In the season two opener of Direct Democracy Diaries, Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian speak with Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign and Human Rights Campaign Foundation, about the state of American democracy and what it takes to build lasting power. Kelley reflects on her family history, the fragility of civil rights, and why local organizing matters – from school boards to block parties. They discuss interconnected attacks on LGBTQ+ people and other communities, the need to move beyond defense, the role of storytelling and listening, and how organizers can stay focused amid constant crisis. Kelley also shares why joy, belonging, and community are essential to sustaining movements and creating a more inclusive democracy.
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In this episode of Direct Democracy Diaries, Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sanchez Avakian speak with attorney Emma Sharkey about what happens after voters approve a ballot measure. Emma explains how voter-approved policies can face challenges through litigation, legislative action, funding decisions, and delayed implementation. They discuss why campaigns should plan for implementation from the beginning, how legal, communications, organizing, and coalition strategies can work together, and why protecting the ballot measure process itself is essential. Emma also shares what campaigns can do to anticipate challenges and continue protecting the policies voters approved after Election Day.
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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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