In this episode of Direct Democracy Diaries, Chris and Caroline sit down with Fran Hutchins, Executive Director of the Equality Federation, to reflect on two decades of ballot measure campaigns, queer movement building, and the importance of doing the work before the spotlight hits. Hutchins shares lessons from marriage equality battles in Maine and California, the evolution of trans rights messaging, and the real meaning of cross-movement solidarity. With honesty and strategy, they explore what it takes to build durable power — and how today’s bodily autonomy fights can be a love letter to our people.
Listen Now:
More Episodes
In this episode of Direct Democracy Diaries, Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sanchez Avakian speak with Jo Giles, Executive Director of the Women’s Fund of Omaha, about what happens after voters approve a ballot measure. Jo reflects on Nebraska’s successful 2024 paid sick leave initiative, the legislative changes that later reduced its reach, and the campaign to protect voter-approved policies through Respect Nebraska Voters. She discusses the legal challenge that kept the measure off the 2026 ballot, the role of coalitions and impacted communities, and why implementation is a critical part of direct democracy. Jo also shares lessons for organizers working to defend voter power and build long-term movements rooted in community.
EPISODE DETAILS
In this episode of Direct Democracy Diaries, Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sanchez-Avakian speak with Sarah Flowers, partner at 76 Words, about how ballot measure campaigns build media strategies that reach and persuade voters. Sarah explains how paid and earned media should work together, why campaigns need to understand their vote goals and persuadable audiences, and how research can guide messaging without replacing human judgment. They also discuss authentic storytelling, supporting campaign messengers, responding to misinformation, using AI and digital tools, assessing ads in real time, and current anti-trans ballot measure campaigns.
EPISODE DETAILS