Podcasts about community action

Dana In The Morning Highlights 12/19Christmas could see record-breaking warmth for our area - highs in the low 80s - ughCommunity Action Teams engages students with emergency prep and humanitarian outreachCongrats to our elementary teacher in Conroe - winning the December grand prize to Naples, FL!

On this episode of Vermont Viewpoint, David first talks with Steve Howard, Executive Director of the Vermont State Employee Association VSEA, about Governor Scott's return-to-commute executive work order and what it means for state employees as well as Vermonters access to services. We will also discuss federal cuts and how that will impact Vermonters both through state programs and adjacent organizations such as the Community Action network across the state. Then, David will be joined by Alison Calderara, Executive Director of Capstone Community Action, and Liz Scharf, Director of Capstones Community Economic Development and Food Security, to discuss how Capstone has been helping central Vermonters make ends meet for over 60 years through programs like emergency food and heating assistance, housing counseling, financial coaching, workforce development, headstart and more.This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 12/18/2025.

12/5/25:MTA Pres Max Page & Harry Feder, Ex Dir, Fair Test: high stakes testing in Mass—again? Community Action's Lev BenEzra & Jess Thompson: food and heat – for all? Matteo Pangallo (Pres, Valley Players), John Bidwell (Wayfinders) & Chris Rohmann (theatre maestro): “It's a Wonderful Life." Josh Silver w/ Ben Scott, Ex Dir, Reset, the int'l org: digital disinformation and democracy. Donnabelle Casis w/ George Kohout, Pres. Friends of N'ton Trails: the mini museums here.

12/5/25:MTA Pres Max Page & Harry Feder, Ex Dir, Fair Test: high stakes testing in Mass—again? Community Action's Lev BenEzra & Jess Thompson: food and heat – for all? Matteo Pangallo (Pres, Valley Players), John Bidwell (Wayfinders) & Chris Rohmann (theatre maestro): “It's a Wonderful Life." Josh Silver w/ Ben Scott, Ex Dir, Reset, the int'l org: digital disinformation and democracy. Donnabelle Casis w/ George Kohout, Pres. Friends of N'ton Trails: the mini museums here.

12/5/25:MTA Pres Max Page & Harry Feder, Ex Dir, Fair Test: high stakes testing in Mass—again? Community Action's Lev BenEzra & Jess Thompson: food and heat – for all? Matteo Pangallo (Pres, Valley Players), John Bidwell (Wayfinders) & Chris Rohmann (theatre maestro): “It's a Wonderful Life." Josh Silver w/ Ben Scott, Ex Dir, Reset, the int'l org: digital disinformation and democracy. Donnabelle Casis w/ George Kohout, Pres. Friends of N'ton Trails: the mini museums here.

12/5/25:MTA Pres Max Page & Harry Feder, Ex Dir, Fair Test: high stakes testing in Mass—again? Community Action's Lev BenEzra & Jess Thompson: food and heat – for all? Matteo Pangallo (Pres, Valley Players), John Bidwell (Wayfinders) & Chris Rohmann (theatre maestro): “It's a Wonderful Life." Josh Silver w/ Ben Scott, Ex Dir, Reset, the int'l org: digital disinformation and democracy. Donnabelle Casis w/ George Kohout, Pres. Friends of N'ton Trails: the mini museums here.

12/5/25:MTA Pres Max Page & Harry Feder, Ex Dir, Fair Test: high stakes testing in Mass—again? Community Action's Lev BenEzra & Jess Thompson: food and heat – for all? Matteo Pangallo (Pres, Valley Players), John Bidwell (Wayfinders) & Chris Rohmann (theatre maestro): “It's a Wonderful Life." Josh Silver w/ Ben Scott, Ex Dir, Reset, the int'l org: digital disinformation and democracy. Donnabelle Casis w/ George Kohout, Pres. Friends of N'ton Trails: the mini museums here.

12/5/25:MTA Pres Max Page & Harry Feder, Ex Dir, Fair Test: high stakes testing in Mass—again? Community Action's Lev BenEzra & Jess Thompson: food and heat – for all? Matteo Pangallo (Pres, Valley Players), John Bidwell (Wayfinders) & Chris Rohmann (theatre maestro): “It's a Wonderful Life." Josh Silver w/ Ben Scott, Ex Dir, Reset, the int'l org: digital disinformation and democracy. Donnabelle Casis w/ George Kohout, Pres. Friends of N'ton Trails: the mini museums here.

Ray White speaks to Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, as South Africa begins its annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This year, the government’s message is sharper and more urgent: the fight against GBV cannot be confined to a two-week campaign, it demands unwavering commitment throughout the year. Chikunga outlines a national call to action urging men, women, young people, filmmakers, the media and civil society to step beyond symbolic gestures and work collectively to end violence. Meanwhile, Gauteng launched its provincial campaign, and government introduced a new GBVF Dashboard designed to provide real-time data, transparency and accountability. The initiative comes in the wake of last week’s powerful march, where survivors and activists reiterated that gender-based violence has been a devastating pandemic long before Covid-19 and remains unresolved. On the show today, we examine the widening gap between government’s bold commitments and the harsh daily realities faced by communities. More critically, we explore what concrete interventions are needed to finally shift this campaign from awareness… to genuine safety and lasting change. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thomas English talks with a guest from the West Central Missouri Community Action Agency to discuss their Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program for the winter. The guest is WCMCAA public relations director Debbie Vickers. In this program, she discusses the various options for payment of energy bills through the WCMCAA's LIHEAP program. She also discusses their upcoming home weatherization program and who is eligible. Other topic include donations that can be made to help families in need of a heat source this winter. 

Hello, welcome this week's Blonde Intelligence. I am your host, Ms. Roni, and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. A mother fresh out of the hospital for a sickle cell crisis is jumped by a group of kids in Chicago while walking her children home from school. That single moment forces a hard look at what happens when schools miss warning signs, families face instability, and communities struggle to balance empathy with accountability. We examine bullying, what meaningful follow-through should look like, and how prevention beats reaction when leadership uses clear protocols and data-informed tools to identify student risks before harm escalates.We also unpack the contradictions that make this story so unsettling. Poverty and housing insecurity can amplify stress and impulsivity, yet one alleged participant is a high-achieving eighth grader with involved parents. That tension challenges easy explanations and points to the power of peers, status, and group dynamics. We talk through discipline with dignity—how to set firm boundaries without public shaming—and why consistent, proportionate consequences help kids internalize responsibility. Empathy training, restorative practices, and mentorships matter, but they must sit alongside clear rules that protect the vulnerable.Zooming out, we share practical steps for parents, educators, and neighbors: document and escalate bullying reports, push for campus safety audits, adopt student success assessments that flag barriers early, and build community supports that keep kids engaged after school. Accountability is not the enemy of compassion; it's the structure that allows compassion to work. If you care about school safety, youth mental health, and real solutions to bullying and group violence, this conversation offers both context and concrete actions you can take today.If this resonates, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review with your take on what needs to change first—home, school, or policy. Your voice can help push this conversation toward solutions.#ProtectStudentsNow #PreventBullyingWithCare #CommunityAccountabilitySupport the show

11/19/25: Young@Heart Chorus' Bob Cilman, Orlando Isaza & Caroline McDonald: “Ten-Alarm Fire: We Will Not Shut Up!” Ellsberg Initiative's Chris Appy and Farai Chidea: “How to Read America.” Community Action's Energy Program Dir Peter Wingate: staying warm. “Between The Mountain and the Sky” with filmmakers Larry Hott & Jeremy Power Regimbal and the protagonist, Nepal-based Maggie Doyne.

Senior Director of the Community Action Center Anika Rychner discusses their annual fundraiser for Operation Joy, which helps provide Northfield families with support during the holiday season. 

11/19/25: Young@Heart Chorus' Bob Cilman, Orlando Isaza & Caroline McDonald: “Ten-Alarm Fire: We Will Not Shut Up!” Ellsberg Initiative's Chris Appy and Farai Chidea: “How to Read America.” Community Action's Energy Program Dir Peter Wingate: staying warm. “Between The Mountain and the Sky” with filmmakers Larry Hott & Jeremy Power Regimbal and the protagonist, Nepal-based Maggie Doyne.

11/19/25: Young@Heart Chorus' Bob Cilman, Orlando Isaza & Caroline McDonald: “Ten-Alarm Fire: We Will Not Shut Up!” Ellsberg Initiative's Chris Appy and Farai Chidea: “How to Read America.” Community Action's Energy Program Dir Peter Wingate: staying warm. “Between The Mountain and the Sky” with filmmakers Larry Hott & Jeremy Power Regimbal and the protagonist, Nepal-based Maggie Doyne.

11/19/25: Young@Heart Chorus' Bob Cilman, Orlando Isaza & Caroline McDonald: “Ten-Alarm Fire: We Will Not Shut Up!” Ellsberg Initiative's Chris Appy and Farai Chidea: “How to Read America.” Community Action's Energy Program Dir Peter Wingate: staying warm. “Between The Mountain and the Sky” with filmmakers Larry Hott & Jeremy Power Regimbal and the protagonist, Nepal-based Maggie Doyne.

Scott Wopata, outgoing Executive Director of the Community Action Center and incoming Community Development Director for the City of Northfield, talks how the CAC is serving the community during the SNAP benefits freeze, Operation Joy, his new role with the city, and more. 

Strong Towns members are doing remarkable things in their communities, but none of it requires magic abilities. Norm shares what he's learned from 50 interviews — and explains how you can get involved. Additional Show Notes It's Member Week at Strong Towns! Join the movement by making a donation of any amount.

Send us a textA new report on health and climate change paints the grimmest picture yet about what's going on – not just that 2024 was the hottest year on record, but evidence that many governments have stopped even pretending to try to do anything about it.The 2025 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change finds that more than half a million people die every year from heat-related causes, up 23 percent since the 1990s. Air pollution just from wildfire smoke was linked to 154,000 deaths in 2024. And 2.5 million people die every year because of the continued burning of fossil fuels, the report says.But Dr. Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi, Professor of Climate Change, Food Systems, and Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Director of the Lancet Countdown in Africa, says it's not all bad news. Communities, people acting in groups, city governments, and others can make a difference.“We do have the power,” says Tafadzwa, who joins One World, One Health host Maggie Fox in this episode to talk about the report and what he sees for the future.African nations, especially, have the opportunity to show the way as they build cities that take advantage of clean energy, says Tafadzwa, who is also a professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Future Africa, at the University of Pretoria in South Africa.The report finds hope in this trend, and estimates 160,000 lives are being saved annually as communities shift away from coal and enjoy cleaner air.Listen as Tafadzwa describes some of the successes in fighting climate change and what people and communities can do to encourage their governments to act.

What happens when the very programs meant to fight poverty are on the brink of disappearing? For Michelle James, Executive Director of the Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut (CAAWC), that question isn't hypothetical - it's her daily reality.This week on Mission CTRL, Ramon and Jorge sit down with Michelle to unpack the vital role of Community Action in our nation's social safety net. CAAWC helps individuals and families move toward self-sufficiency - offering a hand up, not just a handout. From heating assistance and food pantries to job readiness and ESL programs, Michelle and her team serve over a thousand people each month, connecting them with the resources they need to survive and thrive.But with federal funding for critical programs like the Community Services Block Grant and the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program “zeroed out” of the federal budget, the agency faces an uncertain future. Michelle opens up about the sleepless nights of running a nonprofit like a business - forecasting, adapting, and fighting for every dollar to keep her team and programs afloat.As CAAWC celebrates 60 years of service, Michelle reflects on resilience, reinvention, and what it truly means to lead through uncertainty. Whether you're a changemaker, community advocate, or entrepreneur navigating tough times, this episode is a masterclass in transformational leadership, persistence, and purpose.•••Find full episodes of Mission CTRL on Anchor, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and our website.Mission CTRL aims to ignite the innovative spirit inside us all through providing budding and successful entrepreneurs and community leaders with a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Tune in every Wednesday and catch up with the team at Peralta Design as we unleash the origin stories behind some exceptional leaders, share marketing/branding insights, and navigate the ever-changing currents of pop culture.Subscribe for more weekly branding and entrepreneurial content here! To learn more about Peralta Design's work visit peraltadesign.com.#welaunchbrands #launchyourbrand #BrandU #missionctrl #mctrl #digitalagency #mbeagency #mbe #digital #branding #marketing #web #creative #contentcreator #contentstrategy #marketingstrategy #leadership #leader #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #startup #startups #business #businessowner #businesstips #scalingyourbusiness #smallbusiness #w2 #fulltime #9to5 #office #officelife #corporate #podcast #podcasts #podcastshow #businesspodcast #lifestory #lifestories #personalstory #personalstories

Clark County is inviting residents to apply for four open seats on the Community Action Advisory Board, which advises on funding for housing, self-sufficiency, and basic needs programs. The county encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply before the Nov. 21 deadline. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-seeks-applicants-for-community-action-advisory-board-13/ #ClarkCounty #CommunityAction #PublicService #Housing #Diversity #Inclusion #LocalGovernment #Volunteer #CommunityEngagement #VancouverWA

Thirty years after the United Nations first called for global action on climate change, progress remains painfully slow. Year after year, world leaders meet, make promises, and defer real solutions. Why? Because top-down global governance continues to fail in a world divided by power, politics, and inequality. In this episode, Linwood Pendleton, Global Coordinator of the Ocean Knowledge Action Network, argues that it's time to look elsewhere for answers. Drawing on his work with Indigenous academics, ocean scientists, and local communities around the world, he explains why true progress depends on wisdom from the ground up. Hope, he insists, lies not in endless summits—but in reconnecting with knowledge systems that already know how to live in balance with the planet.

Thomas English talks with two guests from the West Central Missouri Community Action Agency. They are Amy Anderson, Housing Assistance Program Chief Officer, and Mendy Neider, Housing Assistance Director. They talk about the various programs that the WCMCAA provides and how the community can use these programs. Other topics include how the waitlist works and the benefits that come with it. 

Cape Town’s housing crisis is putting immense pressure on tenants, with rising rents, short-term rentals, and semi-migration reshaping communities across the city. Lester Kiewit speaks to Adam Narain about the Rent Control movement and how it aims to empower tenants, advocate for policy change, increase housing supply, and re-engage middle-class and working populations in civic participation. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/f9Eeb7i Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, Craig Deluz interviews Johnny Lee about the importance of the Second Amendment, particularly in the context of Asian American communities. They discuss the historical challenges faced by Asian Americans, the formation of Operation Sentinel to empower these communities through firearms education, and the obstacles posed by California's gun laws, particularly the high fees for concealed carry permits. The discussion emphasizes the need for community self-defense and advocacy for gun rights.Please Support Our Sponsors:HITMAN INDUSTRIES - Visit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hitmanindustries.net/⁠⁠⁠⁠THE CALIFORNIA REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLY - Visit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cragop.org/⁠USCOMBATGEAR.COM⁠⁠⁠ - Visit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.uscombatgear.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HAWG HOLSTERS - Visit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hawgholsters.com/

In this conversation, Craig Deluz interviews Johnny Lee about the importance of the Second Amendment, particularly in the context of Asian American communities. They discuss the historical challenges faced by Asian Americans, the formation of Operation Sentinel to empower these communities through firearms education, and the obstacles posed by California's gun laws, particularly the high fees for concealed carry permits. The discussion emphasizes the need for community self-defense and advocacy for gun rights.Please Support Our Sponsors:HITMAN INDUSTRIES - Visit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hitmanindustries.net/⁠⁠⁠⁠THE CALIFORNIA REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLY - Visit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cragop.org/⁠USCOMBATGEAR.COM⁠⁠⁠ - Visit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.uscombatgear.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HAWG HOLSTERS - Visit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hawgholsters.com/

When one woman says “yes,” the ripple can reach across oceans. In this inspiring episode, Tracy sits down with Anne from Edinburgh, Scotland, whose life was forever changed by a simple invitation to host an awareness night. What followed was a 28-mile walk, over £10,000 raised, and a community awakened to the reality of human trafficking. Hear how Anne's obedience, courage, and community created a movement of prayer, action, and hope. Be inspired to cast your own stone and watch the ripples grow.Prayer resource mentioned: Disturb us, Lord, whenWe are too pleased with ourselves,When our dreams have come trueBecause we dreamed too little,When we arrived safelyBecause we sailed too close to the shore.Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,To venture on wilder seasWhere storms will show Your mastery;Where losing sight of land,We shall find the stars. Amen.-Sir Francis Drake 1577----Watch the interview: https://youtu.be/KbgJtAKFguoRead the blog: www.thefreedomchallenge.com/blogposts/2025/10/12/respond---Want to learn more? The Freedom Challenge US: thefreedomchallenge.comOperation Mobilization USA: omusa.orgInstagram: @freedomchallengeusa / Facebook: @thefcusaSupport the show

Veda Austin is a water researcher, public speaker, artist, author, and mother who has spent the past 14 years exploring water's structural memory and responsiveness. She has pioneered a unique crystallographic method that visually captures water's reactions to stimuli, revealing its awareness of thought, intention, and creation through imagery.Veda believes that water is fluid intelligence, observing itself through every living organism on the planet and in the universe. Her primary focus is photographing water in its ‘state of creation'—the space between liquid and ice—where it expresses a profound and dynamic language. Through her research, public talks, and published works, she challenges conventional perspectives, inspiring a deeper understanding of water as an intelligent and communicative force.Episode Highlights▶ How water serves as both a powerful healer and communicator▶ Insights from Veda Austin's 14+ years of water research▶ The way water absorbs, stores, and shares information through light▶ What the freezing process reveals about water's hidden intelligence▶ The profound healing effects of natural alkaline water▶ How intention and consciousness can change the structure of water▶ The deep interconnectedness between people, the planet, and water▶ Why healing ourselves begins the process of healing the Earth▶ How prayer and positive focus can transform our relationship with water▶ The growing global movement recognizing water's spirit and rightsVeda Austin's Links & Resources▶ Website: www.vedaaustin.com▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vedaaustin_water/▶ Webinar: https://www.vedaaustin.com/workshops-webinars Download Beth's free trainings here: Clarity to Clients: Start & Grow a Transformational Coaching, Healing, Spiritual, or Psychedelic Business: https://bethaweinstein.com/grow-your-spiritual-businessIntegrating Psychedelics & Sacred Medicines Into Business: https://bethaweinstein.com/psychedelics-in-business▶ Beth's Coaching & Guidance: https://bethaweinstein.com/coaching ▶ Beth's Offerings & Courses: https://bethaweinstein.com/services▶ Instagram: @bethaweinstein ▶ FB: / bethw.nyc + bethweinsteinbiz ▶ Join the free Psychedelics & Purpose Community: / psychedelicsandsacredmedicines

10/3/25: MTA Pres Max Page: tax the multinationals & free speech for educators. Clare Higgins: her careers as Mayor & Ex Dir, Community Action Pioneer Valley. Jennifer Jacobson & Morgan Sheehan: Straw Dog Writer's Guild WriteAngles Conference. UMass Athletic Dir Ryan Bamford: the football program & $. Donnabelle Casis w/ Mischa Roy Bennett: the Great N'ton Haunt.

Join us as we hear from Bob Branstetter, Director of Programs with Tempe Community Action Agency to learn more about the work they do to support the community in Tempe, AZ. To learn more, visit: https://tempeaction.org/

Host Anika Rychner, the Senior Director of Community Action Center, begins a new show talking with other members of local (Rice County, Minnesota) non-profit organizations about societal issues and how these organizations seek to help and educate. Today, she talks with Erica Staab, the Executive Director of HOPE Center in Faribault about the intersection of […]

America is facing deep political division. Republican vs. Democrat, Left vs. Right. But what will it truly take for us to come together as one nation again? On this episode, former California State Assemblyman Mike Gatto sits down with host and special guest co-host Joey for an honest conversation about America's current political climate. From the challenges facing both major parties to the growing frustration among citizens, Mike shares his perspective on what's fueling the divide and outlines practical steps everyday Americans can take to ensure their voices are heard by elected officials. Follow Mike Gatto: Website – www.mikegatto.com Twitter – @MikeGatto Follow Joey: TikTok – @joey_doesit

The National Drowning Report 2025 records 357 deaths in 2024–25, a 27 per cent increase over the 10-year average. Over one-third of these deaths involved people born overseas. In this episode, we speak with Harpreet Kandra, a community member in Victoria, who attended the report's release. He describes the new death toll as shocking and a stark wake-up call for migrants to recognise the dangers of being near water.

The Southern Nevada PCNA chapter received the 2025 Chapter Award for outstanding contributions to their community. Learn about what has led to their success--and strategies you can implement in your own workplace and community--from chapter leaders Kredlen Dentscheff, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, David De Santiago, MSN Ed, RN MEDSURG-BC, CMSRN, CV-BC, and Charli Rose Saxton, BSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, CMSRN, CV-BC.PCNA Chapters: https://pcna.net/about-pcna/chapters/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Massachusetts is a leader in the nationwide effort to reduce food waste, setting statewide standards on food scraps, supporting community-led efforts for food recovery, and ramping up assistance to schools and businesses. With fresh new insights and creative solutions, the fight against food waste is drawing new enthusiasts to an old environmental issue. How effective are the policies to reduce, donate and divert food waste?

In this episode, we explore how family philanthropy can spark citizen-led change by nurturing local leadership and strengthening civic participation. Swati Apte, Founder of the Kshirsagar Apte Foundation, reflects on how early experiences with volunteering shaped her approach to giving. She shares the story behind the Mumbai Ekatra initiative, an effort that supports individuals and communities to come together and solve problems they care deeply about.

Summary of “LIVE from MCA Summer Conference - SPECIAL EPISODE” (The Collective US Podcast, Ep. 59)This special live episode of The Collective US podcast was recorded at the Michigan Community Action (MCA) Summer Conference in Grand Rapids. Hosted by Erica Austin and Ryan Buck of the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA), the episode features a panel of executive directors from across the state: Stephanie Kasprzak (Monroe County Opportunity Program), Gustavo Perez (Kent County Community Action), Lisa Bolen (MCA & Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency), and Joe Nolan (Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action).Each leader shares their origin stories in community action work, reflecting on their personal motivations and paths to leadership, from being Head Start participants and nonprofit workers to city council members and professors. Their deep-rooted commitment to anti-poverty efforts and equity is a unifying thread.The conversation touches on:Legacy & Leadership: The importance of mentorship, succession planning, and building strong teams for future impact.Historic Milestones: Expansion of Head Start and Early Head Start, transportation programs, and senior services. Organizations like Kent County CAA delivering 113,000 food boxes in a year, or Monroe's Christmas basket program, highlight the scale of community support.Partnerships: A central theme—collaborating with churches, schools, contractors, and other agencies to stretch resources and amplify impact.Adaptability & Resilience: Panelists discuss their nimble responses to COVID-19, policy changes, and community needs—like launching mobile outreach vans in the UP or opening new PACE centers in rural counties.Funding Uncertainty: With CSBG and other funding facing threats, directors balance transparency with reassurance to their staff while continuing to advocate at state and federal levels.Success Stories: Moving testimonials include helping a formerly homeless single father and son rebuild their life, and a senior who felt remembered at Christmas after decades working for La-Z-Boy.Economic Impact: Community Action Agencies are significant employers and economic drivers in their regions—contributing millions to local economies through workforce development, small business contracting, and services.The episode concludes with a lighthearted “rapid fire” round where panelists imagine Community Action as a superhero (“Captain Perseverance”), dream up an official holiday (“CAA Day”), and share their vision for systemic change (eradicating poverty through guaranteed basic needs).Listeners are encouraged to learn more, donate to their local Community Action Agency, and attend the podcast breakout session at the conference.To support:Statewide: micommunityaction.org/donateNorthwest Michigan: nmcaa.net/donate

In this lively on-location episode of The Collective Us, hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck attend the Michigan Community Action (MCA) Summer Conference in Grand Rapids. They speak with attendees, leaders, and partners to highlight the conference's sessions, energy, and impact on Michigan's Community Action Network.Brian McGrain, MCA Executive Director, explains that the conference blends inspiration, education, and networking. It helps staff from Michigan's 27 Community Action Agencies connect, recharge, and learn from one another.Sessions include organizational guidance, new funding and reporting practices, leadership development, and even wellness offerings like yoga at dawn.The conference balances 14+ hour days with reflection time, celebrating staff while addressing the emotional toll of front-line service work.Speaker Shannon Cohen emphasized “replenishment” over self-care—reminding staff to refuel emotionally to better serve others.The message resonated across the conference, affirming the importance of caring for the caregiver.Rebecca Kraus, longtime LDI instructor, discussed the nine-month program designed to build leadership capacity for emerging and mid-level managers.LDI focuses on communication, behavioral dynamics, and personal coaching. Peer learning and one-on-one mentorship are critical.Kraus is stepping down, with Stephanie Kasprzak (program co-founder) and Michelle Stevens taking over and enhancing the curriculum to align with Emerging Leaders and the national CCAP certification.The training path is intentionally designed to cultivate future leaders. Many executive directors across Michigan have gone through LDI.Stevens and Kasprzak emphasized inclusive design, peer support, and reducing the learning curve for young leaders.Gustavo Perez, Director of Kent County Community Action, described this year's service project: decorating food boxes with uplifting artwork.The goal is to bring smiles and messages of hope to struggling families. Volunteers found joy and purpose in contributing creatively.Attendees shared key takeaways:AI's role in community action.Leadership skills and mental health in the workplace.Innovative programs like OLSA's “Rx Kids,” offering new moms $1,500 to use freely.Relationship-building and peer support were among the most appreciated elements.Attendees suggested songs like "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake and "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees—highlighting the conference's vibrant, uplifting energy.MCA and conference participants stressed that Community Action is more than service—it's a movement powered by hope, data, and shared mission.Erica and Ryan encourage donations to local community action agencies and invite listeners to share the podcast to spread awareness.Three Words to Sum It All Up?Innovative. Inspiring. Engaging.

Executive Director of Brainerd Community Action and Mayor of Brainerd, Dave Badeaux along with Former Brainerd Community Action Board Member Bill Satre discuss the 2nd Annual Brainerd Police vs Fire Softball Showdown happening at Mills Stadium.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How Marine Conservation Works is the foundation for protecting our oceans, but it's often misunderstood. In this episode, we break down how marine conservation really happens—from grassroots community efforts and local fisheries management to scientific input and national policies. You'll learn why effective conservation requires more than just good intentions—it takes collaboration, long-term planning, and strong social and political support. Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube    

Pastor Ara Tarosian joins Mike and Tim to share his incredible journey from persecution in Iran to building a vibrant church community in Los Angeles. He went viral a few weeks ago for a visdeo he posted of members of his congregation being abducted by ICE (See our instagram this week for the video). From surviving the Iranian Revolution to smuggling Bibles and leading a massive underground church, Pastor Ara's story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. In this thought-provoking discussion, he recounts the challenges faced by Iranian Christians, the cultural and political hurdles of immigration, and how faith can endure under immense pressure.  This episode explores themes of cruciformity, faith and politics, the role of the church in society, and navigating cultural challenges in a deeply divided world. Pastor Ara's experiences shed light on the global realities of persecution, the resilience of faith in Jesus, and the call for the church to embody justice, mercy, and compassion in the face of injustice. Join the conversation as we examine how the teachings of Jesus intersect with real-world struggles and what it means to stand in solidarity with persecuted communities.  Key Topics: Pastor Ara's background and journey to the U.S. The realities of seeking asylum and the legal hurdles involved The role of faith and community in navigating these challenges A call for compassion and reform in immigration policies Guest: Pastor Ara Tarosian, Cornerstone West LA Call to Action: Listen, reflect, and share this episode to raise awareness about the human stories behind immigration and asylum. Hashtags: #Immigration #Asylum #Faith #HumanRights CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Seth Introduces the Episode 01:29 - Ara's Early Life in Iran 12:38 - Ara's Arrest in Turkey 21:34 - Becoming a Pastor 23:50 - Starting Cornerstone West LA 32:44 - The Story of the ICE Raid at the Church 46:20 - Emotional Toll of the ICE Raid 49:13 - Impact on Ara's Wife and Mother 50:39 - Effects on Ara's Second Family 51:34 - Community Impact of the ICE Raid 53:49 - How People Can Help 59:40 - Community Action and Support 1:04:08 - Closing Thoughts 1:06:08 - Support the Podcast 1:06:53 - Outro As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

7/10/25: We fishwrap Ehmptn Mayor Nicole LaChappelle's leaving. Community Action E.D. Clare Higgins—a retirement soiree. UMass econ prof Richard Wolff: Nazi Germany and Trump America's parallels. Photographer Kevin Monaghan: his exhibit "Visual(s) & Lies." Donnabelle Casis w/ printmaker Pascale Jarvis: “Transcendent Ink.”

Hülya Afat and Jo Havemann explored the intersection of politics, education, and sustainability, offering valuable insights into how collaboration and community-building can drive positive change. Hülya highlighted the challenges facing higher education in Turkey, emphasizing the need for collective action to address political and social issues. Her work with Oikos, an organization dedicated to sustainable education, reflects her commitment to ecological economics and fostering impactful initiatives.Read more about this episode at https://access2perspectives.org/2025/08/a-conversation-with-hulya-afat/ At Access 2 Perspectives, we provide novel insights into the communication and management of Research. We equip researchers with the skills and enthusiasm to pursue a successful and joyful career. Learn more at https://access2perspectives.org

Did you know that people living in arctic regions have some of the highest body burdens of toxic chemicals? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Pamela Miller, MS, Founder and Executive Director of Alaska Community Action on Toxics and Co-Chair of the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN). Miller discusses the unique food system, climate and environmental toxin challenges faced by those living in Alaska and the broader Arctic region.Related Websites: www.akaction

In the second segment of Something I Have Always Wondered About, KYMN News Intern Maya Betti talks with Anika Rychner and Lisa Percy of the Community Action Center. Among the several topics that they discuss, they talk about what the CAC does, the funding of the organization, and its expansion from just Northfield to operating […]

In the second segment of Something I Have Always Wondered About, KYMN News Intern Maya Betti talks with Anika Rychner and Lisa Percy of the Community Action Center. Among the several topics that they discuss, they talk about what the CAC does, the funding of the organization, and its expansion from just Northfield to operating across all of Rice County. 

What does the future of Bend, Oregon look like—and who gets to help shape it? In this full episode of the BendBeat Podcast, host Brian Ladd sits down with Matt Muchna, Executive Director of Envision Bend, to explore the challenges and opportunities facing one of the fastest-growing communities in the Pacific Northwest. From urban planning and housing to social capital and cultural inclusion, Matt shares how everyday residents can get involved in guiding Bend's future. This conversation is for anyone who cares about Bend's growth, identity, and the collaborative spirit that defines our region.

Clark County is looking for applicants to fill a volunteer seat representing District 4 on the Community Action Advisory Board. The group recommends how local government supports housing, self-sufficiency, and basic needs for low-income communities. Deadline to apply is July 11. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-seeks-applicants-for-community-action-advisory-board-12/ #VancouverWA #ClarkCounty #CommunityBoard #LocalGovernment #HousingPrograms #CivicEngagement #District4 #PublicService #CommunitySupport #VolunteerOpportunity

Dr. David Horne, a renowned Pan-Africanist and critical thinking expert, takes the helm in our classroom. Dr. Horne will unpack the latest shifts from the Trump administration and their profound impacts on the Black community. He'll also tackle critical issues such as the tariff standoff between Trump and China, the alarming proposal to send Americans to Salvadoran prisons, and the ongoing struggle within the Democratic Party to find a unified plan. Before Dr. Horne, dynamic NY broadcasters Wayne and Reggie will shed light on the implications of new White House media regulations that are reshaping how information is reported. Additionally, we will introduce Bill Bynum, the visionary founder of HOPE—a powerful corporation, credit union, and policy institute dedicated to uplifting our communitiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a diagnosis is shared, the questions come fast: What happened? How can I help? For families in crisis, support is critical—but often chaotic. Without a structure to manage communication or coordinate care, caregivers are left to navigate emotional overwhelm and logistical complexity at the same time. That's where CaringBridge steps in. In this episode of Inspiring Women, CEO Tia Newcomer joins Laurie McGraw to talk about what it takes to bring real support into the healthcare experience—not as a nice-to-have, but as essential infrastructure. Under her leadership, CaringBridge is expanding its reach, embedding into points of diagnosis and discharge, and protecting trust in a space where many would trade it for scale. With two decades of executive leadership across Fortune 100, VC, and private equity–backed health tech and consumer brands, Tia brings a sharp operational lens to deeply human problems and a clear vision for what care can look like when support is treated as essential, not optional. Key themes explored: How can caregiver support become a standard part of the care journey? What does it take to grow a mission without compromising its core? Why is trust a strategic choice and how do you protect it? What can cross-sector leadership unlock in healthcare innovation? Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Tia Newcomer on LinkedIn About CaringBridge  Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify This episode of Inspiring Women was recorded at the WBL Summit, a leadership, networking, and professional development conference for WBL members that takes place each spring. WBL is a network of 1500+ senior executive women in healthcare who convene to share ideas, make valuable connections, and solve business challenges. WBL's mission is to connect and support our members in advancing their careers and impact on our industry.