CommuniTEA
By Emma and Lauren
S4 E3: Side Character Energy
In this episode we talk about our reactions to reactions around the overturning of Roe v. Wade -- being in a 'we don't know what we don't know' era, chaotic TikTok comments, what makes us heated, buckling up for the long ride, and how we ended up in a corner of TikTok that was just cat videos and widows. This social experiment is weird!
In the episode we mention the work of creator @crutches_and_spice (which we highly recommend)
Find us: ig @communitea.pod
S4 E2: The Great Reassessment
In this episode, we explore The Great Reassessment (aka The Great Resignation) through our lenses and discuss its current and future impact.
Links to things we referenced:
Here's Cecilia Blomdahl's Tik Tok in Svalbard
Also, a couple of interesting articles from The Washington Post and CNBC
Espresso Shot: The NYC Election (Nov. 2nd is the last day to vote!)
There are SO many things on the ballot in NYC this year. Below are tools, links, and more. In the episode we take you briefly through the five ballot proposals and the races happening citywide (Public Advocate, City Council, Borough President, DAs, and more!)
Find your voting location and view a sample ballot
2021 Redistricting Ballot Changes (Prop 1)
Comptroller Compfusion: How do you pronounce it? (NPR)
What the Ballot Proposals Mean for New Yorkers (The City)
Meet Your Mayor: Adams v. Sliwa (quiz talked about in episode)
What you need to know about early voting
Espresso Shot: The VMAs, Met Gala, and 'Business as Usual' Vibes
Season 4 of TEA is still brewing, so sharing a little shot of espresso in the meantime.
S3 E5: Let's Pick a Mayor (and City Council, and Advocate, and...), NYC!
Resource links below. We always recommend doing your own research!
Find your poll site and voting hours (early voting began already and the last day to vote in person is Tues. June 22nd). P.S. Registered voters do not need to show ID to vote, unless they did not provide identification with their registration.
What does the Mayor actually do tl;dr: manages relationships with state and federal lawmakers; proposes, enacts, and vetoes local laws; oversees major zoning, land use and housing policy decisions; makes judicial appointments; and more.
What can the Public Advocate do? tl;dr: next in line if the Mayor becomes unable to fulfill duties; serves as the people's watchdog and advocate; introduces legislation in City Council; and more.
What can the Comptroller do? tl;dr: provides financial oversight by auditing city agencies; reviews the city budget each year and makes recommendations based on the city’s finances; reviews and registers city contracts; and more.
Not sure what City Council district you live in? Find out here!
What do City Council members do and why should you care? tl;dr: pass legislation; negotiate the city budget; agency oversight; land use decisions; and more. P.S. this list may look short but each item has major impact on New Yorkers daily lives.
What is a District Attorney and what do they do? tl;dr: the Manhattan DA is the top prosecutor in New York County; responsible for holding those who violate state and local laws accountable; shapes criminal justice policy, including reforms and strategy.
What does a Borough President actually do? tl;dr: advise the Mayor of New York City; comment on land-use items in their borough; advocate borough needs in the annual municipal budget process; appoint some officials and community board members; and more.
Not registered to vote? It's past the deadline for this primary, but it's never too late to become a voter -- register here!
S3 E4: Stuck in the Middle
Anyone else languishing? Anyone else dormant? What is even happening in the world right now? Let's talk.
S3 E3: The Vax Chapter
On this week's episode we talk through our thoughts on the COVID vaccine. How did we feel about it 6 months ago? What have we taken into account when deciding whether we would take it? Do we plan to? Did we always feel this way? What information made a difference for us, expected and unexpected? In such an important time about such an important topic, we wanted to have a real conversation about the feelings that come along with this: reservations, excitement, fear, hope, and more.
We share resources we have used to read up on all things COVID and vaccine:
Unbiased Science (@unbiasedscipod on insta), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and Immunize.org
And from our section on recommendations that are not related to COVID:
Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell (Netflix), Kali Uchis (Spotify), and atimeandaplaylist (& follow them on instagram)
S3 E2: Two Women Walk into a Pandemic Wall
This episode, we talk about the "pandemic wall" and the invisible obstacle course (cc: The Ceremonialist) we're currently experiencing.
S3E1: Now What?
We're processing, re-rooting, and talking action in light of last week.
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ): a national network of groups and individuals working to undermine white supremacy and to work for racial justice. Through community organizing, mobilizing, and education, SURJ moves white people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for justice with passion and accountability.
CommuniTEA 2020 Cap Off
The things that made us laugh until we cried, say WTF, and more.
S2 E10: Cope & Hope
This week we discuss where and how we've each been finding hope in these less than hopeful times. Spoiler: a lot of it is rooted in being very real about where we are & leaning on each other.
Oh and look out for a laughing fit we didn't cut because who doesn't need a laugh right now.
S2 E9: Processing
A conversation on all things 2020: Zoom calls, COVID hoaxes and anti-maskers (spoiler: we are not here for either of them), and how 'the work' is connected to all of it.
S2 E8: Advancing Equality & Justice for LGBTQI New Yorkers - An Interview with Tanya Asapansa-Johnson Walker & Amanda Babine of Equality New York
Equality New York (EQNY) is an advocacy organization that unites and amplifies the social and political voices of the LGBTQI communities throughout New York State. They work to advance equality and justice for LGBTQI New Yorkers and their families. EQNY uses an intersectional lens to ensure equitable outcomes for our community. Learn more about legislation they are working on including Loitering AKA "Walking While Trans" and the Transgender Jail & Prison Protection Bill. Explore their Advocacy Institute.
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Sign Up here to learn more about advocating for the right of LGBTQI folx and continue to educate (y)ourself on how legislation affects the LGBTQI community through posts such as: NYS 2021 Budget: What Does This Mean for the LGBTQI Community?
Instagram!: @tanyaasapansa, @equalitynewyork, @the_babine
Twitter!: @equalitynewyork
Learn more about the lawsuit filed on the behalf of Tanya and Cecilia Gentili by the Human Rights Campaign against the Trump Administration challenging a recent rule change which strips away anti-discrimination protections in the Affordable Care Act.
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Tanya Asapansa-Johnson Walker
Tanya is a U.S Army Veteran and the co-founder of New York Transgender Advocacy Group (NYTAG). She currently facilitates the Transgender Women’s Group at SAGE, in their Midtown Manhattan location. Tanya fought for the expansion of LGBTQ rights in New York both working on campaigns focused on passing SONDA & GENDA. She lobbied the Assembly and Senate in Albany for 17 years, helping get gender identity added to existing human rights legislation through GENDA. Tanya helped create the Transgender Transitional Housing Program (TTHP) at Housing Works and helped to develop program protocols which included affirming documentation, life skills, and holding cultural sensitivity competency trainings for both staff and clients.
Tanya is proud member of NYC Metropolis Council with A Wider Bridge a Jewish American LGBT organization. She has been awarded the Legacy of Life Award by New York City Councilman Richie Torres; Woman of Distinction from the New York State Senate Senator Brian Benjamin, the Marsha P. Johnson award, and many more awards.
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Amanda Babine
Amanda has been working in the social sector for the last 10 years, focusing on leading impactful campaigns and programs using an equity lens. She has been committed to improving policies and programs that will impact communities and believe that accomplishing this goal is dependent on developing strong research findings, transferring knowledge, and shaping sound policies.
Amanda joined Equality New York after being the Director of Policy & Programs at the New York Transgender Advocacy Group (NYTAG). At NYTAG, she led advocacy and organizing programs, a state-wide coalition, and a gender diversity know your rights curriculum development. During her time there, the coalition assisted in passing 4 landmark pieces of legislation that helped us move towards our goal of creating a more equitable state for all LGBTQI New Yorkers.
S2 E7: What Does 'The Work' Look Like Right Now?
'The Work' looks different for each of us, not least because we come to it with different racial identities. In this episode we talk about how we personally arrived at this moment, what the work looks like for us, how we are assessing our lives consistently to become more anti-racist, and about finding joy in authentic relationships.
S2 E6: Find Your Lane
Whew. It's been a week.
In this episode we spend time checking in with each other, offer thoughts and approaches for conversations about racial justice with friends and family, and discuss finding your sustainable lane in the Black Lives Matter movement.
Interested in something we've talked about:
- AOC on changing people's minds (excerpt from a larger interview)
- Yoga & meditation with Sabrih: @joyshorty on IG
PS - We're still recording remotely and wifi wouldn't let us be great in some parts but thanks in advance for your grace!
S2 E5: Am I My Job?
Work and Identity: How do we disentangle our identity and worth from our jobs? Should we?
S2 E4: Keeping the (Friend)Ship Upright
Expectations, needs, and showing up - in the age of COVID and beyond.
S2 E3: Anti-Anxiety and Questions in the Age of the Rona
What did we used to talk about before coronavirus?
S2 E1: Cancel Culture
What is it, who decides what's cancelled, and is it really getting us anywhere? We talk all things Cancel Culture, including examples and our opinions and invite us to create space for nuance and conversation... but also make some boundaries on who is not invited to the communiTEA.
More Resources:
Why We Can't Stop Fighting About Cancel Culture
CConcerning Consent, Chappelle, and Cancelling Cancel Culture
I Went on a Date with Aziz Ansari. It Turned Into the Worst Night of My Life [trigger warning]
Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Shaping Worlds [Book, by adrienne maree brown]
Is Kanye Cancel-Proof? [Video]
Episode 16: Is Die Hard a Christmas Movie Though?
Christmas, (C)Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Die Hard, & Home Alone
Episode 15: Doing a Gift/Coat/Food Drive? Listen to this first.
Timed to coincide with giving season we have tips, tricks, and new considerations for you, having both worked in the gift/coat/food drive spaces. You'll definitely walk away knowing one new one to do it better, and why we are done with green beans - but shout out to green bean casseroles.
Episode 14: Rikers Part 2
Making Sense of the Fight Over NYC Jails: compares the plans to close Rikers (including the chart we mentioned), maximum capacity, and more.
The Kalief Browder Story (Netflix): subscription required but you know you have a friend who will lend you theirs and then you'll use it forever.
Swipe it Forward: "Poverty is not a crime. Transportation is a right."
Learn more about The Independent Commission on New York City Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform (aka Lippman Commission) and their recommendations for the system.
Find our who your City Council representative is! And, check whether they're on the Committee for Land Use. While we're at it, make sure you know ALL of your representatives.
Episode 13: Rikers Island, Part 1
Heard of it? Maybe you just know it's been in the news a lot recently; maybe you know way more than you want to but would be interested to learn how and when the Island came to house an infamous NYC jail. Wherever you are on this spectrum, we invite you to join us for some historical and contextual learning about the jails on Rikers Island, and to hear stories (some more prominent, others less well-known) of folks who faced the worst the jail had to offer. We use both facts and human stories to learn together about Rikers and its place in mass incarceration.
The first half of the episode is historical and contextual info and around 19 minutes we get into stories - note for those who may want to be mindful of if and when they consume these.
Episode 12: Sex, Gender, Sports (&Serena)
As our societal understandings of sex and gender are shifting, how will sports institutions meet us in a non-binary place?
TW as we get into some gross examples of sex and gender questioning in professional sports over the years (esp. WOC)
Let's learn together about institutions, humanity, and just letting people be whoever tf they are.
#TEA2020: 4th Time’s a Charm
Episode 11: Give the Kids the "Extra" Curriculars
We're back with some #contentcontent!
This week: Thoughts and resources on how sports & arts, and access to them, shape our lives.
Articles/resources mentioned:
Trailer for the Dennis Rodman 30 for 30... guac aka the actual episode is extra #shrug
Read more about LeBron James' charter school.
UPenn study on culture and well-being
There are many articles over time talking about the effects of No Child Left Behind (that go beyond missing sports and arts in schools), but you can read some here and here. Note that NCLB was replaced by President Obama with ESSA in 2015 --learn about the differences.
Special Ep!: Happy New Year to Leos Everywhere
This week we did some reflections for the New Year. Not sure why there's a new year in September? Give it a listen!
The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck
Next time we'll be back with content that is not about us and our feelings! We are getting out of those for 5780.
#TEA2020: Democracy Dollars Part 2
Part 2 of our post-debate special episode. Guns, climate change, and last impressions!
#TEA2020: Democracy Dollars Part 1
Part 1 of some hot takes on the Democratic Debate! Overall impressions, health care, race issues in America.
Episode 10: It Was a Self-Care Summer Y'all!
we are getting personal about what self care really looks like: spiritual. emotional. physical. social.
boundaries! percentages! chair choices! from the small every day choices to the larger overarching ways we live, all the self care talk is going down here.
Episode 9: Matures + Boomers + Gen X + Millennials + Gen Z = ??!!
This one is a little longer than our usual but we think it's worth it! We cover everything from how birthdays make you both happy and scurred to keeping you questions out of my uterus to how is Gen Z able to keep incorporating new social media platforms and why is Eloise in your office still in this job 40 years later? We got (some) answers! Plus we laugh a lot, so let's go!
Sippin On:
- Birthdays! A time for reflection and celebration.
- Maria Grazia Chiuri Talks Feminism in Fashion & The Power of Sisterhood. Peep the Sister Chapel in the all the pics!
Impact Influencers:
- Alisha Ramos, founder of Girls Night In
- Amanda Seales, who literally does everything
Episode 8: That's Nobody's Two Year Crisis
IT'S LEO SZN! Which means it's Lauren's bday (HOORAY!) and eclipse season is over (#grateful)
Sippin On
- Sharing mental health struggles on social media (#vulnerability #thankyou) @chescaleigh (Franchescha Leigh) and @brokeymcpoverty (Tracey Clayton)
- Therapy for Black Girls
- Listening to The Drop Out podcast (literal BINGE situation) about Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos.
Impact Influencers
- Union Square Lady -- shout out to you!
- Ayana Elizabeth (@ayanaeliza)
Homelessness
- 311 App
- Basic NYC Homelessness Stats (Coalition for the Homeless)
- The "2 years ago" video we reference
- NYC HOPE Count 2018
Episode 7: Lukewarm Summer
Sippin On
Mariah Carey was on the cover of Cosmo and that reminded us of the time she sued her ex-husband for 'WASTING HER TIME' like a full-on #boss (#goals #inspo #yesgirlyes)
A$AP ROCKY was arrested in Sweden and while both celebrities and U.S. government officials are calling for his release, there is some (at least internet) debate related to controversial statements of his from a 2015 interview.
Impact Influencers
Sherry (no tag but SHOUT OUT TO YOU!) & Julie K. Brown who revived the story about Jeffrey Epstein. Here is a link to the three-part series of articles she dropped at the end of 2018 that led to his arrest (trigger warning).
Summer Learning Loss
- National Summer Learning Association: The Achievement Gap: Summer by the Numbers
- Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell (1 chapter)
- EdNext podcast: Ep. 165 The Truth About Summer Learning Loss
- The Campaign for Grade Level Reading: Summer Learning Loss
- Vox's The Weeds Podcast; Episode: Schools Out for Summer
And are you still trying to figure out what a Hot Girl Summer is?
Episode 6: There's a Lion In The Corner
Just because: JoJo re-records her first two albums because we're all bossing up in anticipation of 2020; or you can get out (leave!)
What We're Sippin On
- The Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019: Landmark Deal Reached on Rent Protection for Tenants in N.Y.
- When They See Us: available on Netflix and, PSA: the men are now known as the Exonerated Five.
Impact Influencers
- Body Positivity!: @nerdabouttown (in their own words: Award Winning Plus Size Style Blogger 🗞 Badass Writer 🦄 Fat Acceptance Advocate 📖Author-in-Waiting!; @theslumflower (#saggyboobsmatter, Author of WHAT A TIME TO BE ALONE - Ted Talk here).
- Cameron Russell (@cameronrussell): advocating for/with and creating spaces to address sustainability in the fashion industry, and using her platform to expose #metoo in the fashion industry (Ted Talk here); with cameo of Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, PhD (@ayanaeliza -in their words: a Maine Biologist, policy nerd, Brooklyn native, founder @OceanCollectiv and @UrbanOceanLab. In love with nature and solutions for our #ClimateCrisis) Podcasters note: We DEFINITELY will be featuring her and her work as an II in the future - so much to highlight! Anyway... -- they put together a night where activists, academics, fashion & cultural workers could come together re: sustainability in the fashion industry.
Episode 5 -- IG v. IRL: What's Really Real?
Sippin On
Rachel Miller's (@the_rewm) article "It's OK To Feel Sad In the Summer"
Update on the Weeksville Heritage Center: designated as a Cultural Institutions Group — the first new addition in more than 20 years, and the first black cultural center in Brooklyn to make the list.
Impact Influencers
Sara Elhassan (@bsonblast), teaching us about the Sudan uprising since before you likely saw it on social media or the news. Also a podcast host.
Kim Kardashian West (no, she doesn't need us to link to her instagram): Can a problematic woman also be using her power and influence for good? We hash this one out.
The Discussion
Spring Awakening: How an Egyptian Revolution Began on Facebook
Fake Instagram Accounts are Hijacking Sudan Solidarity Campaign
Special Ep!: Who Are We & Why Do We Do This?
How did a Texan(/Alabaman) and a Brooklynite end up recording podcasts together while dabbling in 90s hip hop dance parties in their spare time? Mysteries abound and we are here to get answers. Plus: The CSR experiences that made us laugh, cry, and remember why we do what we do.
Episode 4 - The Unofficial Guide: Volunteering 101
This week we are spilling both tea and hot takes to let you in on some considerations and secrets behind the seemingly simple intention of wanting to do good and make an impact.
Impact Influencers
@barbabeofbrooklyn and check out more of her work at barbabeofbk.com
@omnoire "A social wellness club for women of color dedicated to living WELL" and check out more at omnoire.com
What We're Sippin On...
Read more about transwomen activists Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera being honored with a monument in NYC.
Jon Snow --> Kit Harington enters rehab/wellness center (depends on the report) at close of GOT series.
Episode 3 - Your Money is No Good Here
How do you not take national currency?
This week we tackle cashless restaurants: What are they, who they leave out, our experiences. Also a little fangirl-ing about NY City Councilperson Ritchie Torres at the CC hearings.
More about this issue:
How Cashless Restaurants Leave Economically Disadvantaged Americans Behind (video)
New York City Bill Proposes Eliminating Cashless Stores and Restaurants
NYC Politican Wants to Ban Cashless Restaurants
Impact Influencers of the Week
Hello Cass: https://hellocass.com.au
An SMS chatbot prodding discreet access to localized, accurate information and support for people experiencing or affected by family and sexual violence in Australia. Need support now in the U.S.? Try Safe Horizons’ 24-hour hotline @800-621-4673 (that’s 621-HOPE). Spanish language available. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Bunny Michael @bunnymichael
Musician, Artists, Host, Actor, Healer
What Would Higherself Do? Webseries
Sippin On
Migrant children in still dying in U.S. custody
5 Guatemalan children have died after crossing the border in the past six months (May 20th, 2019)
Want to stay updated? Great insta follow: @paolamendoza, @fams2gether
Jakelin Caal Maquin, 7 years old, while in custody of CBP
Felipe Gomez Alonzo, 8 years old, while in custody of CBP
Juan de Leon Gutierrez, 16 years old, while at an Office of Refugee Resettlement shelter
Carlos Gregorio Hernandez Vasquez, 16 years old, while in custody of CBP
Rent Stabilization Laws
New York Rent Laws: How 9 bills could change regulations across the state
The campaign for rent reform in New York, explained
Episode 2 - Food for Thought
This week Lauren gets new luggage and we talk about food deserts.
Links to what we talk about:
What We’re Sippin’ On
Weeksville Heritage Center is a multidisciplinary museum dedicated to preserving the history of the 19th century African American community of Weeksville, Brooklyn - one of America’s many free black communities.
“Save Weeksville and Save Brooklyn’s Black History” Campaign
Crowdfunded over $260k at time of posting
Goals: $200k to keep the doors open; $250k will additionally facilitate repairs; $300k allows to begin building an emergency cash reserve
“Men Don’t Have Friends and Women Bear the Burden”
Want to start a Men’s Group?
What is homosociality?
#ImpactInfluencers
National Bail Out (@nationalbailout)
#freeblackmamas campaign
We didn’t even have space to get this deep, but you can learn more here about Black Codes of Bail, “hundreds of policies and practices that continue to criminalize, exploit, and control our people” which further emphasize why NBO’s work is so important.
Plus: We Stan a Toolkit!
Natalie Hampton (@natalie_evelyn)
Founder of Sit With Us, a mobile app designed to promote a kinder and more inclusive school community.
Check out Natalie’s TedxTeen talk, “All It Takes Is One”
Food Deserts
Access NYC: Find help in NYC with food, housing, work and more.
(Note: this site directs you to either be screened for eligibility and to apply – make sure you choose the one you want)
USDA Food Desert Definition(s)
Read more details about Lyft’s Grocery Access Program in Washington, D.C.
And lastly, read about the NAICS here
Episode 1 - We're Here with the Tea
It's our first episode and we are here with the tea.
Here are the links to the things we reference in the show:
What We’re Sippin On
Your Questions About Food and Climate Change, Answered, New York Times
Our Planet on Netflix
Impact Influencers
Mona Chalabi website and on Instagram
Cole Imperi and on Instagram,
Deep Dive
MTA Tries a New Tack During Delays: The Truth, New York Times