

This week the podcast continues the series, the Power of Political and Civic Engagement. In this episode, Ashley and Casey welcome Madison Newingham, campaign finance expert for Ohio Democrats and local activist. The three discuss youth activism and how political engagement in a university context can motivate ongoing civil and political engagement.

This week the podcast continues the theme of Series 3, Gap Filling. Casey and Ashley welcome Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Professor Christopher Sagers. The discussion examines the topic of anti-trust law and looks at the complications of enforcing anti-trust policy in our political, social, and economic systems. Links: United States v. Apple: Competition in America – Chris Sagers - https://www.amazon.com/United-States-v-Apple-Competition/dp/067497221X/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=United+States+v+apple+competition+in+america&qid=1558455203&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull Christopher L. Sagers Cleveland-Marshall Law School Bio Page - https://www.law.csuohio.edu/meetcmlaw/faculty/sagers Slate – Chris Sagers Articles - https://slate.com/author/chris-sagers Promarket – Chris Sagers Articles - https://promarket.org/author/chris_sagers/ SSRN – Chris Sagers Articles - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=408147

This week the podcast continues the series, Serving the Public Interest. Casey and Ashley welcome Ohio House of Representative Juanita Brent. The discussion examines the duties of a State Representative and explores some of the policy issues important to Representative Brent, including voting and police reform. Links: Ohio House of Representatives - https://ohiohouse.gov/ Ohio Senate - https://www.ohiosenate.gov/ Ohio Governor's Office - https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/

This week the podcast continues the series, the Power of Political and Civic Engagement. In this episode, Ashley and Casey welcome Angela Cecys, Police Co-Responder at Frontline Service and Cleveland Division of Police. The discussion looks to at how both macro and micro social work can help strengthen our democracy and increase civic engagement within our communities. Links: National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-TALK (8255) Coleman Professional Services -https://www.colemanservices.org/ Cleveland Neighborhood Progress -http://www.clevelandnp.org/ Nord Center -https://nordcenter.org/ Frontline Services -https://www.frontlineservice.org/

This week the podcast continues the series, the Power of Political and Civic Engagement. In this episode, Ashley and Casey welcome Associate Vice President for University Outreach and Engagement at Kent State University, Dr. Dana Lawless-Andric. The discussion looks at how we can strengthen our democracy by breaking down systemic barriers to education and increase access which creates a more equitable system for all. Links: Kent State University Outreach and Engagement -https://www.kent.edu/uoe

This week the podcast continues the theme of Series 3, Gap Filling. Casey and Ashley welcome Mahananda Luitel, Elected President of the Greater Akron Hindu Sewa Samittee and Integration Administrator of the International Institute of Akron. The discussion examines how these organizations fill the gaps in helping refugees adjust and succeed in the Akron area and create a welcoming community for all. Links: Greater Akron Hindu Sewa Samittee - https://www.gahss.info Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/greaterakronhindusewasamittee/ International Institute of Akron - https://www.iiakron.org/ Mahananda's Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mahananda.luitel YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVLExCT_WCY News Stories: NPR - https://www.npr.org/2016/03/11/470040254/naturalized-citizen-in-ohio-takes-voting-for-the-first-time-very-seriously NewsChannel 5 - https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/akron-canton-news/akron-organization-aims-to-help-immigrants-in-area-adjust-to-new-life-enhance-current-skills

This week the podcast continues the series, the Power of Political and Civic Engagement. In this episode, Ashley and Casey welcome field organizer William Shostrand. The discussion looks at political engagement through the various levels of government and how civic engagement can lead to finding common interests across the political spectrum.

This week the Growing Democracy Podcast celebrates its 50th episode! In honor of this achievement, Casey and Ashley talk with two previous guests to get updates on their organizations work. Katie Carver Reed, from the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank, and Maple Hts. Mayor Annette Blackwell return to discuss how their organizations have managed and adapted throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic. This episode is also the final episode of Series 1.

This week the podcast welcomes Rahsaan Harris, Chief Executive Officer at Citizens Committee for New York City. CitizensNYC provides micro-grants to local leaders on the front lines of change to help democratize civic engagement. The discussion ranges from active listening, privilege, philanthropy, and how organizations can fill the gaps that government can't or won't provide for communities. Links: Citizens Committee for New York City - https://www.citizensnyc.org/ Peace Corps - https://www.peacecorps.gov/

This week the podcast continues the series, the Power of Political and Civic Engagement. In this episode, Ashley and Casey welcome Service Employee's International Union (SEIU) Local 1 union organizer Camilo Villa and union representative Kathy Curlee-Jones. The discussion includes how unions protect worker's rights and how labor unions help individuals collectively build and shift the balance of power in today's economy. Links: SEIU Local 1 - https://www.seiu1.org/

This week the podcast continues the series, the Power of Political and Civic Engagement. In this episode, Ashley and Casey talk with Iris Meltzer, President for the League of the Women Voters of Ohio. The discussion centers on how the League of Women Voters operates at various levels of government and the work the league does to encourage voter participation and civic engagement. Links: League of Women Voters of the U.S. - https://www.lwv.org/ League of Women Voters of Ohio - https://www.lwvohio.org/ League of Women Voters of Kent - https://my.lwv.org/ohio/kent Find your Local League of Women Voters - https://www.lwv.org/local-leagues/find-local-league?field_zip_code_value Voter Girl - https://my.lwv.org/ohio/kent/voter-girl Mental Health and Recovery Board of Portage County - https://www.mental-health-recovery.org/ Kent Free Library - https://kentfreelibrary.org/

This week the podcast welcomes the Founder and Executive Director of Recess Cleveland, Alex Robertson. Recess Cleveland throws pop up recess events in schools, parks, and areas that lack a safe space to play, which helps to stimulate economic growth, promote physical activity, and increase community participation. The discussion centers on the benefits related to recess and how Recess Cleveland is filling the gaps as schools continue to cut recess from the school day.  Links: Recess Cleveland - https://recesscleveland.com/about-us/

This week the podcast continues the series, the Power of Political and Civic Engagement. In this episode, Ashley and Casey talk with Breannah Alexander Oppenhuizen, Director of LEAD Programs at Michigan Disability Rights Coalition and the Founder and Co-Director of women reVamped. The discussion centers on how power structures and the white supremist culture stifles political and civic engagement within the nonprofit sector and how nonprofit organizations should look to find solutions to the problems they look to address. Links- Michigan Disability Rights Coalition - https://www.copower.org/ Women revamped - https://www.womenrevamped.org/

This week the podcast welcomes Dr. Rasheda Weaver, first Assistant Professor for the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Iona College. The discussion revolves around social enterprise organizations and their impacts on the community. Social Enterprises help to fill the gaps between nonprofit and for-profit organizations by using commercial strategies to help address social issues. Links Dr. Rasheda L. Weaver – rweaver@iona.eduWeaver's Social Enterprise Directory - http://socialenterprisedirectory.com/ Professional Website - http://www.rashedaweaver.com/ Latest Research Articles by Dr. WeaverThe Impact of Covid-19 on the Social Enterprise Sector - https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/9DYGMFKBPNHW929SWZZ9/full?target=10.1080/19420676.2020.1861476 The Utilization, Benefits, and Challenges of Online Social Enterprises Directories: Online Social Enterprise Directories - https://socialinnovationsjournal.com/index.php/sij/article/view/420 The International Undergraduate Journal for Service-Learning, Leadership, and Social Change - https://opus.govst.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1120&context=iujsl Social Enterprise Examples: Edwin's Bakery and Training Institute - https://edwinsrestaurant.org/bakery/ Greyston Bakery - https://greystonbakery.com/ Newman's Own Foundation - https://newmansownfoundation.org/

This week the podcast continues the series, The Power of Civic and Political Engagement. In this episode, Ashley and Casey talk with Kristi Andrasik, a licensed independent social worker. The discussion examines the intersection of social work and civic engagement. Topics include how nonprofit organizations manage relationships with the foundations who fund them, and how nonprofits can engage in advocacy for the causes they seek to address. Links: Northeast Ohio Scholar Strategy Network - scholars.org/chapter/northeast-ohio Andrasik, Kristi & Mead, Joseph W. (October 10, 2018) Know Me Before You Speak for Me: Substantive Public Representation Among Nonprofits, Public Performance and Management Review, pp 34-58, retrieved from www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080…76.2018.1486212

This week the podcast looks to the future of political and civic engagement. Ashley and Casey interview Tessa, Ella, and Dharma to get the perspective of teenagers concerning civic and political engagement. Topics include where today's youth get their information, how they engage in and define politics, and the issues concerning this future generation of leaders. #thefutureisfemale #IWD2021

This week the podcast continues the series, The Power of Civic and Political Engagement. We look back on our first live Twitch episode featuring Kent State University doctoral candidate Dan Grueber, who is examining the effects the gaming community has on political attitudes and behaviors. The discussion looks at the intersection of gaming and political engagement, and the increasing amount of representation within games and the gaming community.

This week the podcast continues its theme of governing during pandemic. Ashley and Casey welcome Dr. Megan Hatch, Associate Professor of Urban Policy and City Management at Cleveland State University. The conversation looks at how state and local housing policies impact individuals, especially those that disproportionately impact vulnerable populations. The topics include how eviction moratoriums, rental assistance, and state preemption laws have been implemented during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Links on www.growingdemocracyOH.org to the following organizations: Cleveland/Cuyahoga County rental assistance program Data on evictions in Cleveland during the pandemic Eviction Lab Source of Income Anti-Discrimination policy brief Cleveland's proposed source of income anti-discrimination ordinance Criminal Activity Nuisance Ordinances (CANOs) Student advocacy on CANOs Sandra Park's work on CANOs My research on landlord-tenant laws Scholars Strategy Network Phil Garboden and Eva Rosen's work on serial eviction filings CDC Eviction Moratorium Definition of state preemption Bruce McDonald, Chris Goodman, and my paper on preemptions during COVID Heights Community Congress Fair Housing Center for Rights and Research Legal Aid Society of Cleveland ACLU of Ohio Books on Housing Evicted Color of Law Segregation by Design Manufacturing Decline The Voucher Promise The Lines Between Us

This week the podcast continues the series, The Power of Civic and Political Engagement. On this episode, Ashley and Casey talk with educator, organizer, and activist Dr. Shemariah Arki, professor and interim director for the Center of Pan-African Studies at Kent State University. Dr. Arki discusses the many organizations they are involved in with and challenges the listener to think of how civic engagement is affected by power structures, especially through the perspective of historically marginalized and minoritized communities. Links: Dr. Shemariah Arki - https://www.shemariaharki.com/Shooting Without Bullets - http://www.shootingwithoutbullets.org/Sankofa Circle International - https://www.sankofacircleinternational.org/ Ellipsis Institute - https://www.ellipsisinstitute.com/ Facebook: Dr. Shemariah J. Arki Ellipsis Institute for Womxn of Color in the Academy Instagram: @BlackCommaFeminist@EllipsisInstitute Twitter: @BlackCommaFem LinkedIn: Dr. Shemariah J. Arki

This week the podcast continues the series, The Power of Civic and Political Engagement. On this episode, Ashley and Casey talk with J. Leigh Garcia, Assistant Professor of Print Media, and Photography for the School of Arts at Kent State University. Mx. Garcia explains how her ancestry helped to shape and focus her art on the issues confronting undocumented immigrants at the United States southern border. The discussion also looks at how art, in general, can be used to increase civic engagement and shine a light on social justice movements. Links-J. Leigh Garcia Website - https://www.jleighgarcia.com/Women Against Hate United by Love - https://wearewomenagainsthate.org/Resiliencia - https://www.jleighgarcia.com/resilienciaSoñé una Milpa - https://www.unamilpa.com/Families for Freedom - https://familiesforfreedom.org/Immigrant Defense Project - https://www.immigrantdefenseproject.org/

This week the podcast continues the theme, Power of Political and Civic Engagement. Discussions with local elected officials, public officials, and community activists about what civic and political engagement means to them. On this episode, Ashley and Casey talk with Megan Fisher, Chief Operating Officer at WomenSafe, Inc., an organization in Geauga County, Ohio that empowers and supports domestic violence survivors. The discussion centers around the intersection of civic engagement and domestic violence advocacy and what led Megan to this challenging and important career. Links to organizations mentioned in the episode, and other Domestic Violence organizations: WomenSafe, Inc. (Geauga County) - https://womensafe.org/ 24-hour COPEline – 1-888-285-5665 Domestic Violence Child Advocacy Center – (Cuyahoga County) - https://dvcac.org/ 24-hour Hotline – (216) 391-HELP (4357) Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center – (Summit & Medina County) - https://hopeandhealingresources.org/ 24-hour Hotline – (330) 374-1111 (Summit) (330) 723-3900 (Medina) Safer Futures – (Portage County) - https://fcsserves.org/program/safer-futures/ 24-hour Hotline – (330) 673-2500 (330) 296-2100 National Domestic Violence Hotline - https://www.thehotline.org/ 24-hour Hotline – 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

This week the podcast continues the series, Serving the Public Interest. Each episode will introduce listeners to elected officials and public administrators who are serving the public interest. This week the podcast welcomes Ashtabula County Auditor David Thomas and Eli Kalil, Chair of the Executive Committee for the Ashtabula Democratic Party. The discussion explores public service and civic engagement through the lens of opposing political parties and how both parties are experiencing a youth movement in Ashtabula County. Links- Ashtabula County Website - https://www.co.ashtabula.oh.us/ Ashtabula County Auditor - https://auditor.ashtabulacounty.us/dnn Ashtabula County Democratic Party - https://www.ashtabulacountydems.org/ Ashtabula County Republican Party - https://ashtabulagop.com/

This week the podcast continues the series, Serving the Public Interest. Each episode will introduce listeners to elected officials and public administrators who are serving the public interest. This week the podcast welcomes former Portage County Commissioner and former Ohio State House Representative Kathleen Clyde. The discussion centers on serving the public interest and how civic engagement differs at multiple levels of government. Topics also include voter rights, women's rights, and the push for more inclusivity in government. Links- Portage County Commissioners - https://www.portagecounty-oh.gov/portage-county-board-commissioners Brennan Center for Justice - https://www.brennancenter.org/ Elect Her Kent State University - https://www.kent.edu/womenscenter/elect-her League of Women Voters - https://www.lwv.org/ Ohio House of Representatives - http://www.ohiohouse.gov/ Ohio Senate - http://www.ohiosenate.gov/

This week the podcast continues the series, Serving the Public Interest. Each episode will introduce listeners to elected officials and public administrators who are serving the public interest. This week the podcast welcomes Portage County Treasurer Brad Cromes. The discussion looks at the role of the Treasurer and how previous civic engagement efforts helped define his outlook on serving the public interest. “This community is only going to be what we make of it.” Links- Portage County Treasurer Website - https://www.portagecounty-oh.gov/treasurer-brad-cromes-cgfm Portage County Board of Elections - https://www.portagecounty-oh.gov/board-elections Portage County Financial Wellness Fair - https://www.portagecounty-oh.gov/treasurer-brad-cromes-cgfm/pages/financial-wellness-fair-0 Community Action Council of Portage County - http://www.cacportage.net/ Hiram Farm - http://www.hiramfarm.org/ Kiwanis Club of Ravenna, Ohio - https://www.facebook.com/kiwanisravennaoh/ United Way of Portage County - https://www.uwportage.org/

This week the podcast welcomes Devontá Dickey, the Advocacy and Engagement Coordinator for Cleveland VOTES, a nonpartisan democracy building and mobilization organization. The discussion centers on changing power structures through equitable civic engagement and how Cleveland Votes aims to ensure we have a more informed, participatory, and cohesive community. Episode Links: Cleveland VOTES - https://www.clevotes.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ClevelandVOTES/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/clevelandvotes/?hl=en Hack Cleveland Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/hackcleveland/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/HackCleveland unBail - https://www.unbail.org/

This week the podcast continues its theme of governing during pandemic. Ashley and Casey welcome Jacob Dudley, a recent Kent State University graduate with a degree in Applied Conflict Management. Jacob is currently helping to address the COVID-19 pandemic as a contact tracer with a local county health department. The discussion includes how local health departments are trying to minimize the spread of this deadly virus and explores the intersection between contact tracing, civic engagement and conflict management.