Defense of Democracy Podcast
Friends. Allies. Americans. Folks taking small steps towards big change. The Defense of Democracy podcast tells their stories. Hosted by Karen Svoboda.
Defense of Democracy is made up of people from all walks of life passionately committed to nonpartisanship. We welcome anyone who is interested in protecting their fellow Americans - in particular those in marginalized communities - from oppression.
We advocate for legislators, educators, and administrators who will work to maintain communities as well as a public education system that supports and enhances our shared experiences regardless of religious beliefs, cultural background, or sexual orientation.
Find out more: https://defenseofdemocracy.org/
Podcast produced by the Volunteers of Defense of Democracy
Defense of Democracy Podcast
Educated We Stand: Supporting School Board Candidates in the Fight Against Extremism
In this episode Karen talks with Jennifer Jenkins, a school board member who has been at the forefront in the fight against Moms for Liberty. Jennifer shares her journey from being a passionate educator advocating for fair teacher wages to facing intense backlash and harassment after winning her school board seat. The conversation delves into the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of extremist groups, and the importance of standing up for LGBTQ+ rights in education. Jennifer also discusses her new organization, Educated We Stand, aimed at supporting school board candidates in battleground states. The episode highlights the resilience and courage required to navigate the current political landscape in education.
Conversation Key Takeaways:
- Jennifer Jenkins ran for school board to advocate for fair teacher wages.
- She faced significant backlash from Moms for Liberty after her election.
- COVID-19 created chaos in schools, impacting students and staff.
- Harassment and threats became a daily reality for Jennifer.
- The rise of extremist groups has affected school board dynamics.
- Jennifer's new organization aims to support pro-education candidates.
- Community support is crucial for those standing up against extremism.
- The importance of LGBTQ+ rights in education is a key issue.
- Grassroots movements can make a significant impact in local elections.
- It's essential to amplify voices and stop the culture of silence.
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