In this episode of Direct Democracy Diaries, Chris and Caroline speak with Tram Nguyen, co-executive director of New Virginia Majority, about building lasting community power and giving people something meaningful to say yes to. Tram shares how her family’s refugee story shaped her commitment to democracy and explains why proactive campaigns must connect elections to the everyday concerns affecting people’s lives. The conversation examines Virginia’s proposed constitutional amendments, including the right to vote, and how shared values like freedom can connect issues across communities. Tram also discusses organizing through human connection, giving people the tools to lead, holding elected officials accountable, and treating Election Day as part of a much longer effort to build power and create change.
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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.
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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.
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