Episode Four of The Pledge introduces Ashley Smith. Ashley ran to become a District Judge in rural Lowndes County, Alabama, where the court system reflects the same all-white power structure it has since before the civil rights movement. Inspir

Now is the Moment

Oct 29th, 2020 21m 49s

The Moment is Now takes us to the grassroots campaign centered on reproductive justice - meaning the right to decide if, when, and how to have children. Katrina Rogers's story shows us the potentially devastating impact of Amendment One on lowe

Persevere with Dignity and Grace - Organizing Asian Americans in Michigan

Oct 15th, 2020 15m 56s

Laura Misumi, a fourth generation Japanese American, will give you hope! With her innovative strategy for organizing and mobilizing Asian Americans in Michigan, she is building community and fostering lasting political engagement. She will also

Persevere with Dignity and Grace

Oct 15th, 2020 15m 56s

Let's Get Out There!

Oct 1st, 2020 13m 21s

As a sixteen year old growing up outside Detroit, Vanessa Velazquez was shocked by her family’s outrageous water bill. After helping her mom pay the bill, she questioned the bigger political context of social justice issues in her city. In Let’

Let's Get Out There! Organizing in Detroit

Oct 1st, 2020 13m 21s

It Mattered! Gerrymander Reform in Michigan

Sep 17th, 2020 20m 31s

In this episode we move to Michigan, where a group of novice activists got fed up with gerrymandered districts with politicians who were unaccountable to the people, and decided to do something about it. Nancy Wang is the Executive Director of

When People Have Power

Sep 3rd, 2020 24m 12s

This episode tells Ellen Freidin’s story of leading a successful gerrymandering reform campaign in Florida, and then fighting to make sure the new electoral maps were drawn fairly. Ellen’s story took place over several years, starting with her

When People Have Power: Florida’s Fight to End Gerrymandering

Sep 3rd, 2020 24m 12s

This is Bigger than Us: Sheena Meade Part 2

Aug 20th, 2020 20m 13s

In the second episode featuring Sheena Meade and the fight to restore voting rights to returning citizens in Florida, we see how persevering in the face of expected and unexpected obstacles is a crucial part of making our democracy work. The am

Releasing the Chains of our Ancestors

Aug 6th, 2020 21m 33s

Season 3 begins with the story of Sheena Meade, who was instrumental in the passage of Florida’s 2018 Amendment 4 and restoring the right to vote to 1.4 million returning citizens who had formerly been incarcerated. But for that vote to happen,

Trailer

Season Three Trailer

Jul 23rd, 2020 1m 15s

In the past four years, we have seen both critical progress and set-backs with voting and voter empowerment across the country. Starting August 6th, we are bringing stories of women from 3 different states determined to secure voting rights fo

The Blessing of All This Madness

Jan 17th, 2020 19m 34s

In this final episode of Season 2, we meet a dedicated group of chef-activists who have created a new recipe for change in Virginia, without ever leaving their home in state of Vermont. Their solution is instructive, inspiring, and delicious!

My whole world shifted

Jan 5th, 2020 23m 5s

Three women—Kathryn Laughon, Althea Laughon-Worrell, and Miss Katrina Turner—had their worlds shifted by the events surrounding the hate rallies in Charlottesville, VA in August 2017. Hear their stories of how they were affected, and how it has

You Saw his Greatness

Dec 19th, 2019 23m 21s

Learn about Valerie Slater’s tireless efforts to transform the juvenile justice system in Virginia with her organization, RISE for Youth, and meet Douglas Johnson, one of the teenagers she has helped. Valerie’s remarkable journey from high-scho

It's Painfully Easy to be Ignored

Dec 5th, 2019 17m 44s

As a leader in the student group Transparent GMU, Janine worked with faculty and other students to expose the strings attached to private donations to George Mason University. Janine grew into a leadership role following a chance encounter with

if I don't say anything, nobody says anything

Nov 21st, 2019 18m 14s

In this first of two episodes highlighting activists working to expose the risk big-money donors to universities pose to our democracy, we learn why Bethany has devoted herself to fighting for the rights of marginalized people - and how she ref

No Sir! Not on my watch!

Nov 7th, 2019 16m 8s

Learn how Kim experienced the growing threats of climate change amidst the increasingly powerful hurricanes on the coast of Virginia and became an organizer for Mothers Out Front. Her activism helped Kim transform her life, and led her to start

What the Heck? Why is this not a thing?

Oct 24th, 2019 15m 44s

Lisa Sales drew energy from her past trauma to become a tireless advocate for women’s rights. Now she is fighting to help Virginia tip the scales for the Equal Rights Amendment by becoming the 38th and last state required for ratification. We a

Bonus

The Pledge Joins the Global Climate Strike

Sep 19th, 2019 2m 41s

Thanks to #Podstrike for supplying this feed for podcasts supporting the Climate Strike on Friday September 20th. Listen, get inspired, and make your voice heard. I'll be joining the protest in Boston. Where will you be?

Trailer

Season 2: Virginia is for Lovers...and The Pledge!

Sep 12th, 2019 1m 39s

Season 2 of The Pledge Podcast will focus on the promise of people working together across ages, race, and even party to use their collective power on specific issues in Virginia.

WHat change really means

Aug 23rd, 2019 22m 49s

In this episode, Allison shares her own story of political activism in the 2018 midterm elections. Using audio diary entries along with interviews with friends who shared the journey, Allison explores the highs, lows, and ultimate rewards of or

Bonus

I love it here - and I'm not leaving

Jul 11th, 2019 5m 53s

The Pledge asks people on the street about their pledges to work for our democracy. We also bring you an update on plans for Season Two!

Bonus

Civil Rights Hero Joyce Ladner

Jun 27th, 2019 29m 38s

For this second episode of the mini-bonus season of the Pledge, we’re going to hear an interview with Dr. Joyce Ladner, from the podcast Democracy Works. As someone who is relatively new to activism, I’m inspired and humbled by those who’ve com

Bonus

What Change Really Means

1 Jun 9th, 2019 22m 49s

In the first of three episodes from our bonus mini-season of the Pledge, Allison shares her own story of political activism in the 2018 midterm elections. Using audio diary entries along with interviews with friends who shared the journey, Alli