PODCAST · government
The Pledge Podcast
by Allison Daskal Hausman
The Pledge Podcast explores political activism through short audio portraits. We call it The Pledge because it celebrates activism as a commitment to the hard work of democracy. Making this pledge means taking risks, speaking out, working hard and fighting day after day. It's not easy, and success is often slow and never guaranteed. But making a commitment—a pledge—can motivate us to stay engaged for the long haul, which is the only way to truly make change.
Episodes
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Now is the Moment
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 lower-income people and people of color. We also hear…
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Persevere with Dignity and Grace
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 open your eyes to the ways in which Japanese…
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Let's Get Out There!
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's Get Out There, we learn how that experience…
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It Mattered! Gerrymander Reform in Michigan
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 Voters Not Politicians, the nonprofit organization…
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When People Have Power
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 discovery of how damaging gerrymandered districts…
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This is Bigger than Us: Sheena Meade Part 2
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 amazing victory of Florida's Amendment Four in 2018 was...
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Releasing the Chains of our Ancestors
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, it took the hard work and strategic talent to...
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Season Three Trailer
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 for every citizen. The COVID-19 pandemic has paralyzed…
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The Blessing of All This Madness
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!
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My Whole World Shifted
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 motivated them to fight for justice in their...
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You Saw his Greatness
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-school drop-out through law school, together with her...
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It's Painfully Easy to be Ignored
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 group co-founder Samantha at a political rally. She...
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If I don't say anything, nobody says anything!
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 refused to ignore the growing but hidden influence of…
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No Sir! Not on my watch!
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 helping and inspiring others. Also meet Cindy…
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What the Heck? Why is this not a thing?
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 also hear from the Executive Director of Generation...
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The Pledge Joins the Global Climate Strike
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?
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Virginia is for Lovers...and The Pledge
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.
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What Change Really Means
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 organizing support for candidates in the southeastern…
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I love it here - and I'm not leaving!
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!
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Civil Rights Hero Joyce Ladner
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 come before me - who have blazed trails by dedicating...
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Coming Soon: Bonus Mini-Season
The Pledge announces three bonus episodes for our listeners to be released in June - stay tuned!
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I'm angry. I'm not scared.
Mary Wilson spent most of her life keeping her thoughts under wraps, only taking them out on the piano keys. After her husband was unjustly laid off she realized it was time to speak her mind and get politically active. A self-defined "feisty old broad", Mary is not afraid to proudly confront...
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Rally Up!
Nancy Deabler, a traditional White, Southern woman, breaks every stereotype. She demonstrates what it means to link her liberal politics to her Christian values, and to have these values inform every part of her life. Nancy reminds us that we have to act now — our democracy, and Alabama's…
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How do you break that mentality?
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. Inspired by her grandfather and dedicated to providing...
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Are you scared of the cafeteria lady?
Episode Three of The Pledge tells the story of Oni. A resident of one of Birmingham's poorest neighborhoods, Oni regularly visits barbershops and strip clubs to speak with members of the community, to inform them of their rights and encourage them to speak out.
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Not just my little world, the whole world.
Episode Two introduces us to Stacie Propst, the Director of Emerge Alabama, who is training and supporting a generation of first-time woman candidates in Alabama. Growing up Stacie fit in well with her anti-feminist republican peers, but she sensed something was wrong with how outsiders were...
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They actually called me back!
Episode One of The Pledge tells the story of Elizabeth, who found her political voice in the Alabama special election for Senate and just keeps fighting for change. Listen as we explore what motivates this inspiring and tireless activist, and follow her evolution as a political force in her state.
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Introducing The Pledge
In this pilot episode we introduce The Pledge Podcast and meet host Allison Daskal Hausman. We are also introduced to some of the inspiring Alabama activists who will be featured in Season One.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Pledge Podcast explores political activism through short audio portraits. We call it The Pledge because it celebrates activism as a commitment to the hard work of democracy. Making this pledge means taking risks, speaking out, working hard and fighting day after day. It's not easy, and success is often slow and never guaranteed. But making a commitment—a pledge—can motivate us to stay engaged for the long haul, which is the only way to truly make change.
HOSTED BY
Allison Daskal Hausman
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Pledge Podcast have?
The Pledge Podcast currently has 29 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Pledge Podcast about?
The Pledge Podcast explores political activism through short audio portraits. We call it The Pledge because it celebrates activism as a commitment to the hard work of democracy. Making this pledge means taking risks, speaking out, working hard and fighting day after day. It's not easy, and success...
How often does The Pledge Podcast release new episodes?
The Pledge Podcast has 29 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Pledge Podcast?
You can listen to The Pledge Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Pledge Podcast?
The Pledge Podcast is created and hosted by Allison Daskal Hausman.
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