For the past several years, I’ve been attending monthly Zoom meetings of the #ListenFirst Coalition with representatives of some of the 500+ organizations that are focused on bridging divides and strengthening democracy. Through these virtual convenings, I’ve learned about the varied approaches that are being implemented in local communities, on campuses, and nationwide. I’ve witnessed […]
This past year has been a rough one on college campuses, especially those that experienced public battles over national and international politics, free speech, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. As faculty, staff, and administrators shared their struggles, it inspired me to develop programming to meet the moment. In 2024, I offered talks and workshops that
These photos accompany episode 13 of the Ready to Be Strong podcast, Swing State Stories. Listen on your favorite podcast platform to hear what I learned when I talked with, and listened to, voters in Hazleton, PA. In mid-October, I found myself in Pennsylvania after a speaking engagement. I made a last-minute decision to stick
What a great week it’s been introducing my new book to our nation’s capital. Although election stress is evident across the United States, people who work in policy, political journalism, and campaigns may be feeling it even more acutely than most. I hope bringing Facing the Fracture “inside the beltway” will offer a helpful resource
My first book was published in August 2020. The height of a pandemic is not the ideal time to gather with people to celebrate a book release, so back then, friends and family joined me on Zoom for a virtual birthday/book party. Four years later, I was excited to give Facing the Fracture a proper
I arrive at the studio ready to go. Having narrated the audiobook of my first book, I had learned a thing or two. I know to wear soft clothing and avoid jangly jewelry. I am equipped with throat lozenges and tea. And I am well rested — this will take a lot of energy. This
To be honest, I had no idea I was going to write another book about political conflict. When my first book, Beyond Your Bubble, received a flurry of attention in 2020, I didn’t think anyone would care what I had to say after election day. But political polarization continued to ramp up, with our country
Growing up in Charlottesville, Virginia, the Gordon Avenue public library was a few blocks from my elementary school. Some days, rather than taking the bus home, I would hang out at the library until my parents could pick me up. I perused the shelves, discovering books and authors, and settling into a comfy chair to
I don’t usually make New Years resolutions, but I broke with tradition to identify 3 goals for 2023: 1) buy a hairdryer, 2) listen to a lot of Taylor Swift, and 3) write the next book. Although I accomplished the first two by the end of January 2023, it took me until December to complete
It was wonderful to be selected by Representative Salud Carbajal as a 2019 Congressional Woman of the Year for the California 24th District for the work I do on LGBT issues. Here’s what I said when I received the award. If you read or watch to the end, you’ll know what to ask me to