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The Round Table: A Next Generation Politics Podcast

The Round Table: A Next Generation Politics Podcast

By Next Gen Politics

The Round Table provides a platform for conversation and engagement of civically-minded young people from different parts of the country. We strive to model civil dialogue across various divides--socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, political, and regional. We aim to challenge norms and represent all kinds of diversity--especially of perspective and ideas--enabling listeners to “hear” our thinking.

The Round Table is 100% created and edited by young people committed to building a more just and joyous world.
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Will Facebook really do it?

The Round Table: A Next Generation Politics PodcastSep 17, 2020

00:00
35:20
Am I Being A Golden Rule Voter?

Am I Being A Golden Rule Voter?

At this week’s Round Table, Amelia, Emily, Hannah, and Heba engaged in a profound conversation with distinguished guest Emma Addams, Co-Executive Director of Mormon Women for Ethical Government (MWEG). Emma provides invaluable insights into the mission and principles of the organization, which is dedicated to inspiring women of faith to advocate for ethical government, transcending partisanship. Through her leadership, Emma aims to create a collaborative space where women contribute to the complex symphony that is our democracy. 

Emma brought a wealth of experience to our conversation, having navigated the realms of contracts negotiation, corporate transactions, and investor relations in Boston and Silicon Valley. Her journey from building and running large piano studios to her current role in Omaha, Nebraska, has uniquely prepared her for the dynamic and collaborative nature of Mormon Women for Ethical Government’s work.

In our discussion, Emma shared insights on being a principled voter, transcending partisan boundaries to embrace a broader political identity,. We explore the nuances beyond the conventional Republican and Democrat labels, delving into the spectrum of political ideologies and the role of temperament in shaping our political engagement. We also talked about the art of building peace within the complexities of democracy. Emma shared her insights on advocating for justice while adhering to the golden rule, emphasizing intentional efforts to de-escalate conflicts and promote reconciliation.  

Inspired by the wisdom shared in today's episode with Emma Addams, let's take uplifting strides towards a brighter democratic future. Embrace principled voting as a powerful expression of your values, fostering unity beyond political divides. Strengthen media literacy, engage in enriching cross-generational conversations, and let faith–however you define it– guide your journey to actively contribute to shaping a more harmonious and inclusive democracy. Thank you for listening!

Mar 26, 202426:46
We're Exposed To Different Slices Of Information Each Day

We're Exposed To Different Slices Of Information Each Day

At this week’s Round Table, Emily, Emmanuel, and Hannah spoke with distinguished Professor Tania Israel of the University of California, Santa Barbara. Professor Israel is not only a beacon of knowledge but a transformative figure in the field. Holding a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, a Masters in Human Sexuality Education, and a B.A. in Psychology and Women’s Studies, she is at the forefront of academia. As a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and Past-President of the Society of Counseling Psychology, her expertise has been sought after by esteemed institutions, including the Institute of Medicine, Congress, and even the White House.

As our conversation unfolded, it became evident that Professor Israel's expertise extends far beyond academic realms. As the Director of Project RISE at the University of California Santa Barbara, Professor Israel heads a research team dedicated to developing and studying interventions that support the psychological health of LGBTQ individuals and communities, and her passion for this work and for inclusivity shone throughout our conversation. Her TED Talk on bisexuality has captivated many, showcasing her ability to communicate complex topics with clarity and insight.

We discussed the challenges of remaining optimistic and resilient in politically polarized times. Professor Israel shared strategies for cultivating the necessary resilience, drawing from her extensive background in psychology. Her words provided a comforting guide for listeners grappling with the emotional toll of contemporary political climate. Professor Israel also illuminated the various ways individuals can engage in elections beyond the act of casting a vote, from community involvement to advocacy.

We hope you find our exploration of political polarization, resilience, and civic engagement both enlightening and inspiring. Let's carry forward the wisdom shared by Professor Israel in the face of political differences. Let's strive for understanding, empathy, and respectful dialogue. Let's nurture our optimism and resilience, recognizing that collective action can drive positive change. Let’s remember that our engagement matters, not just at the ballot box but in our communities, conversations, and informed choices. Thank you for listening!

Mar 20, 202450:16
Having the right mindset is the biggest thing

Having the right mindset is the biggest thing

At this week’s Round Table, Emmanuel and Emily spoke with Casey Vincelette, Program Administrator in the New York State Commission on National and Community Service and veteran Americorps member, who shared powerful insights and experiences about her life and personal growth through service.


The mantra "It's not just about me" serves as a guiding principle in Casey's life, influencing her decisions and actions. We explore the profound impact of being part of something bigger than oneself, as Casey reflects on her time with Teach for America and her current role with the New York State Commission on National and Community Service. Casey expanded to share the broader perspective she’s gained through community service and the ripple effects that individual contributions can make to collective goals.


“Defining success” took center stage in our conversation as we dissected the conventional norms and societal expectations that often shape our perceptions. Casey shared her unique perspective on carving out one's path to success, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and resilience. We hope our discussion will inspire listeners to reflect on your OWN definitions of success and challenge the notion that there is a one-size-fits-all approach.


Within our conversation, we also delved into the often-neglected terrain of mental health and challenges experienced, both personally and within the educational context. We explore the significance of having open and honest conversations about mental health, breaking down stigmas, and fostering environments that support well-being–we all feel that being involved with service plays a huge role in our mental health and well being. From navigating the complexities of teaching in underserved communities to weathering the storms of the pandemic, we appreciated Casey's vulnerability and resilience immensely.


We’re excited for you to join us on a transformative journey through the depths of community service, mental health, and personal success alongside the inspiring Casey Vincelette. Thank you for listening!



Mar 11, 202446:54
Young People Need to Speak Truth to Dysfunction

Young People Need to Speak Truth to Dysfunction

At this week’s Round Table, Emmanuel, Heba, and Preena spoke with two extraordinary guests, Sarah Medina Camiscoli and Sa'Real McRae, representing the Peer Defense Project (PDP). PDP is rewriting the narrative on how youth leaders engage with the law, breaking down systemic barriers, and championing civil rights issues. PDP’s web platform connects attorneys with youth leaders, equipping grassroots organizations with the legal tools to advocate for school integration, the abolition of youth policing and incarceration, and voting rights. Through a powerful hybrid model, PDP's lawyers and youth leaders are dismantling systemic racism in schools, courts, and government.


Sarah, with her unique background as a first-generation LGBTQ+ attorney, shared her inspiring journey from being a public school teacher in the South Bronx to co-founding IntegrateNYC and going to law school and subsequently the Peer Defense Project. The intersectionality of her experiences highlighted the crucial link between education, equity, and legal advocacy.


Sa'Real, a beacon of passion for Black liberation and literature, shared her journey as a community organizer who created nonprofit, Restorative Reading, illustrating the importance of literature as a tool for empowerment and education within juvenile detention centers.


We discussed critical topics such as Black liberation and racial capitalism, shedding light on the intertwined dynamics that perpetuate systemic injustice, and the importance of community organizing and mutual aid as powerful tools for social change that illustrate the collective strength inherent in grassroots movements.


Education justice was at the center of our conversation, which underscored the significance of dismantling oppressive structures within educational systems, both within public schools and higher education, to create a more equitable future. 


As we conclude this impactful episode, let their stories serve as a catalyst for meaningful action. The transformative work undertaken by the Peer Defense Project underscores the potential of collective efforts in reshaping our society. Now, it's our turn to step into the arena of advocacy and make a difference. Let's support grassroots movements, champion education equity, promote mutual aid, and actively amplify Black liberation. The journey towards change is a collective endeavor, and each step we take contributes to the symphony of transformation. Thank you for listening!

Mar 05, 202431:24
An Innovative Way To Address Public Policy

An Innovative Way To Address Public Policy

At this week's Round Table, Emily, Emmanuel, Hannah, and Heba welcomed guest, Alice Siu, Associate Director of the Deliberative Democracy Lab and Senior Research Scholar at Stanford University’s Center for Democracy, Development, and Rule of Law. Dr Siu took us on an intellectual journey through the intricacies of deliberative democracy and beyond, dissecting the quality of arguments that emerge in these critical forums and delving into the heart of her research to explore the effects of socio-economic class within deliberative processes.

Our conversation seamlessly transitioned into the global impact of Deliberative Polling, where Dr. Siu shared her experiences advising policymakers in diverse regions like Mongolia, China, and Brazil. Her insights painted a vivid picture of how deliberative practices can influence policy decisions at both a macro and micro scale. Addressing the pervasive issue of polarization, Dr. Siu provided thoughtful perspectives on its roots and potential remedies. The dialogue extended into crucial topics such as K-12 media literacy, where Dr. Siu emphasized the importance of equipping the younger generation with the skills to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.

The dialogue then took an interesting turn as we explored the realm of AI companions – both in romantic relationships and friendships. Dr. Siu's insights into the ethical considerations and societal impact of these AI relationships added a thought-provoking layer to our discussion, as we dissected the potential benefits and challenges associated with integrating artificial intelligence into educational settings.

As we conclude this enlightening episode, let Dr. Alice Siu’s insights linger in your thoughts. Remember that deliberative democracy holds the power to reshape conversations and bridge divides. Embrace the challenges of polarization, armed with the belief that thoughtful dialogue can pave the way for understanding. Stay inspired, stay engaged, and let the spirit of informed citizenship guide your journey toward a more deliberative and harmonious world. Thank you for listening!

Feb 27, 202452:52
Call This Decade the Tipping Point 20s

Call This Decade the Tipping Point 20s

At this week’s Round Table, Hannah and Heba spoke with Ian Gray of Gray Dot Catalyst, a seasoned consultant whose expertise traverses the landscapes of innovation and development, shaping the course of organizations within the humanitarian sphere. He has navigated the realms of innovation, strategy, and the humanitarian frontier. With a consultancy dedicated to steering organizations through the terrain of Innovation, Strategy, and Partnering, Ian's focus is sharp and purposeful. His clientele spans from groundbreaking STEM education startups in Nigeria to advising the UN Secretary General's Office on innovation and strategy—an eclectic portfolio reflecting his commitment to driving meaningful systems  change.

Before founding his consultancy, Ian held pivotal roles as a Senior Leader within an NGO, where he spearheaded strategies, led humanitarian response teams, and analyzed conflicts. During his quarter-century tenure in the sector, he has traveled across 20+ countries and engaged in diverse projects varying in scope and duration. What truly ignites Ian's passion is his exploration of 'futures'-- a realm devoted to unraveling the paths the world might tread. Amidst this, he's deeply committed to addressing the complexities surrounding liberal democracies and the surge of populism, especially dissecting the insidious role of misinformation in shaping these narratives. Recent events have highlighted the struggle in discerning truth from falsehood, particularly in the whirlwind of social media.

But Ian's passion doesn't halt there; it extends to the pursuit of social justice—a driving force underscoring his lifelong dedication to humanitarian and developmental causes. He is ever ready to delve into conversations that foster understanding and action. Through our thought-provoking journey with Ian, we explore different aspects of innovation innovation, the challenges of misinformation, the dynamics of social injustice, and the profound impact these elements have on our global landscape. Get ready for a conversation that provokes contemplation, ignites curiosity, and encourages us to strive for a more informed and just world. Thank you for listening!

Feb 24, 202444:24
The Margins Are A Place of Radical Imagination and Resilience

The Margins Are A Place of Radical Imagination and Resilience

At this week's Round Table, Emmanuel, Emily, Hannah, and Heba spoke with Sabrina Abdalla, a Senior Program Associate at Headstream, ​​an innovation program working to make the digital world safer for young people. Sabrina is a true visionary and advocate for children's mental health and in our conversation, we delve into the beating heart of advocacy and empowerment for our youth. Born in Kenya to Somali parents and raised in Salt Lake City, Sabrina's journey weaves together a tapestry of experiences that fuels her passionate drive for change. Her upbringing exposed her to the struggles of marginalized communities, igniting within her a fervent commitment to community building, education, and the transformative power of cultural storytelling.

Sabrina's multidisciplinary background as an educator, community builder, and creative founder infuses her work with a unique perspective, rooted in the belief that innovation and equity go hand in hand. As part of the Headstream team, she's orchestrated programs and spaces tailored to the fabric of our diverse society. Her focus on youth mental health is unwavering. Sabrina unpacks the intricacies of challenges faced by young individuals today, offering insights into vital resources and support systems. Within this digital age, she spotlights the remarkable entrepreneurs championed by Headstream, fostering groundbreaking ideas, products, and services aimed at nurturing the mental health and wellbeing of our younger generations.

We take a journey together through the landscape of children's mental health, exploring the power of community, education, and innovative solutions, all bound together by the thread of compassion and cultural understanding. Get ready for an inspiring conversation that illuminates pathways toward a brighter, more equitable future for our youth. Thank you for listening!

Feb 13, 202457:14
My job is to give students the tools, not to tell them how to use them

My job is to give students the tools, not to tell them how to use them

At this week’s Round Table, Emmanuel, Hannah, Heba, and Inyoo spoke with Dan Schnur who stands as a beacon of political enlightenment. With a tenure spanning over two decades at the University of California, Berkeley, USC, and Pepperdine University, Dan's teaching expertise has shaped the minds of future leaders. His courses in politics, communications, and leadership serve as the bedrock for a new generation of politically astute individuals. Dan's influence extends far beyond the classroom. His experience in the political arena spans numerous milestones, reflecting a commitment to reform and a keen understanding of governance. As the Chairman of the California Fair Political Practices Commission, Dan implemented pioneering campaign finance disclosure requirements, revolutionizing the state's political landscape. Moreover, his founding of the Voices of Reform project laid the groundwork for California's landmark redistricting reform.


Beyond theory and strategy, Dan's journey encompasses practical experience at the forefront of major political campaigns. With roles in four presidential and three gubernatorial campaigns, including serving as the national Director of Communications for Senator John McCain's 2000 presidential campaign and as the chief media spokesman for Governor Pete Wilson, Dan's expertise is unparalleled. His DEDICATION to non-partisan governance reform is evident in initiatives like Fixing California, a campaign focused on campaign finance and political reform. His bold step as a non-partisan candidate for California Secretary of State in 2014 underscores his commitment to transcending political divides for the greater good.


Dan's voice reverberates across leading publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times. Furthermore, his role as a trusted analyst and political commentator for major news networks like CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and NPR amplifies his influence, positioning him as a guiding light in navigating complex political landscapes.


Dan is an incisive guide through the labyrinth of contemporary politics, offering not just analysis but also pathways towards a more unified, informed, and participatory political landscape. Join us in our enlightening journey with Dan Schnur, where conversations become catalysts for positive change in American politics. Thank you for listening!

Feb 06, 202457:42
Fiscal Responsibility Means Prioritizing

Fiscal Responsibility Means Prioritizing

At this week’s Round Table, Emmanuel and Inyoo spoke with Phil Smith, the National Field Director for The Concord Coalition. Founded in 1992 by former US Senators Paul Tongas and Warren Rudman, The Concord Coalition stands as a beacon of nonpartisan dedication, advocating for fiscal responsibility and educating the public about the federal budget's intricacies. Phil's journey with the coalition spans over two decades, marked by tireless efforts in conducting seminars, town hall meetings, and public policy initiatives across all 50 states. 

Phil's expertise transcends boundaries, extending to engagements with major media networks like CNN, FOX, PBS, NPR, CNBC, C-span, the BBC, and CTV, reflecting his commitment to widespread awareness and dialogue about critical fiscal matters. His illustrious career extends beyond The Concord Coalition, having served as the Chief Operating Officer for Georgia's Department of Community Affairs and the Technical College System. Phil's dedication to civic engagement is underscored by gubernatorial appointments to boards like the Georgia Humanities Council and the Georgia Children and Youth Coordinating Council.

Phil's passion lies in fostering understanding about the federal budget's paramount significance and the generational implications of fiscal policy. He unravels the complexity behind upcoming fiscal changes, urging us to grasp their profound impact on society for decades to come. Moreover, Phil delves into the bipartisan essence of budget policy, emphasizing the urgency of cooperation and compromise in steering our fiscal trajectory. His insights extend an invitation for all to engage in these pivotal issues, inspiring action and informed participation. Our conversation dove into the depths of fiscal responsibility, generational equity, and the pathways to a sustainable fiscal future. Thank you for listening!

Jan 30, 202452:07
The importance of relatability: combining education and culture

The importance of relatability: combining education and culture

At this week’s Round Table, Emily and Emmanuel spoke with the remarkable Gretta Flora Irakoze, an entrepreneur and visionary based in beautiful Burundi, in a conversation that spans continents and cultures.


Gretta, a proud graduate of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), has carved her path as an entrepreneur and author with a mission close to her heart. Her upcoming debut in the world of children's literature marks a milestone—a book designed to ignite the spark of literacy in Burundi. What's unique? It's not just in one language, but in English, French, and Kirundi, reaching young minds in their native tongue and beyond.


Gretta’s dedication to promoting literacy in her homeland reflects a passion for education and empowerment. Her work embodies the essence of cultural inclusivity, recognizing the importance of language in nurturing young imaginations and fostering a love for reading from an early age. Amidst the vibrant landscapes of Burundi, Gretta's efforts resonate as a testament to the universal language of storytelling. Her book–a labor of love and dedication–paves the way for children to explore worlds within pages, unlocking the doors to knowledge and imagination.


Join us as we dive into the world of literacy advocacy and entrepreneurship with Gretta Flora Irakoze. Prepare for an enriching conversation that celebrates diversity, language, and the transformative power of storytelling—all encapsulated within the pages of her very first children's book. This inspiring conversation transcends borders and celebrates the power of literacy and storytelling.


Gretta is launching a campaign to raise the funds still needed to print and distribute the book. You can read more about it here -and we'd love any support you can provide--investing in Gretta is a great investment.


Thank you for listening!

Jan 23, 202425:10
Getting Beyond Always Wanting To Be Right

Getting Beyond Always Wanting To Be Right

At this weeek's Round Table, Emily, Emmanuel, and Hannah spoke with Chanika Perry and Lance Ozier of Conversation Forward. Chanika, a career educator and Director of Education Programs at Hands On Atlanta, brings over two decades of experience in youth development and education ranging from rural Georgia to the bustling streets of New York City and now Atlanta. Lance, a longtime faculty member at The City University of New York (and a member of our Next Gen Board of Advisors!) has gathered insights from over 20 years in classrooms and camps in Atlanta, New York, and around the world– alongside his unique perspective cultivated growing up on a Georgia farm.

These longtime friends have collaborated for decades at Project Morry and co-founded Conversation Forward in order to foster meaningful exchanges. In our conversations, we delve into topics like identity, racial development, privilege, microaggressions, bias, and creating inclusive spaces in classrooms and camps. We discuss their insightful journeys navigating the intricate complexities of our world through their wealth of experience and thought-provoking perspectives. Our time together exemplified principles of Conversation Forward– it's not just about answers, it's about having the conversations that matter. Thank you for listening!

Jan 16, 202426:51
People Are Less Divided Than We Think

People Are Less Divided Than We Think

At this week's Round Table, Emily, Inyoo, and Hannah are joined by Jillian Youngblood, the executive director of Civic Genius. Jillian has nearly 20 years of experience in politics, government, and strategic communications with a focus on deliberative democracy and solutions-oriented public engagement. On Capitol Hill, she was a lead staffer for the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, and worked on issues related to health care, urban planning, and appropriations. Previously, she managed New York City’s federal and state legislative portfolios on public health under the Bloomberg Administration, and was a consultant to numerous nonprofit and corporate clients across a range of public policy issues. 

In our wide ranging conversations, we talk about what’s wrong with the way we get public input into policy today. We also dive into discussion of what deliberation–a core strategy of Next Generation Politics– is, what it looks like in practice, and how it can improve civic life. We speak about how extreme polarization complicates this and about how, as youth, we can take ownership of our own discussions and experiences to ensure that we are contributing to solutions that lead to greater equity for everyone rather than into the toxic divides that have broken this country apart. Thank you for listening!

Jan 09, 202447:23
Next Gen Telepathy: Understanding The Other Side of the Rainbow

Next Gen Telepathy: Understanding The Other Side of the Rainbow

At this week's Round Table, Emily, Emmanuel, Hannah, Heba, and Inyoo welcomed back former podcast hosts extraordinaire Inica, Kenisha, and Madeline for a rousing conversation about, well, everything!  It was thrilling to be in conversation with people who have been in our roles in the past and to hear about the impact Next Gen Politics and this podcast have continued to have on how they engage with the world. We loved learning about their experiences in college–and getting their advice on navigating the stresses of high school and the college application process. As they are all at top rated universities, they had great counsel about how to take things in stride and focus on what matters most: our overall health and wellbeing–and getting some extra sleep. YVote/ Next Gen Politics is truly a fellowship and we deeply enjoyed the opportunity to be in conversation and community with our forebears. Thank you for joining us!

Jan 02, 202401:03:09
I've Been Fighting For Equality All My Life

I've Been Fighting For Equality All My Life

At this week's Round Table, Emmanuel, Hannah, Heba, and Inyoo delve into the realm of civil rights, advocacy and the power of community action with remarkable guest, Elizabeth (Liz) OuYang, a seasoned civil rights attorney whose dedication spans an impressive 37 years. Liz is a force in combating hate crimes, advocating against police brutality, championing immigrant rights, and advocating for voting rights, media accountability, and workplace integration. Her extensive expertise isn’t just confined to the courtroom; Liz shares her wisdom as an educator at both Columbia University and New York University. 

Appointed by President Clinton, Liz served as a special assistant to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights in 2000. Her commitment to fostering change shines through her roles as the founder and supervisor of OCA-NY's Hate Crimes Prevention Art Project, now celebrating its 17th successful year. Additionally, she spearheads the APA VOICE Redistricting Task Force, a pivotal coalition driving Asian American representation in New York State. Our conversation proved to be deeply insightful. We dove into the case of Private Danny Chen, a story that resonates with the essence of justice and community solidarity. Liz led an impassioned campaign for justice following Chen's tragic death, which was fueled by racial maltreatment and hazing in Afghanistan.

Throughout our discussion, we explored the vital role of community activism in such cases, emphasizing why such narrative matters, especially to our youth. Liz enlightened us on the significance of advocacy, highlighting the potency of art and storytelling as instruments for change. We were inspired, informed, and engaged as we navigated the world of civil rights with the incredible Liz OuYang. Thank you for listening!



Dec 28, 202344:53
Be a Media Activist, Not Just a Consumer

Be a Media Activist, Not Just a Consumer

At this week's Round Table Emmanuel, Emily, and Heba dove into a can't-miss conversation with a true pioneer in media transformation: Steve Rosenbaum, the Founder and Director of The Center for Sustainable Media. The mission of Sustainable Media Center is to act as a catalyst to change media for the better, working with young people to give them agency over the media they consume, create, and share. With a rich background as an author, entrepreneur, and filmmaker, Steve has been at the forefront of catalyzing positive change in media. 

We delve into an array of critical topics impacting our digital world, from the recent groundbreaking lawsuit against Meta, challenging the way social networks impact child safety, to exploring the roots of social media's perilous landscape. Steve brings insights to the table on a myriad of crucial points: the struggles young people face in this digital age, the generational gap in understanding, and the crucial steps needed to bridge that divide. Together, we grapple with the complexities of social media, dissect the actions being taken by lawmakers, and explore tangible solutions for a safer and more responsible media environment. 

Listen in as we unravel the dark path that turned social media into a minefield, uncovering the real struggles of today's youth, and decoding why adults just can't crack the GenZ code. Brace for a showdown as we explore the clash between generations and reveal lawmakers' potential missteps. Oh, and hold tight for the Meta lawsuit bombshell! But fear not—we're not just here to dissect problems; we’re crafting solutions for a safer digital world. Thank you for listening!

Dec 21, 202328:45
Activism Isn't A One Time Thing

Activism Isn't A One Time Thing

At this week's Round Table, Emmanuel, Hannah, and Heba spoke with Esmeralda Simmons, Fellow in the Advanced Leadership Institute at Harvard University and Founder of the Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College, a community-based racial justice advocacy center that focuses on legal work and research on civil rights and domestic human rights violations. Ms Simmons is an accomplished lawyer and public servant who has spent decades fighting for human and civil rights on the federal, state, and municipal levels. Recently retired, she advocated for equity in public education, voting, policing and the child welfare system as the Center’s executive director for 34 years. Through the Center, Simmons provided community organizations with legal counsel and research assistance.


In this episode, we explored the work she did PRIOR to founding and directing the Center for Law and Social Justice: Ms. Simmons served as First Deputy Commissioner at the New York State Division of Human Rights, where she developed and led the implementation of policy in support of New Yorkers’ human and civil rights, and as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of New York. In addition, she has served on several major public boards in New York City government, including the NYC Board of Education and the NYC Districting Commission.


Outside of this work, Ms. Simmons also volunteers her skills and currently serves on the board of directors of UPROSE, a climate justice organization; the Council of Elders for African Cultural Heritage; and Little Sun People, an African-centered early childhood education center. In the recent past, served on the Boards of several national organizations: the Applied Research Center (now “Race Forward”); Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center; the Child Welfare Fund; and, the Poverty and Race Research Action Council (PRRAC). 


Ms. Simmons has also served as counsel or co-counsel on numerous major federal Voting Rights Act cases and election law cases and has secured victories before the United States Supreme Court. She is a member of the Metropolitan Black Bar and American Bar Associations, Ile Ase, Inc., and the New York Voting Rights Consortium. Esmeralda Simmons is certainly an irreplaceable member of many communities including, now, of ours. Thank you for listening!

Dec 09, 202301:01:04
To Change the System, You Need To Know the System

To Change the System, You Need To Know the System

At this week's Round Table, Emily, Erina, and Hannah spoke with Alison Ritz, an AP Government and History teacher in the Bronx. She has taught in the New York City Department of Education for over two decades, striving to connect the present to the past while centering civic engagement for high-school students. 

As a former teenage activist, she approaches AP US Government and Politics, Participation in Government, and Economics from the lens of youth empowerment. Ms Ritz also has the honor of working with seniors to support the college-application process and postsecondary transition and serves as Faculty Advisor for the Riley's Way Bronx Council.

We conversed at length about what students would LIKE to know about their teachers but are frequently afraid to ask. We also discussed the joys and challenges of being in the teaching profession, which varies depending on the state you live in. Furthermore, we discussed how Ms Ritz’ own experiences got her into teaching and how exactly teaching keeps her inspired and motivated. Thank you for listening!

Dec 01, 202353:44
The Power of Meeting People Where They Are

The Power of Meeting People Where They Are

At this week’s Round Table, Emily, Emmanuel, and Heba spoke with Joel Berman, a retired primary care physician who lives in Concord, NH and is a longtime volunteer from The Compassionate Listening Project–something we could all benefit from doing more of these days, which made us excited to engage in this conversation! The Compassionate Listening Project works to empower individuals and communities to transform conflict and create cultures of peace and healing. It accomplishes this through workshops, facilitator training, listening journeys, and partnerships with humanitarian, social justice, and peace-building groups.Compassionate Listening offerings cultivate practices that hold courageous and generative space to bring people together across differences.


We discussed complex and timely questions like “What does it mean to truly create safe & courageous space and what are the best ways to do so and to unleash creativity?” We dove into the power of storytelling as well as the importance of peer support in working to rewire our brains away from tribalism, which is incredibly hard! We acknowledged the intense practice it takes to master it, the degree to which we will sometimes fail--and learn from failing, and the need to be compassionate with ourselves when we do. We also discussed the value of having a compassionate listening practice group to do this work with regularly-a laboratory within which to take risks and receive honest feedback. Joel founded and has been part of one for over a decade!


At a time of such deep divisiveness in Israel-Gaza–and such deep divisiveness in thinking and talking about the issues globally–we were inspired to hear about Joel's four Compassionate Listening Journeys to Israel and Palestine between 2015 and 2019, as well as his Journey to Alabama in January 2020. During these trips, he recorded and transcribed more than 40 listening sessions that form the basis for public presentations designed to humanize the “other” and help local audiences recognize our common humanity and shared values of people across geo-political divides. We sure need approaches like this right now and are grateful to Joel and the Compassionate Learning Project for their valuable work.


f you’re interested in hearing more from Joel Berman and the work he is very passionate about, read some of his articles here: A Third Way to Think About Israel and Palestine, Journey to Alabama with The Compassionate Listening Project  


Thank you for listening!

Nov 25, 202333:42
Be Relentless in Demanding a Seat at the Table

Be Relentless in Demanding a Seat at the Table

At this week’s Round Table, Amelia, Dorina, Emily and Hannah spoke with Rachel Janfaza, an amazing journalist covering youth political culture. Rachel founded 'The Up and Up,' a newsletter focused on Gen Z’s political zeitgeist and  how young Americans are organizing, mobilizing, and participating in civic life and politics – or, how and why they’re not. She is also a freelancer, with impressive bylines in the New York Times, Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and Glamour. Previously, Rachel was an associate writer on the CNN Politics team covering young voters, campaigns, and breaking news. Recent stories have been about Gen Z politicians' fashion and style, the Montana climate activists, and efforts to stifle on campus/college student voting. 

In our engaging discussion, we dove deeply into topics, such as the uptick in youth voter turnout rates over the past 3 major election cycles as well as the ways that local politics often affect young people's lives more than anything on the national level. In addition, we conversed about young people running for office, the role of social media in youth organizing, and youth voter registration. 

Throughout this episode, we were very inspired by the ways in which Rachel amplifies youth voices around political and civic issues. This inspires us in our ongoing efforts to empower youth to create large-scale change. Thank you for listening!

Nov 16, 202341:54
Your Feet Are Designed To Walk Backwards

Your Feet Are Designed To Walk Backwards

At this week’s Round Table, Emily, Emmanuel, and Hannah spoke with Terek Hunter, a former U.S. diplomat who currently serves as the Chief Partnerships Officer at Healthy Entrepreneurs, which focuses on training community health workers to be entrepreneurs in remote settings. He has had the pleasure to live and work in ten different countries throughout Africa, working mainly for NGOs and startups.
We dove into what inspired his passion for the work he is involved in today. Terek wanted to see the world and has had wonderful experiences through diplomacy, through which he’s come to understand the U.S. government throughout Africa. Being the youngest and the first black Deputy Executive Officer has given him unique and powerful perspective that has propelled lifelong engagement.
Throughout our conversation, we talked about how to forge deeper connections between Africa and the United States through the Peace Corps and other efforts. We also explored questions around the role community health plays in the development of the continent–and the vital role Healthy Entrepreneurs play in our world today. Thank you for listening!
Nov 02, 202329:04
Why Do I Have To Put My Trauma on Paper To Get Into College?

Why Do I Have To Put My Trauma on Paper To Get Into College?

At this week's Round Table, Amelia, Emily, Emmanuel, Hannah, and Heba spoke amongst themselves about the implications of applying to college in the first year after the Supreme Court’s reversal of Affirmative Action. While students like us are the MOST impacted by this decision, our voices are rarely included in public dialogue about affirmative action. The conversation was cathartic–all of us shared our  initial reaction to seeing the Supreme Court’s decision when it was released over the summer. Many of us struggled with the polar divides in response to it, given that while some people celebrated, claiming that racism had ended, many of us struggled, worrying about the adverse impact it would have on us as minority students as well as the impact it would have on diversity on college campuses.

The ruling reversing affirmative action took away something that was so relevant and important to students of color, which was giving us a chance to write our college essays about something that truly defines us that is NOT our race. Since the essay is one of the only places in which we can really express the importance of our identity, many of us now feel we need to use the essay to explain how our identity makes us good candidates for the schools of our choice rather than write more expansively.

We also spoke about why we feel legacy admissions are extremely toxic, in that it perpetuates a continuous cycle in which people who happen to be a part of a generational line of people of privilege are given advantages regardless of how hard they work, which is at odds with efforts we all should be making to close the widening wealth gap in this country. 

On the upside, we discussed how this has inspired us to help others and create large-scale change. If you want to have a voice in the decisions that are made, you have to vote if you are old enough to do so–and if you are NOT old enough to vote, you need to educate yourself to be ready when you are. Your right to vote is critical no matter what your political opinions may be. Your voice needs to be heard because if you don’t use it, not only are you being negatively impacted, but others are as well. There are no off years because there are always various elections going on in the state, locally or federally. Whether it is a school board election or the presidential election, your vote makes a difference and can make or break the future of our country. Thank you for listening!

Oct 26, 202347:56
Compromising On Issues, Not Values

Compromising On Issues, Not Values

At this week’s Round Table, Emmanuel, Hannah, and Inyoo spoke with Mitul Gouni, a junior at Allen High School in Texas, an involved member of his community, and author of the book One Flag: A Nonpartisan Guide to American Politics. A student in his school’s International Baccalaureate program, Mitul is intensely curious and dedicated to deepening his knowledge of history in particular. Outside of school, Mitul serves as an organizer for Toys for Texans, a regional nonprofit that collects and donates toys to underprivileged children in Texas. He has interned with both Republican and Democratic Representatives through the U.S. Congress, listening to lectures from notable politicians, such as Senator Rounds and Speaker Pelosi. 

Through our conversation, we dove into the Gen Z voting bloc that has an exceedingly high amount of potential, honing in on our shared concern that many young voters consistently skip Election Day. Why is that? What role do and can organizations like YVote & Next Generation Politics play in mobilizing young voters? We also discussed the fact that test scores are dropping across America, yet our leaders don’t seem to be focused on counteracting this alarming trend effectively and expansively.  

We concluded our conversation with exploration of the qualities we’d like to see from a political leader. We agreed that 1) A political leader should have the courage to compromise, without the fear of criticism and 2) A political leader should emphasize that having youth engaged in civics is important in today's world. Political leaders should modify education policies and start championing civics education because it all starts with youth. Thank you for listening!

Oct 19, 202337:28
Using Evil Marketing Skills for Good

Using Evil Marketing Skills for Good

At this week’s Round Table, Hannah, Heba, and Maya spoke with Becky Wang, the CEO and CoFounder of Rabble.io, a social discovery platform for people to find purpose-driven events and actions that bring life back to communities and neighborhoods. For brand partners, they provide a way to sponsor and support people-focused sustainability programs led by the organizers of these live events in order to foster community building. Rabble is technology that operates at the intersection of social media and live events. 

Before creating this platform, Becky built the growth and sales functions for several seed & Series A companies; led transformation projects at Crossbeat New York, a digital design consultancy; and served as Head of Data Strategy at Droga5 and Senior Vice President & Global Head of Insights & Analytics at Saatchi & Saatchi. She is the author of Creativity & Data Marketing and has been featured at SXSW, the Financial Times, CBS, Co.Create/Fast Company on the future of media and impact of BigTech on culture & politics. Becky is also a proud Board Member of NALANDA, a Buddhist LGBTQIA+ organization supporting incarcerated queer youth. 

In our conversation, Becky talked us through what Rabble is as well as what drove her to start Rabble. We discussed food security at length as it’s been  the focus of Rabble’s first activations and is a powerful way to bring together conservationists, justice advocates, and climate activists. We also engaged in fascinating exploration of what matters to various audiences in terms of perks, rewards, and incentives. Thank you for listening!


Oct 06, 202341:02
Running For Office Is Your Birthright

Running For Office Is Your Birthright

At this week's Emily and Hannah spoke with Sarah Jakle, Founder and Executive Director of DemocraShe. Previously Sarah served as the Get Out The Vote Director for the California National Organization for Women and National Outreach Director for Field Team 6, leading the innovative effort to register voters using effective issue-based voter registration techniques. Empowering women to hold political office has been a focus since Sarah first interned at the Women’s Council of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in college.

Prior to creating DemocraShe, Sarah practiced as a social worker in Los Angeles, helping adults coping with mental illnesses, addiction, and homelessness. She is a current Fellow with Obama’s Organizing For Action and serves on the Board of Directors for Urban Partners Los Angeles. She discussed her journey in civic engagement from being a social worker through becoming an activist to feeling the need to create DemocraShe for intersectional women stepping into roles of democracy.

A large part of why Sarah created DemocraShe was to build skills into early women's leadership training in response to what she saw happening to women candidates in 2018 and 2020 who were stepping up to try to serve their country yet were brutally attacked and all the more across any intersectional identity. She recognized the need to help women build skills to manage our nervous systems and deal with both the imposter syndrome that can lead us to count ourselves out AND the pushback that comes when we step up to lead.

Sarah explained DemocraShe's curriculum and what it entails, specifically zooming in on the power of incorporating resiliency and political skills for high school students. Getting civically engaged can been difficult for young people and we discussed each of our journeys and how our experiences have been to date, backlash and all. We ended the episode by discussing two concrete skills that we can immediately draw upon in our lives: our practices with Grounding and our Inner Best Friend. Thank you for listening!

Sep 30, 202301:03:02
Altered States Lead to Altered Minds

Altered States Lead to Altered Minds

At this week's Round Table, Emily, Hannah and Skyla spoke with Sasha Simon and Rhana Hashemi about harm-reduction based drug education. As the Founder and Principal Consultant at Sasha Simon Consulting, Sasha provides training, technical assistance and consulting services to youth-serving professionals transitioning away from punitive, abstinence-based drug education and policies and towards inclusive, restorative, and health-based structures that support the whole child and their community. Rhana is a Bay Area-based drug educator, a national expert in youth overdose prevention and harm reduction, and a doctoral student in Social Psychology at Stanford. She founded an educational organization called Know Drugs, which works to advance evidence-based prevention and harm reduction drug education for youth to prevent overdoses and risky drug use. 

Sasha advocates extensively on issues related to teens and drug use, sexuality and health, adultism, and BIPOC mental health, building intergenerational coalitions and collaborative networks to empower youth as advocates to challenge political issues that directly impact them and to deliver innovative, cross-sector approaches to public health and education. Sasha also co-founded the Fierce Leadership for Youth Academy, a college prep non-profit aiming to remove financial barriers to higher learning for first-gen college students of color. 

Rhana translates scientific research and uplifts community youth voices in the design and development of prevention messaging. She was a key contributor to Safety First, the nation's first harm reduction-based drug education curriculum, and has piloted the program across several Bay Area schools. Her work has been featured by major news outlets such as the NY Times, TIMES Magazine, and NBC’s Today Show. 

After learning about their fascinating backgrounds, we dug into how they’ve co-designed, piloted, and evaluated Safety First programs WITH teachers and students, which is super inspiring.  We also discussed recently updated drug education laws in Illinois and Texas, honing in on the policy changes since the fentanyl overdose crisis. Sasha and Rhana put forth a call to action based on everything that they’ve learned and experienced on how YOU can adopt harm reduction-based approaches to drug education in your community. Thank you for listening!


Sep 23, 202343:38
We’ll Say Mission Accomplished When We Have a World In Which Every Kid Can Just Be a Kid

We’ll Say Mission Accomplished When We Have a World In Which Every Kid Can Just Be a Kid

At this week’s Round Table, Hannah, Inyoo, Jack, and Kenisha spoke with Thea Sebastian, Director of Policy for Civil Rights Corps, as well as the founding Director of the Futures Institute. In her role, Thea oversees a wide range of initiatives that include policy changes related both to advancing community safety and building cradle-to-career youth opportunity. One of her current projects involves building a cross-disciplinary Futures Agenda, which aims to be a Green New Deal for youth.

Thea’s trajectory is very inspiring: a graduate of Harvard College, Oxford University, and Harvard Law School, she now serves on the board of Harvard University, which she joined as a petition candidate running on a climate divestment platform. Thea started her career as a classroom teacher, teaching special education in the South Bronx prior to working on social and educational policy, including stints in local government and in the White House Domestic Policy Council, leading up to her current role as Director of Policy for Civil Rights Corps.

We were fascinated by Thea’s work at the intersection of law and policy, and her commitment to how youth can take actionable initiatives to make a difference, and think you will be too. This was the perfect episode for me to close out my time with the Round Table podcast as I am now matriculating at Thea’s alma mater, Harvard College.  I’ve loved getting to speak with our guests, my fellow podcast hosts, and you each week and look forward to catching you on alumni episodes. Thank you for listening!

Sep 12, 202334:53
Black-On-Black Education

Black-On-Black Education

At this week's Round Table, Emily, Heba, and Kenisha spoke with Evalaurene Jean-Charles, a dedicated educator, advocate, and the CEO & Founder of Black on Black Education, an organization that aims to revolutionize education by promoting student-centered approaches and empowering young people of color to become change agents for change. She is also a 9th grade history teacher in the South Bronx, where she continues to make a profound impact on her students’ lives.


Evalaurene’s remarkable journey in education began as a teacher at an alternative sentencing program in Brooklyn, where she worked as a tutor and workshop provider for students who faced gaps in their education due to incarceration. This experience ignited her passion for educational equity and social justice, leading her to pursue further studies.


Throughout her career, Evalaurene has actively sought opportunities to contribute to the field of education beyond the classroom. She has participated in prestigious programs such as the Vocal Justice Fellowship, where she facilitated curriculum focused on developing students’ public speaking skills in a critical and engaging manner. Additionally, she has been involved in the reDesign K-12 Content Mapping Design Studio, collaborating with multicultural content experts to redefine important and relevant disciplinary content for K-12 education.


Evalaurene’s dedication to sharing her expertise and insights extends beyond her immediate community. She has spoken at numerous conferences, engaging educators and students in conversations about educational equity, social justice, and empowering young people of color. Her contributions to the field have been recognized and in June 2021, she was honored with the 30 Under 30 Award, which recognizes emerging leaders of Caribbean heritage who demonstrate exceptional commitment and engagement in their professional, academic, or personal pursuits.


With her combination of hands-on teaching experience, academic expertise, and passion for social change, Evalaurene Jean-Charles is doing an incredible job empowering young people of color and transforming education into a more inclusive, student-centered, and equitable space and will inspire you throughout this episode. Thank you for listening!

Sep 01, 202332:20
One Voice Sounds Good But a Chorus Sounds Better

One Voice Sounds Good But a Chorus Sounds Better

At this week's Round Table, Emily, Heba, and Ruby spoke with Michael Partis, Executive Director of the Redhook Initiative, a Brooklyn-based organization facilitating social change through education, youth development, and local hiring. His current role builds on his experience running the Bronx Cooperative Development Initiative; the Bronx Brotherhood Project, a college success and mentorship program for Black and Latino teens at the New Settlement College Access Center; and South Bronx Rising Together (SBRT), a “cradle-to-career” initiative, along with his experience as a researcher at Fordham University’s Bronx African American History Project and a professor in the Department of Ethnic Studies at the Borough of Manhattan Community College and Department of Anthropology at Brooklyn College. Yes, be impressed, be very impressed. 

Michael is very focused on how to create generational wealth in black communities and the intersection with educational equity—as are we! We spoke about how the US economy was historically based on coerced labor and people working without compensation—part of a continuing legacy of social policy with negative economic impact and the grounds for race-based reparations today. We acknowledged that the implementation and distribution of reparations is complicated—as all systems are—but that the principle is worthwhile and logical and should be pursued. 

A Society is deeply driven by values and relationships and problems happen when we don’t value people different from ourselves and dominate or control people based on that. This can then bleed into politics and become racism, with a dominant ethnic group distributing resources inequitably. Michael works in education in order to influence redistribution and equity, balancing social vs political efforts for change. 

Understanding the history of how things were formed and how things are organized is critical because when you know how something was built, you have better insight into why things are as they are. The present disparities we experience —and the history of black people being underrepresented —starts with a history of being seen as inferior  carried over with a compounding effect today. 

This of course makes the case for teaching African American Studies—and Michael shared that teaching about and through hip hop is a powerful way to do so—particularly as we celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. He also recommends you check out the Bronx African American History Project oral history archives here. We closed with Michael’s words of inspiration and empowerment to youth which you won’t want to miss. Thank you for listening! 

Aug 28, 202325:46
Politics Is My Holy Grail

Politics Is My Holy Grail

At this week's Round Table, Emily, Erina, Jack, and Skyla spoke with Sumayyah Rose, the founder of What In the World (WITW). WITW is a publication dedicated to breaking down the news for young people and being a space for them to share thoughts and opinions as well as reflections about culture that young people need to know about because of the relevance it has on today’s world. Having been involved in politics with other youth her entire life, Sumayyah realized that she wanted to build this platform as a way to empower youth to share their opinions, thoughts, experiences, and stories to ensure that our voices are heard and acknowledged. 

Sumayyah shared the process of choosing what to write about, and how she works to ensure that there is no bias and that the information presented is accurate and the sources are reliable. She shared how challenging the work has been since when she was starting out, the majority of the work was done by her. She inspired us by sharing the degree to which intrinsic passion outweighs giving up and by emphasizing the importance of persisting even through hardships. 

As a Brit herself, who currently lives in the U.S, Sumayyah also discussed what she perceives as the cultural, societal, and political stark differences and similarities between Britain and America. It was very eye-opening to hear how similar, yet disparate, these two “sister” nations are.

We had a wonderful conversation about the various ways we can make politics a more welcoming, and less intimidating, topic for youth as well as how we can break down barriers to young people understanding politics. The fact that politicians, campaigns, and news tend to overlook young people is absolutely not okay and we have to step up and make it clear that young people are NOT apathetic; we are often uninvited. Now lets find out “What in the World” is happening. Thank you for listening!

Aug 20, 202328:32
Having a Seat at the Table

Having a Seat at the Table

At this week's Round Table, new podcasters Emily and Heba joined Jack and Skyla to speak with Brianna Carmen, political director at Emerge. Emerge is the nation's premier organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office. At Emerge, Brianna not only gets to work through partners at the local state and national level, but also develops strategies for operationalizing all of their training. She has helped Emerge support 1,200+ alums currently in public office and has helped register 600,000 voters, with a focus on youth.

Being raised along the U.S-Mexico border in El Paso, Brianna saw firsthand a community that was impacted by many key issues yet lacked widespread voter participation and political power needed to address them. Her life experiences in an underrepresented community shaped her passion for being involved in large-scale impactful work.

With Gen Z demographically being the most racial and ethnically diverse constituency in most communities, Brianna feels that youth today possess the widest arrays of perspectives and ideas to resolve ongoing issues. She shared with us that “Having more women who are Democrats elected into office will lead to better policies because they are the folks who are dealing with these challenges every day. So why shouldn’t they have a seat at the table to change it?” She is very committed to debunking the myth that young activists don't have the experience or networks to be successful on the campaign trail. Towards this end, Emerge is working hard to both encourage Gen Z to run AND to set them up for success on the campaign trail. This is our 200th podcast episode ( !) and we are grateful to you for listening!rge is the nation's premier organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office.

Aug 07, 202324:23
 Fascinated by the Biology of the Brain

Fascinated by the Biology of the Brain

At this week's Round Table, Erina, Jack, and Kenisha spoke with Elena Waidmann, a rising fifth year graduate student in the lab of Dr. Erich Jarvis at Rockefeller University, who studies the neural and genetic mechanisms underlying mouse vocalizations. From participating in a neuroscience program through the Center for Talented Youth during high school to studying the neurological facial recognition processes of macaque monkeys in a lab at the National Institutes of Mental Health, Elena shared how all of her experiences have shaped her lifelong love of neuroscience. As a graduate student, she has learned the value of balancing and prioritizing various tasks because of the numerous projects she simultaneously works on. Everyday is different which keeps Elena on her toes as she is constantly surrounded by cutting edge research!

We learned about the relevance Elena’s research places on the advancement of gene editing, such as the FOXP2 gene for humans who have trouble producing speech, and the degree to which the research she conducts on mice can be DIRECTLY applied to humans. She also walked us through common misconceptions that individuals have in terms of animal communication systems, such as people underestimating non-primates and overestimating other primates. 

Neuroscience intersects with MANY other fields of study and has a direct application to our everyday lives. If you or someone else you know are in high school and are interested in learning more about this exciting field of study, apply to the Summer Neuroscience Program at Rockefeller University in New York City. Applications open up in January 2024 for the Summer of 2024 cycle. Thank you for listening!

Aug 01, 202324:42
More Than Just Books

More Than Just Books

At this week's Round Table, Jack, Kenisha, and Maya spoke with Rachel Roseberry, the Associate Director of Young Adult Program and Services at The New York Public Library (NYPL), about the vital role libraries play in community building and civic education as well as the various opportunities there are to get involved in breaking literacy barriers. The NYPL is a civic space where people can gather to learn from not just through the books and resources available at the library, but also through each other. At the NYPL, Rachel oversees team programming, such as College & Career Pathways programming, summer programming for teens, and the Teen Civics Ambassadors program that exists across all 89 library branches in the five boroughs. 

Being constantly surrounded in educational spaces, Rachel has found a real home in libraries for the exact type of work she loves doing. She loves the inclusivity and accessibility libraries offer to everyone, with every library uniquely inhabiting the culture and history of the communities they serve. Libraries are indispensable to not just the development of children, but also to the democratic growth of communities. Thus, we should utilize the library as a place we can live, learn, and cultivate our ever-growing curiosity.

Next time you find yourself near a library, head inside to be welcomed to a constantly inclusive environment with enriching opportunities and an engaging community of individuals. Whether you are a teen who loves science or an adult who loves the arts, you will be opened up to various opportunities to get involved at the New York Public Library. Thank you for listening!


Jul 23, 202327:27
We All Should Have Gotten More Sleep!

We All Should Have Gotten More Sleep!

At a recent Round Table, Jack, Kenisha, Maya, and Skyla spoke with each other celebrated and reflected on the bittersweet end to their four memorable years of high school. Attending high schools in different locations--and heading off to Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Amherst respectively--they discussed what made each of their high school experiences unique AND what made them similar. Something very intriguing that was brought up was the idea of connections–that is, there are so many people we come in contact with who we discover some kind of surprising connection with, creating a sense that our big worlds can actually be quite small.  This makes them all feel extra excited about the wide array of opportunities that await them at college to network and interact with individuals from many different backgrounds. 

They were also very open with each other–and you, our listeners–in voicing concerns they have related to their upcoming college experiences and what they will mean to the sense of community they've felt in their lives leading up to now. They also spoke about how the pandemic has led to even more hyper-competitiveness about admission to prestigious colleges and universities, increasing competition between peers to always be on top of everyone else and even to try to bring others down–something they badly want to counteract. They also, of course, shared concerns about legacy admissions and race-based affirmative action as they speculated about what the recent ruling of the Supreme Court will mean for prospective college applicants. By ending the systematic consideration of race in the college admissions process, they know that educational disparities and inequity will increase.

Throughout this reflective conversation, as they look ahead into college and beyond, they spoke about the skills, lessons, and significant values they will take away from high school as they start a new and exciting chapter of their lives. Over the last four years, they have learned to make peace with “failure,” to not compare themselves with others, and to demonstrate resilience–mindsets they will apply to the beginnings of their post-secondary education. Congratulations to the CLASS OF 2023 and thanks for listening!


Jul 09, 202345:37
 What To Expect As We Become A Majority Minority Country

What To Expect As We Become A Majority Minority Country

At this week's Round Table, Jack and Madeline spoke with Salomón Flamenco, a rising 2nd year Masters student at Georgetown University, whose work currently focuses around the experiences of minorities in America. Being Salvadoran American, Salomon experiences the lack of connection with his Spanish roots, which is a common thread amongst children of immigrants. He created his own podcast, Minority Reports with Salomon Flamenco, which covers the implications of living in a diaspora, and features individuals from many different backgrounds. 

We had a fantastic discussion of what it means to be biracial and bicultural in the United States, as I am. We run the risk of losing touch with both sides of our culture, or having labels put upon us that we can’t break out of in our own way. Letting go of preconceived notions and beliefs that have been instilled in us is the only way we can take control of how we look at ourselves and start to shift beliefs, which is very necessary as our country evolves to become a majority minority country.  

We also took an interesting dive into AI and the impact it may have at the intersection between culture and film. Salomon raised a few political concerns about AI running the risk of exploiting groups that have historically been exploited and having easy access to committing fraud. All in all, we concluded that AI technology will never replace human creativity BUT it will have widespread ramifications, some of which concern us. Thank you for listening!


Jul 03, 202318:54
The Power of Stories to Transform Lives (Including Your Own!)

The Power of Stories to Transform Lives (Including Your Own!)

At this week's Round Table, Jack, Kenisha, and Madeline spoke with Mondiant Dogon, human rights activist, refugee ambassador, and author of Those We Throw Away Are Diamonds. Mondiant is the founder of the international nonprofit organization, Mondiant Initiative, with a mission to transform the lives of refugees in Africa through opportunities.. His plan is to expand this initiative all over the world. 


Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mondiant discusses how his life experiences and the work he has done has impacted his life and empowered other refugees to aim for great things.  In his moving memoir, he describes his wide ranging experiences from surviving two genocides, being a child soldier, becoming a refugee in Rwanda and surviving on one meal over three days, and later moving to the United States to attend college at New York University with seemingly unlimited resources. Throughout this journey, he has learned the value of giving a voice to people who might not normally have one as well as valuing each refugee as an individual. Living amongst people with different backgrounds and experiences, he’s gotten the opportunity to learn that “once everybody realizes that we’re all human beings, the world will change.” Refugees should be seen as HUMANS and not a political problem or crisis. Mondiant has planted seeds of hope in the refugees he works with, inspiring them to make their own decisions and take control of their lives.

We closed with discussion of how we can empower refugees to shape their own futures despite the adverse set of circumstances they face. But first, they need to be seen and given a voice in order to have a chance at success. Mondiant deeply understands the power of simply listening and talking to refugees, as well as displaying empathy and love. Acknowledging and supporting refugees in any way you can is the very first and most vital step towards empowering them. 


The Mondiant Initiative is currently looking for volunteers for the organization to help refugees. If you are interested in helping to transform the lives of others, check out different ways to get involved today by heading to the website
https://mondiantinitiative.org/get-involved/ Thank you for listening!

Jun 19, 202325:24
Changing the Narrative, Instilling a Sense of Pride

Changing the Narrative, Instilling a Sense of Pride

At this week's Round Table, Jack & Maya spoke with Daniel Jones, cultural curator at The Cameron Art Museum (CAM), whose work lies in the intersection of art, history, and education. As a curator, Jones collects oral histories and uses artistic expression to continue to push these stories to the forefront of our communities. The CAM is located in Wilmington, North Carolina–one of the last major campaigns of the Civil War and a major port town. 

As a place that has always been associated with the “lost cause” of the Civil War, the exhibit he’s curated at The CAM aims at telling a different story about the town and its inhabitants. Changing the narrative of Wilmington, while also instilling a sense of pride in the community that’s been here since the beginning, is extremely important to the mission of the museum. At The CAM, there’s more room to go in depth and talk about history that has often been concealed, bringing it to a variety of different age cohorts. The CAM is committed to fostering insightful conversations surrounding artifacts and history for museum-goers at young ages and ALL ages in order to understand human communities, prepare for real world obstacles, and interact with people who may not be like you. 

As we know, there has been a crack down on what can and can’t be taught in many classrooms in the South, leading to a true challenge in making sure full stories get told and shared. Amidst these constraints, we should ask ourselves,“What can we do to ensure that the history of marginalized communities don’t remain buried?” and “What will future generations of America look like if there are similar curriculum crackdowns in the North?” We need to empower all people to share their stories because that is a vital part of who we are. Museums like The CAM can play a valuable role in this. As Daniel Jones said, “We will never get the true human experience until you pull from whoever that story is affecting.” Thank you for listening!


Jun 12, 202330:06
We’re super polarized —and it’s not as bad as we think

We’re super polarized —and it’s not as bad as we think

At this week's Round Table, Jack, Kenisha, and Maya spoke with veteran educator Kent Lenci, author of Learning To Depolarize: Helping Students and Teachers Reach Across Lines of Disagreement. Kent framed for us that political polarization feels acute because of the negative connotation surrounding this concept. However, his goal is to help educators navigate the complexities of polarization in order to prepare today’s students to face tomorrow’s polarization. Through doing so, youth can be encouraged and supported in facing the challenges of working across lines of disagreement. 


We had lots of questions for him: What does polarization look like in educational settings? What WORKS in defusing polarization? What HELPS build bridges against lines of disagreement? We discussed our concerns that too often, education is being used as either a political weapon or a political tool rather than a system to serve people as the bipolar nature of our political divide has grown bigger and more intense. Too often, those who try to encourage viewpoint diversity and to reach out to people we disagree with are met with skepticism, mistrust, and pushback. In the face of threat, Kent noted that rational thinking becomes disabled as individuals develop a “fight-or-flight mechanism” fearing an attack on a crucial part of their identity. It doesn’t have to be this way! Kent inspired us to try to look at things and people in the most charitable light and to embrace perspectives all across the spectrum in relation to issues facing our world today. Thank you for listening!


Jun 06, 202332:26
Make a Mark with The People’s Money

Make a Mark with The People’s Money

At this week's Round Table, Jack, Kenisha, Madeline, Maya spoke with Drashti Brahmbhatt, Participatory Budgeting Project Management Director at the NYC Civic Engagement Commission. We were fortunate to have Drashti discuss The People's Money and its goals for bringing New York City one step closer in having everyone’s voices heard in government on the very day the campaign launched! The People's Money is NYC's FIRST citywide Participatory Budgeting process through which New Yorkers across the five boroughs have an opportunity to vote on how $5 million of the city’s budget should be spent on ideas in their communities. 


Drashti recognizes that people’s experiences with government in the countries they’ve immigrated from colors the ways in which they look at government. As a city of immigrants, she believes The People’s Money has the potential to influence their initial outlook on New York City’s government for the good. The power that comes with having a database of ideas created by, and funded by, New Yorkers is truly inspirational and can be what is needed to instill long lasting change to our city. The People’s Money campaign launched on May 10 and so far, people are really enjoying the concept of having the economic power to bring about growth and change in their communities.


Looking ahead into the future, we would love to see far more funding devoted to The People’s Money in order to ensure that all the prevalent issues in our city don’t go unnoticed and get addressed. One of the best things about The People’s Money is that anyone age 11 or older of any immigration status can participate and get involved in democracy in New York City. As such, there’s a path for the engagement of people who aren’t traditionally seen or heard when it comes to voting and civic participation, which is really exciting. Needless to say, young people are a vital target in this campaign and we are excited to engage as many young people as we can between now and when the campaign closes on June 25.  Please be sure to vote and encourage everyone you know to vote at on.nyc.gov/pb  Thank you for listening!

May 30, 202330:53
A Radical Vision of Young People Leading

A Radical Vision of Young People Leading

 At this week's Round Table, Erina, Kenisha, and Madeline spoke with AMAZING 16-year old DJ Yearwood who is the founder of Vote16 Missouri, a nonpartisan state-wide initiative to lower the voting age to 16. DJ believes that advocacy and grassroots work are some of the most important steps of the civic and political change process and voiced his concerns surrounding lack of youth representation in political processes, securing youth rights, and supporting youth leadership. 

DJ underscored that young people don’t lack the urge to participate politically— they often lack the *opportunity.* Youth are too often seen as inferior or even incompetent but he demonstrates that this should not stop us from being involved in decisions that affect our communities.. Everyone has the capacity to contribute and getting involved at any level— whether through advocacy, organizations, or even door knocking—can help address key civic issues. We need to move beyond performative activism. We should never be content with anyone ruling out an entire category of people. We need leadership at ALL levels. Thank you for listening!


May 18, 202330:29
The Centrality of Bipartisanship

The Centrality of Bipartisanship

At this week's Round Table, Kenisha and I spoke with Ivelisse Porroa-Garcia, a Democrat who serves as Senior Vice President at Crossroads Strategies, helping companies and organizations navigate the federal government in Washington, D.C., and Nic Adams, a Republican who is on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Although affiliated with two ideologically different political parties that experience strong tensions, Ivelisse and Nic talked openly and compellingly about how it is possible to find common ground to address issues in a bipartisanship fashion amidst the difficulties of doing so. cx


Ivelisse and Nic reinforced the message that seeking friendships with people who are different from ourselves is extremely important in a world where people have many different values and beliefs. Republicans and Democrats do not have to be enemies. Ultimately, we are all Americans and all want what is best for our country’s well-being. We should continue to approach issues as a team effort because everyone’s opinions and ideas are valid. If we see injustices, we should address them through shaping policy. Taking in different perspectives will lead to collective efforts that are


May 11, 202344:41
 How do we reoccupy shared reality?

How do we reoccupy shared reality?

At this week's Round Table, Kenisha and Jack spoke with Dr. Aaron Mckain, executive director of The Institute for Digital Humanity, and students Philip Graham and Richard Leyva about how to navigate new emerging technology like Artificial Intelligence and how to use these technologies for good rather than letting them further polarize and antagonize our political process. The Institute for Digital Humanity is a multi-faith, human-focused, bipartisan, and student-run think tank based in downtown Minneapolis. They are passionate about  advocating for civil rights issues connected to advances in technology and to fighting against the improper use of algorithms. 

Dr. Mckain shared four main challenges that all of this digital technology presens to our lives: AI ethics and unreliability, filter bubbles and misinformation, hate speech vs. free speech, and privacy. With the rising prominence of ChatGPT, these brewing challenges are crystal clear. According to Dr. Mckain, ChatGPT is “a robot spitting out a bad book report.” As ChatGPT gets “smarter” and smarter—and becomes the coin of the realm—there is all sorts of scientific and ethical knowledge about the world that’s going to be misinterpreted, making it easier for injustices to be obscured from the news.

Looking ahead, our guests expressed concern about ChatGPT having a lasting negative impact on the younger generations. Youth may start to “humanize” this software, expecting it to satisfy core human needs that technology never will. This amplifies the value of centering our connections, communications, and relationships with other human beings. Thank you for listening!


May 04, 202329:40
Super Engaged Citizenry is the Path to Collective Liberation

Super Engaged Citizenry is the Path to Collective Liberation

At this week's Round Table, Jack, Kenisha, and Vanessa spoke with Betsy MacLean, the first Chief Engagement Officer of the City of New York. Betsy previously ran her own non-profit organization called Hester Street that sits at the intersection of communities and the government. From cultivating diverse relationships between staff to drastically increasing the national and international scale of their projects, Betsy played a crucial role in helping city agencies engage communities in ways that are inclusive, equitable, and accountable. She strongly believes in the need for communities to work very closely with the government, particularly low-income, marginalized communities that have been historically left out of the policy and decision-making process. This is an outgrowth of her work in East New York over many years, developing housing and directing broader community planning and development. From all of her insightful experiences, she talks about the inspiration she draws from communities working together to create something bigger than themselves, referring to this as a path to “collective liberation.”

Betsy shared why she loves her job: she strongly believes that “We have to have a government that works for us, that works with us, that is powered by us, because it is the entity that can make significant change at scale.” She recognizes that people often feel alienated when it comes to the government. A key issue that needs to be addressed is that there is no central hub for all of the city’s engagement work to be coordinated and no real opportunity for all city agencies to directly communicate with one another to address constraints being experienced by communities. 

Betsy spoke with us about how her work aims to address these ongoing issues in order to build city-wide civic trust and well-being. Getting agencies to promote open communication and collaboration with communities will not only result in better policies, but also lead to better outcomes and the closer connection between communities and government that is necessary for true democracy. We must get better at addressing the challenges that groups of individuals experience and blending all of these together to create inclusive, equitable, and effective solutions for our city. Thank you for listening!


Apr 27, 202332:11
Know Your Country and Yourself

Know Your Country and Yourself

At this week's Round Table, Jack & Madeline spoke with Michael Whidden and his 16 year old daughter Miranda Whidden, founders of American Tributaries. American Tributaries is dedicated to promoting experiential education travel within the United States for U.S. high schoolers through bridge-building itineraries. Their trips emphasize learning from and about fellow Americans in different regions and communities through on the ground face-to-face engagement. They extend to everyone – regardless of background, belief, profession or any other categorization – the four core virtues of civil civic engagement: curiosity, respect, compassion, and humility. 

While they explore many different aspects of history, tradition, and culture, the most prominent theme in their trips is food because of its connective nature.  Its distribution relies on interdependence between various regions, communities, and professions.  The collective experience of a meal in the same physical space promotes conversation, understanding, and fellowship. The Whiddens strive to cultivate the agile intellects and emotions which future leaders will need to navigate, manage, lead, and inspire the disparate people and communities of 21st century America to be able to better understand the world simultaneously through their own viewpoint and others’. 

We discussed what their experience was in putting together the inaugural trip to South Carolina last year; the bridging experiences they had on the trip, from engaging with a pro-Trump farmer in Charleston, with soldiers at an Army base in Columbia and with SC high school students in Greenville; how simply being curious projected (and invited) respect; and their concerns about the current emphasis in high school travel on overseas trips rather than domestic exploration. More broadly, we discussed how context influences how we prioritize our values and the power of applying the four core civic virtues unconditionally to build bridges and promote understanding–themes that are core to us at Next Gen.  Thank you for listening!

Apr 21, 202324:35
The power of a dual perspective

The power of a dual perspective

At this week's Round Table, Madeline, Maya, and Skyla spoke with Kevin Rogers, a Senior Associate at Government Executive, a media company which owns and operates multiple publications including City and State NY, where he is responsible for executing programs for entities interested in procuring contracts with the Federal Government. Kevin’s passion for public service and state government stems back to his student days, when among other things, he served as Chief of Staff for the SUNY Student Assembly, the overarching student government organization for SUNY’s 64 campuses and 1.2 million students. His interest in electoral politics was initially sparked through an internship in college that placed people in different government agencies and helped them learn about implementation of on-the-ground state policy plus provided him with a feel for how local government collaborates with  state government. Since graduating, he’s worked on a number of local and state campaigns on Long Island and New York City, including as Field Director for the historic campaign of Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright during her independent run for re-election in 2020 and then as her Legislative Director where he helped pass major pieces of legislation such as the NYS Equal Rights Amendment.  Through his work, he’s learned a lot about local, state, and federal law and how it affects everyday New Yorkers, and has gotten very good at synthesizing complex ideas for easy consumption. He also learned how much of this work happens through relationships– a LOT of negotiating goes on after hours, over dinner, karaoke, bocci ball…–and that strong community and relationships are forged by colleagues with a shared mission of making people’s lives better and getting things done. Ultimately, Kevin counseled us that we have to be bridge builders and relationship builders and that if we are, we’ll carry those relationships for life. Thank you for listening! 


Apr 13, 202329:59
Don’t let your hesitation stop someone else’s revolution

Don’t let your hesitation stop someone else’s revolution

At this week's Round Table, Kenisha, Maya, and Skyla spoke with Chris Piedmont of Slide Nine, a communications, public relations, and digital marketing agency that focuses on creating stories that shift perception and move people to action. Chris himself was moved to action in 2019 when he took time off from the PR world to join Pete Buttigieg's history-making presidential campaign. We talked in depth about the high stakes world of campaigns. Having grown up in Charleston, South Carolina with a passion for politics AND communications, he had an existential crisis about which track to pursue: PR or politics. He chose business figuring he could always go back to politics and, after the 2016 election, he realized he HAD to be more involved. He kept a watchful eye on all the candidates in 2018 and, after the CNN town hall where Pete proved how strong a communicator he was and made a progressive splash, Chris realized Pete was his guy, which was confirmed after reading his book. He decided to focus on Pete’s South Carolina campaign, did some good natured stalking and networking, and secured a job as an organizer, helming two districts the size of Rhode Island. Chris was the boots on the ground, and his public relations experience helped a LOT as a big part of organizing is networking,developing trust and credibility right away, looking for the influencers who have impact and can help build scale, and getting the candidate’s messages out there.  Chris described his work on the campaign as some of the most engaging, satisfying, and EXHAUSTING experiences of his life, tinged with a life or death feeling each day. He came to feel that volunteers and women are the lifeblood of democracy in this country.  Having lived in South Carolina pre DOMA being struck down and pre gay marriage, Chris noted that coming back to a conservative community and knocking on people’s doors on behalf of the first openly out presidential candidate was deeply healing. Now several years out and back in the PR world, Chris shared that at the end of the day, there’s nothing like getting someone to pull the lever for Pete. Chris’ energy is infectious and we hope it will inspire YOU to engage in campaign work. Thanks for listening!


Apr 07, 202327:26
 Everyone has a role to play in democracy

Everyone has a role to play in democracy

At this week's Round Table, Kenisha and Madeline spoke with Debilyn Molineaux, Founder and CEO of The Bridge Alliance, which is working to create a “game changing” movement that shifts the underlying dynamics of power, politics, and participation in our country in order to strengthen values. The Alliance is based on five very powerful principles: See the best in people, Educate each other, Seek solutions, Acknowledge differences, and Act on commonalities. We agreed that we would LOVE to see these principles more in play in schools and society at large. We talked about the power–and challenge–of striving to revitalize civil society through democratic values and working to instill trust in the system and its values.  What’s critical is that everyday citizens be at the heart of doing so–Debilyn underscored that the first three words of the constitution are “we the people” and that’s what we should be steeped in. We spoke about how fraught bipartisanship is these days, with Debilyn sharing her concerns that some older folks have an overly rosy view of it and some young people want to to give up on it altogether because they’ve never seen it work. Debilyn shared what she refers to as her “embodied sense of optimism,” fueled by belief that the future her generation is leaving young people can be so much better.  We all agreed that we need to become the citizens WORTHY of a thriving, just democracy. Thank you for listening!

Mar 30, 202321:35
The Gift of Storytelling

The Gift of Storytelling

At this week's Round Table, Kenisha, Madeline, and Maya spoke with Deo Mwano, a nationally recognized speaker, program designer, and transformational cultural change maker whose work focuses on helping organizations maximize their positive impact.  Deo is a bit of a Renaissance Man, who’s had a stratospheric rise since arriving to the U.S. as a refugee when he was just a boy: having graduated with a degree in International Relations and History with an MBA in Strategic Leadership, he’s worked for the federal government, non-profits, universities and tech startups and now runs his own human-centered design strategy consultancy. One of the 40 Under 40 in New Hampshire,. Deo is a gifted storyteller and performer whose family’s story was featured on Dancing With the Stars, which he and his brothers performed on live. On the side, he loves making hip hop and R & B music, dancing and teaching dance, watching documentaries and reading biographies (he gave us some great recommendations too!), and being a dad to three children. We talked about what it was like to migrate from the Congo to New Hampshire–a state many know only from the primaries–as a refugee after his father was assassinated; how he created a personal brand–and traveled across the United States sharing his story–while he was still in middle school; the healing power of storytelling in overcoming fears and traumas; and what he’s learned from cultivating so many interconnected, intimate relationships over the years and across the country. His formative experiences in storytelling and relationship building very much inform his approach to helping organizations maximize their positive impact in the consulting work he does today, creating spaces where people can tell their stories, face their biases, and be authentic.  Deo reminded us not to compromise on what love and peace are for us, and how they should be predicated in self identity and grounded in the positive aspects of who we are in order to inform how we show up for all we do.  Thank you for listening!

Mar 24, 202321:09
Being registered changes the whole political landscape

Being registered changes the whole political landscape

At this week's Round Table, Kenisha and Madeline spoke with Laura Brill, Founder and Executive Director of The Civics Center, founded in the shadow of the 2016 election to push back again the stereotype of teens being apathetic. The Civic Center is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving high school voter registration and civic engagement. This mission is incredibly important, given the 4 million Americans who turn 18 each year, and the 35 states that allow for registration before that birthday. While the vast majority of high school students are eligible to register before they turn 18, just 6% of them are ever asked or encouraged at school to do so. 6%! The impact of the youth vote IF REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED can dwarf electoral margins. The Civics Center has a plan to reach this enormous, unmet potential; the youth leaders they have trained have mobilized tens of thousands of their peers to register and vote—and they aim to train and mobilize thousands more.

Being registered changes the whole political landscape—the reality is you don’t count if you’re not in the voter file and you’re not taken seriously if you’re not registered or pre registered. The other reality is it shouldn’t be this hard to register! We talked about how dispiriting it is that there are so few civics clubs and effective voter registration efforts at schools. The Civic Center is coming out with materials about using high graduation as a crystallizing experience to register voters as a counterpoint to fall student voter registration drives.

We talked frankly and fully about the range of barriers to registration—beyond accessibility and opportunity are the narratives that discourage young people from taking ADVANTAGE of the opportunity to register and vote. We also discussed perceptions of young people, young people’s attitudes towards civics, how they are changing, and how to make progress as a generation despite being handed so many challenges.

The history of our country is that of small groups of people using the tools we have to make enormous changes to expand democracy. We haven’t yet lost the capacity to do that and we are committed to working together—and with you—to advance this vision. Thank you for listening!

Mar 16, 202327:07
Another Form of Jim Crow

Another Form of Jim Crow

At this week's Round Table, Erina, Jack, Kenisha, and Madeline spoke with Gene Allen, a lifelong resident of Brooklyn who has experienced and thought deeply about the drastic changes in our city over 50+ years due to gentrification. This was super interesting to me because I recently conducted a photojournalism project on gentrification in the Bronx and was eager to learn about similarities and differences beyond the borough. Gentrification has a tangible impact on all of our lives–Kenisha spoke about how dramatically prices have increased in her neighborhood in Queens since she moved to the US, and how the livability metrics she analyzed as part of the NYC Youth Agenda Steering Committee demonstrate this is playing out at the city level and the individual level. Madeline shared that her mother’s stories about growing up in an ungentrified Brooklyn sound like fairytales to her. Meanwhile, our guest Gene powerfully framed gentrification from a Black man’s perspective as another form of Jim Crow, and walked us through the cultural annihilation he feels has been perpetrated upon his community over the decades, starting with the crack epidemic in the 80s. He compared this to the Opium Wars in China, which the English refer to as the worst thing they ever did. Gene talked to us about the decimation of the Black community during the heyday of crack cocaine–and then another kind of diaspora induced more recently through gentrification, when white people crowded into communities where they’d never before even visited. Gene shared his feelings that gentrification can’t be stopped–how can you stop capitalism?--and that NYC is being overdeveloped while simultaneously being drained of its culture, vibrant nightlife, and edge. He also shared his concerns that we’re not having the right talks–we talk about slavery but NOT about repair, because to make reparations we would need to engage with capitalism. Despite all of this, Gene has hope because of OUR generation, which he perceives as the first that’s actually liberated and committed to not being bigots. He thinks we still have the potential to turn things around IF we know and learn from our history. Thank you for listening!

Mar 09, 202338:25
Politics is the Elephant in the Room

Politics is the Elephant in the Room

At this week's Round Table, Jack, Kenisha, and Madeline spoke with Michelle Blanchet, co-author of Preventing Polarization: 50 Strategies for teaching kids about empathy, politics, and civic responsibility. Michelle has taught social studies around the world for many years and was shocked, upon returning to the U.S. a few years ago, by the degree to which politics seems like a team sport, fueled by ego driven conversation and ever-increasing divides. She recognized that we can’t prevent polarization–it’s here!--but it’s what we DO with it. Michele is very concerned about the degree to which dialogues about critical political issues don’t make it into the classroom— which is a disservice to students. Too often books about civics are about facts and take the emotions out. But “just teach the curriculum” doesn’t work —you can’t, for example, teach about the Electoral College without eliciting feelings and reactions. She feels that politics is the soul of civic engagement—and policy is how you shape the world you want to be in.

Michelle believes it's more important than ever to support teachers to facilitate difficult dialogues and to equip students with skills like communication and consensus-building so they can use policy to tackle our country’s most pressing challenges. It’s not about teachers imposing their views–it’s about facilitating dialogue and engaging with the complexity of the “wicked problems” of our time. The goal of her book is to reopen lines of communication. There are simply too many important issues in the world to be in discord. Given the futility of keeping politics out of the classroom, we talked about how to integrate politics into the classroom in a healthy and productive way, how to make discourse more productive (and what makes this so challenging), and the importance of giving young people time and space to do applied civics to learn how to engage productively. We share a love of being in the change maker space to help young people see how they can make things happen. Thank you for listening!

Mar 02, 202324:15