Last year, I started hearing about a gathering called We the People Wednesdays; a local group of 50+ people getting together every week to take shared action on a specific issue. Many organizations struggle to get 10 people to show up at a virtual event, and here is a real in-person gathering with over 50 regular attendees! I had questions: How did they do it? Is it replicable?To answer those questions, I invited two of the co-founders, Anne Mintz and Betsy Teustch to the Chasing Peace & Justic podcast. This is the story of We the People Wednesdays.Origin of We the People WednesdaysIn 2016, people were protesting all the time (like they are now). One group was Lights for Liberty, which focused on immigrants and particularly how kids were being treated. They organized a day of protests on a Friday evening in June. Betsy, being Jewish observant, found that not to be an ideal time so she decided to organize an event Friday afternoon instead. She connected with Ann Mitz to organize the protest. They had speakers, a list of co-sponsors, and hundreds of people show up in Mt. Airy near Lovett Library. (Voices Rising Philly was also active then. They organize singing at just about any protest event. On their Facebook group page they write: “It was singing together that partly gave the Civil Rights Movement strong & peaceful power.”) This was a one-off event but it showed that people were hungry to act.This event was the original inspiration for We the People Wednesdays. They wanted an event that would be uplifting and that would strengthen the community. To get started, they needed:* A location. When they planned the protest near Lovett Library, it required getting a permit and they didn’t want to have to do that every week. A local café, the High Point, has an outdoor space where We the People Wednesdays could meet. (For the winter, they were able to move indoors through a connection with one of the regular attendees.)* Live music. Ann Minz had experience organizing concerts (about 500 in 50 years!) and she was very good friends with Ken Ulansey. Ken knew a lot of musicians who wanted to use contribute in some way.* People. Ann and Betsy both had large networks, but they looked for ways to expand their reach further. There was another protest going every Tuesday, and Betsy invited some of them to help organize We the People Wednesdays. Hope Yursa was one of them, and she had a really big network with many different people than Betsy’s and Ann’s networks. Jane Century, who is very good at communications and writing, also had many email lists from neighborhood groups. They all sent an invitation out to their many lists.What Happened NextOn the first We The People Wednesday, Betsy expected people would bring signs, but they brought folding chairs. It was a different kind of event. They arranged themselves in a circle, so people could see each other. Afterwards, they hung out to chat with their neighbors. That set the tone for all the We the People Wednesdays to follow.Each week, We the People Wednesdays includes live music, a guest speaker on a topic related to protecting democracy, an action each person can take, and a dose of hope from Hope Yursa on the positive impact of actions around the globe.They have 6 core organizers to help make everything happen: sending weekly emails, launching and maintaining the website, booking the volunteer musicians, scheduling the speakers, planning the action, and gathering hopeful stories. Someone created a Facebook page and an Instagram account. It’s very loosely organized and done on almost no budget (they collect funds for the postcards and stamps).A core group of 30 to 40 people attend weekly, with their biggest event drawing 120 people, but their smallest never less than 45 or 50 people.Why It WorksSomehow, We the People Wednesdays works. It brings together a relatively large group of people every week to learn and take action. That is a feat. Why does it work?We the People Wednesdays takes the best aspects of successful organizing. The same elements that I learned from Libby.* Self-Reflection: a clear focus on what they wanted to create* Affiliation: building a community based on geography and the universal connector of music.* Collaboration: going beyond their own networks to reach a greater number of people and establish a critical mass* Recruiting: actively inviting people to both organize and attend the events* Education: each week they educate the group about an issue and an action they can take to address it* Discuss Differences: we didn’t get a chance to cover this area, but I’m going to guess this plays a roleIn addition to the weekly event, if there is an urgent action to take, they are ready to mobilize a large network of people to take it. They had 900 people show up to their last Mt. Airy No Kings protest. That is impressive. And it is replicable.You can try this anywhere (although it may not be an exact copy; it has to reflect the community). Visit the We the People Wednesdays website and you practically have a blueprint for what to do. But remember, don’t try this alone. As Betsy and Ann noted, they’re lucky to have the most effective committee that they’ve ever seen.Podcast music by Colleen R. Ott. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingpeaceandjustice.substack.com

Anu Arora is a team and leadership coach who committed herself to education for underprivileged children in India. Our conversation enlightened me about obstacles to education for underprivileged children in India—and the work being done to overcome those obstacles. LinksAnu Arora Website - https://anuarora.com/Asha for Education – https://seattle.ashanet.org/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingpeaceandjustice.substack.com

Dr. Julie Donley began her career in psychiatric nursing, and over time she became a director of nursing, a coach, and the author of three books including Leading at the Speed of People. (She’s also a new grandmom and rides a motorcycle!)Healthcare is a big challenge in the U.S. but this conversation is not limited to leadership in healthcare—not by a longshot. No matter what kind of change we are trying to create, how we lead (both ourselves and others) matters to what we are able to accomplish together.LinksLeading at the Speed of People – https://www.mcnallyjackson.com/book/9780976560586Julie Donley’s website –  https://drjuliedonley.com/The Healthcare Handbook – https://shop.lww.com/The-Health-Care-Handbook/p/9781975200022 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingpeaceandjustice.substack.com

This podcast is in honor of Disability Pride Month, a time to focus on celebrating the achievements of people with disabilities, raise awareness about disability rights, and promote accessibility for all.Sydnee Chavis is an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Growing up, Sydnee watched her parents struggle to find primary care doctors and dentists willing to treat her older sister, Brandi, who was born with a traumatic brain injury and diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Those experiences drove Sydnee to look for ways to improve access to basic care for everyone—regardless of their disability.Today, Sydnee teaches her students how to treat patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other complex medical conditions. Sydnee is on a mission to raise awareness not just for dental students but for the larger society. Too often, people underestimate those with disabilities. Sydnee is shaping the next generation of dental care providers and she’s inviting ALL of us to shift our mindset.LinksDisability Pride Month (Wikipedia) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disability_Pride_MonthCrip Camp - https://youtu.be/XRrIs22plz0 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingpeaceandjustice.substack.com

UpdatesEarlier this month, I had a wonderful time visiting the book club of my high school math teacher, Gina Goldstein, in Collegeville, PA. (Wow, math teachers do English stuff too! 😉) This was my first time meeting with a group that had already read the Life of Libby book. I really enjoyed answering questions about Libby’s experiences and our journey of writing the book!If your book club wants to read Life of Libby, I’d be happy to make a guest appearance. (Just saying.)My next event is at Hilltop Books in Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia) on Saturday, June 28 at 2 PM. I’ll be joined by an incredible author and historian Christina Larocco with her book Crosshatch: Martha Schofield, the Forgotten Feminist (1839–1916). Here is a brief excerpt from the book summary, “As an abolitionist, a women’s suffragist, and a white teacher of Black students, she spent a lifetime attempting to develop (however imperfectly) an antiracist feminist vision.” Hope to see you there!Meet Alicia ScovillLast month before Memorial Day, I had a chance to speak with Alicia Scovill—an Air Force veteran, construction professional, and advocate for veterans who are transitioning to civilian life. Before I met Alicia, I hadn’t given much thought to veterans. My social justice awareness developed in the context of peace activism. When it came to the military, we focused on nuclear disarmament, the financial excesses of military contractors (that could have instead addressed domestic needs), and the injustices perpetrated by military forces around the world.In Life of Libby, Libby describes how the Bergen County Peace Center aggressively supported young men in finding ways to legally avoid the draft. I had an uncle who served in Vietnam, but my father wasn’t drafted, and my own experiences never brought me into close contact with veterans. I assumed that because many of today’s veterans had enlisted voluntarily, they didn’t need my attention.The Invisible VeteranHearing Alicia talk about her own experiences in the military and her transition to civilian life made me want to learn more. She introduced me to three stereotypes that many non-veterans hold: the “Heroes,” the “Broken,” and the “Zeroes.”The “Heroes” are the veterans that inspire movies like Saving Private Ryan. They depict veterans who are involved in combat, hitting important military targets, or rescuing fellow soldiers.The “Broken” are visibly scarred by their service—physically, mentally, or both—and often struggle to function in everyday life.Finally, the “Zeroes” are the veterans that are often unseen, which is why Alicia also refers to them as the “Invisible Veteran.”Alicia explained that every role in the military is essential. The “Heroes” portrayed in movies couldn’t have done their jobs without the mess hall cooks or the logistics specialists who get supplies where they’re needed. Service members don’t choose their roles, yet many feel less proud of their service if they didn’t deploy or see combat. They might say, “I was in for four years but I just served food.” Or a neighbor with good intention might say to a veteran, “Thank you for your service. Where did you deploy?” If that veteran did not deploy, it can feel like their sacrifice was not important. Feeling unseen or dismissed contributes to the alarming suicide rate—especially among veterans who never deployed.Difficult TransitionsRegardless of how we feel about war—or the way our government utilizes the military—veterans are the ones who raised their hands to protect our country. They made sacrifices to fulfill that commitment. Yet when they return to civilian life, many face an overwhelming transition—reentering a society that often doesn’t understand their experiences, challenges, or needs.Employers make the effort to hire veterans, but often fail to create supportive work environments. What I learned from Alicia is that the military provides clear rules, accountability, and a deeply cohesive team environment. I’ve worked in many different environments and few reflect this experience. In contrast, civilian jobs can be confusing and isolating. While that can be hard for anyone, when veterans experience this contrast, they can lose hope.What Works BetterSupporting veterans can actually improve the workplace for everyone. For example, Alicia recommends:* An onboarding process that sets clear expectations for the work* Events that build connections between co-workers and the managers* Fostering a culture of mutual accountabilityThese recommendations would help everyone in the workplace feel less anxiety and more connection. At the same time, veterans are especially vulnerable to failures in our workplaces, so it is important to raise awareness about their unique challenges. Alicia does this through writing, speaking, partnering with employers (primarily in the construction industry), and having countless one-on-one conversations with other veterans.Veterans are our co-workers, friends, family, and neighbors. Which means helping veterans reintegrate into society strengthens families, workplaces, and communities.If you are curious to learn more about the experience of veterans, you can reach out to Alicia on her LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-scovill-a33a873a/. She welcomes opportunities for conversation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingpeaceandjustice.substack.com

We think listening is just something we pick up, and some people are naturally better at listening. (But most of us fool ourselves into thinking we’re that person!) Christine Miles turned what she learned from her personal life and professional training into a simple, teachable process called The Listening Path®, which is now available to schools. The skill of listening is foundational to democracy itself. An educational system that teaches listening has the potential to create a society where we can discuss differences and learn from each other.LinksThe Listening Path® –  https://thelisteningpath.com/Wikipedia Entry for Active Listening – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_listening This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingpeaceandjustice.substack.com

I found this conversation enlightening and potentially controversial. Irena Asmundson is the Founder and CEO of Practical Idealism Economics, LLC, which helps organizations see the big picture in their economic stories. Through her career she has worked at all levels of government, from local to state to federal to international. She believes it is possible to design markets, bureaucracies, and institutions that encourage us to treat each other like humans, and is constantly looking for ways to help do that. In this podcast, Irena offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of economics and politics.LinksPractical Idealism Economics, LLC –  https://pi-economics.com/MIT Living Wage Calculator – https://livingwage.mit.edu/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingpeaceandjustice.substack.com

Sam Demma is an inspiring and empowering speaker. He is only 25 years old and began his journey after a soccer injury pushed him to find a new passion beyond sports. He started by picking up trash around his community which turned into a 6-year project that mobilized young people to volunteer at 350 community cleanup events, filling over 3,000 bags of garbage! Now his message focuses on helping young people unpack the stories that hold them back from pursuing their passions. LinksEmpty Your Backpack book –  https://shop.samdemma.com/products/empty-your-backpack-bookThe High Performing Educator podcast – https://highperformingeducator.com/podcast/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingpeaceandjustice.substack.com

The beginning of Donald Trump’s second term as President has been overwhelming. He has targeted almost every aspect of our government, often in ways that are outside the law. Many people feel like they can’t stop this barrage of assaults on our values. It's true. We can’t tackle everything at once. That gets us to the question of what can we do? This podcast is about the answer to that question. Coincidentally, this podcast was recorded on the Sunday before MLK Day. UNICEF USA – https://www.unicefusa.org/The Color of Money by Mehrsa Baradaran (Harvard University Press) – https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674970953 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingpeaceandjustice.substack.com

Aaron Mitchell speaks about how he pulled off the “biggest bank heist in history.” In this podcast, he describes what happened and how it positively affected thousands of communities in places like Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Arkansas. This project still has much more potential to reverse the economic effects of financial extraction in communities that have been historically underserved. BANKING ON US: EP 1 - Investing In The Black Community – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOHUA-wOT6IBANKING ON US: EP 2- Bridging The Gap In Black Business – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBAdQroiCb0BANKING ON US: EP 3 - Exploring The Truth Of Black Home Ownership – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L-_W_Zh2bI This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingpeaceandjustice.substack.com