Hear from our Courageous team members – who have been busy helping pass progressive state legislation, getting out the vote for our elections, and holding our electeds accountable – to find out what they’re thankful for in 2022. Spoiler alert, we’re all a bit thankful to the California voters who made their voices heard in the midterm elections! With You, fashioned in Courage, We can create a California that represents and serves us all. Connect with us: @CourageCA #CourageLooksGoodOnYou Host & Production: Angela Chavez Editorial: Irene Kao Graphics: Isidra Chávez

Today we're talking about California's youth vote!We polled young voters in our state's key Congressional toss-up districts -- and found that young voters care, plan to vote, and  lean progressive – but want parties and candidates to EARN their vote. What will it take to turn out the youth vote in California?  Join our colleague Lindsay West in a conversation with Bulmaro 'Boomer' Vicente, Policy Director for Chispa in Orange County and former candidate for State Assembly.  Boomer, at the age of 26, ran for SD68 in the 2022 primaries.View polling here: https://couragecalifornia.org/2022-general-election-youth-poll/ With You, fashioned in Courage, We can create a California that represents and serves us all. Connect with us: @CourageCA #CourageLooksGoodOnYou Host & Production: Angela Chavez Editorial: Irene Kao Graphics: Isidra Chávez

California's 2022 Legislative session is long-gone. While our state’s environmental and climate justice advocates saw some wins this cycle – we also saw some disappointing failures, such as Justice40, which died in the Senate. AB 2419 — introduced by Assemblymember Bryan (CA-54) – would have created an equity framework for federal climate and infrastructure funds, mandating that 40% of those federal funds directly benefit communities facing the greatest environmental burdens. The California Justice40 Act would have served as a model for the rest of the country for how to equitably invest federal funds. So the question stands – is California really a leader in climate and environmental justice? After facing brutal summer temperatures and increasingly destructive wildfires, climate change is on all of our minds. So join us as we dive into all things climate change and what we as Californians can do today to ensure our state invests in infrastructure and protects our most vulnerable communities. And remember… Registered voters will begin receiving their General Election vote-by-mail ballot after October 10. The last day to register to vote in the Nov. 8 election is October 24, visit www.couragecaliforniainstitute.org for voter registration resources.Our California Voter Guide is coming! To make sure you don’t miss it, sign up for our newsletter, at www.couragecalifornia.org  With You, fashioned in Courage, We can create a California that represents and serves us all. Connect with us: @CourageCA #CourageLooksGoodOnYou Host & Production: Angela Chavez Editorial: Irene Kao Graphics: Isidra Chávez

As we head into the General Election season, what ALL Californians should be focused on is our state’s voter turnout. In this episode Jay Chotirmal, Courage California’s Senior Communications and Voter Engagement Manager, has a conversation with James Herard, ED of Lift Up Contra Costa, and Cindy Lee, Field Organizer at Hmong Innovating Politics, about what happened during California’s 2022 primaries. We’ll learn about what the challenges were and what organizers identify as the GOTV needs of the communities they serve – to ensure that all eligible voters make their voices heard at the ballot box on November 8.  The 2022 California Primaries can teach us a lot, but will we learn in time for the General Election?  Follow our guests at: @liftupcocoaction and @hipcalifornia The last day to register to vote is October 24, visit www.couragecaliforniainstitute.org for voter registration resources.Your General Election ballot will include – 7 Ballot Propositions. Courage California has taken a position on the following ballot measures: Prop. 1 (Yes): Would amend the California State Constitution to prohibit the state from denying or interfering with an individual’s reproductive health decisions, including their right to choose to have an abortion and their right to choose or refuse contraceptives.Prop. 28 (Yes): Would require the state to set aside a share of its revenue — likely between $800 million to $1 billion per year — for arts and education classes in public schools.Prop. 29 (Yes): Would help ensure dialysis patients receive safe treatment in dialysis clinics under the care of a doctor or another highly trained clinician in case of emergencies.Prop. 30 (Yes): Would impose a new 1.75% tax on any individual’s income of more than $2 million per year to raise between $3 billion to $4.5 billion annually to fund greenhouse gas reducing initiatives.Prop. 31 (Yes):  Would uphold a 2020 law banning the sale of all flavored tobacco products. Purchase your "Courageous Voices, One Movement"  ticket today: bit.ly/courageous-voices With You, fashioned in Courage, We can create a California that represents and serves us all. @CourageCA #CourageLooksGoodOnYouProduction: LisaMarie Betancourt and Angela ChavezEditorial: Jay Chotirmal and Irene Kao Graphics: Isidra ChávezSound Engineer: Lucianna HernandezWith You, fashioned in Courage, We can create a California that represents and serves us all. Connect with us: @CourageCA #CourageLooksGoodOnYou Host & Production: Angela Chavez Editorial: Irene Kao Graphics: Isidra Chávez

The California Legislature is currently on Summer recess – returning in Aug. Lawmakers adopted a $300 billion dollar state budget, that will provide refunds to most taxpayers in the state, boost public education funding, and expand abortion access. The following made the cut: $2.3 billion to provide healthcare access to all income-eligible Californians through full-scope Medi-Cal, extending access to more undocumented Californians $35.2 million to expand CalFresh to all, regardless of immigration status $1.4 billion for utility debt reliefACA 3, known as the End Slavery in CA Act, did not pass: ACA 3 would've given voters the chance to remove the clause in our state constitution that currently allows for involuntary servitude. The Supreme Court of the United States has ended its term with a long-list of historic decisions. A few recent notable rulings (all of which were decided 6-3), include: New York State Rifle & Pistol Assoc. v. Bruen SCOTUS determined that the 2nd amendment applies to concealed carry in public.West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency  SCOTUS decided that the EPA does not have the authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Shinn v. Martinez Ramirez SCOTUS decided that individuals incarcerated on the state level have no constitutional right to present new evidence to support claims on wrongful convictions. Vega v. Tekoh SCOTUS ruled that a person cannot sue a law enforcement officer for violating their 5th amendment rights against self-incrimination if the officer did not provide a Miranda warning. Carson v. Makin SCOTUS held that the state of Maine is required to fund religious education at private religious schools as part of their state tuition assistance program. Kennedy v. Bremerton School District SCOTUS held that a high school football coach praying on the field is protected by the first amendment. Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Visit couragecalifornia.org and under “Campaigns” click on “Abortion Rights” to find useful resources. Visit couragecaliforniainsitute.org to check out our blog post: SCOTUS Will Not Stop at Overturning Abortion Rights Courage California supports SCA10 – listed as Proposition 1 on your Nov. ballot.The Supreme Court’s next term will start in October – and there are some impactful cases lined up that our nation’s court has agreed to hear. Moore v. Harper – the court will review state power in federal elections.Merrill v. Milligan – the court will reconsider the scope of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibits voting practices or procedures that discriminate on the basis of race.California’s 2022 Primaries are now behind us! Visit https://electionresults.sos.ca.gov/ to view results as they are updated. Only 33% of registered voters voted in the primaries. 33% View your county's voter turnout: https://electionresults.sos.ca.gov/returns/status  With You, fashioned in Courage, We can create a California that represents and serves us all. @CourageCA #CourageLooksGoodOnYouProduction: LisaMarie Betancourt and Angela ChavezWith You, fashioned in Courage, We can create a California that represents and serves us all. Connect with us: @CourageCA #CourageLooksGoodOnYou Host & Production: Angela Chavez Editorial: Irene Kao Graphics: Isidra Chávez

The Supreme Court issued its opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization – which overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey – ending the right to safe and legal abortion in the United States. In this episode we learn what the Supreme Court decision means for California, and how California’s fight to expand abortion rights and access can be a model for the nation. Nourbese Flint interviews Onyemma Obiekea, Policy Analyst at Black Women for Wellness/Action Project, Shannon Olivieri Hovis, Director of NARAL Pro-Choice California, and Sierra Harris, Deputy Director of Network Strategies at National Network of Abortion Funds.With You, fashioned in Courage, We can create a California that represents and serves us all.Let us know your thoughts about this episode by tagging us @CourageCA and using the hashtag #CourageLooksGoodOnYouhttps://couragecalifornia.org/ https://couragecaliforniainstitute.org/ Production: LisaMarie Betancourt and Angela ChavezEditorial: Jay Chotirmal and Irene Kao Graphics: Isidra ChávezSound Engineer: Lucianna HernandezWith You, fashioned in Courage, We can create a California that represents and serves us all. Connect with us: @CourageCA #CourageLooksGoodOnYou Host & Production: Angela Chavez Editorial: Irene Kao Graphics: Isidra Chávez

LisaMarie Betancourt interviews two Central Valley healing justice advocates, community organizer Grisanti Valencia & Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Gidai Maaza. What roles are communities currently occupying in public safety? What are the small entry points we all can make for collective healing? In this episode, we talk about healing justice for communities most impacted by policing and least served by current community care models. Healed people heal people. With You, fashioned in Courage, We can create a California that represents and serves us all.Let us know your thoughts about this episode by tagging us @CourageCA and using the hashtag #CourageLooksGoodOnYouhttps://couragecalifornia.org/ https://couragecaliforniainstitute.org/ Production: LisaMarie Betancourt and Angela ChavezEditorial: Jay Chotirmal and Irene Kao Graphics: Isidra ChávezSound Engineer: Lucianna HernandezWith You, fashioned in Courage, We can create a California that represents and serves us all. Connect with us: @CourageCA #CourageLooksGoodOnYou Host & Production: Angela Chavez Editorial: Irene Kao Graphics: Isidra Chávez

LisaMarie Betancourt interviews co-founder of the Prosecutors Alliance of California, Cristine Soto DeBerry for a conversation about lasting public safety.How do we create safer communities for everyone? Who is harmed and what is criminal? In this episode, we talk about the impacts of crime and punishment in California, victimization, and how progressive prosecutors throughout California are critically engaging with the legal system to heal communities and prevent crime before it happens. Shot of Courage:It’s Primary election time! Remember to return your primary ballot on or before June 7th! Visit couragevoterguide.org to learn who the candidates are in your area and which candidates Courage California has endorsed.In May – Courage California partnered with Communities for a New California and Data for Social Good to release polling for the newly drawn congressional districts 21 and 22 in the Central Valley. With You, fashioned in Courage, We can create a California that represents and serves us all.Let us know your thoughts about this episode by tagging us @CourageCA and using the hashtag #CourageLooksGoodOnYouhttps://couragecalifornia.org/ https://couragecaliforniainstitute.org/ Production: LisaMarie Betancourt and Angela ChavezEditorial: Jay Chotirmal and Irene KaoGraphics: Isidra ChávezSound Engineer: Lucianna HernandezWith You, fashioned in Courage, We can create a California that represents and serves us all. Connect with us: @CourageCA #CourageLooksGoodOnYou Host & Production: Angela Chavez Editorial: Irene Kao Graphics: Isidra Chávez

Jay Chotirmal interviews Data for Social Good’s Jose Bedolla and Lisa Garcia Bedolla to learn about the ins and outs of political polling and pollsters, the people behind the polls. As most Americans have experienced, polls aren’t always reliable – but it turns out, even inaccurate polls can provide us with important information. Who funds, conducts, and is surveyed for polls can be just as informative. Inclusivity matters when working to pass policies and elect leaders who truly represent all of us. Shot of Courage: All registered voters in California will receive a vote-by-mail ballot for the Primary Election, starting May 9, 2022! In today’s shot of courage, Courage California’s Executive Director, Irene Kao and Angela Chavez discuss the “election fatigue” California voters are feeling – and the importance of getting your votes in (yes, again) by June 7. Public safety is on the ballot, and our communities are relying on each and every one of us to make our voices heard. With You, fashioned in Courage, We can create a California that represents and serves us all.Let us know your thoughts about this episode by tagging us @CourageCA and using the hashtag #CourageLooksGoodOnYouProduction: LisaMarie Betancourt and Angela ChavezEditorial: Jay Chotirmal and Irene Kao Graphics: Isidra ChávezIn this episode: www.dataforsocialgood.org  | https://couragecalifornia.org | https://couragevoterguide.orgWith You, fashioned in Courage, We can create a California that represents and serves us all. Connect with us: @CourageCA #CourageLooksGoodOnYou Host & Production: Angela Chavez Editorial: Irene Kao Graphics: Isidra Chávez

Irene Kao interviews Executive Director of Communities for a New California Pablo Rodriguez, and Los Angeles Supervisor Holly Mitchell in this episode to learn more about the word progressive and the progressive movement. We unpack how the terminology translates across diverse parts of California, and how Holly and Pablo are working towards progressive goals in their respective communities.Shot of Courage: Do you have an election coming up in your district? Visit couragevoterguide.org to find out when your next election is and learn who the candidates are.Courage has endorsed :Tina McKinnor for AD62, which includes part of Los Angeles County – the election happens on April 5th.David Campos for AD17, which includes part of San Francisco County – this election will happen on April 19 Courage California is supporting the below 2022 bills: AB 1819, authored by Lee -  aka, The Stop Foreign Influence in California Elections Act would bar foreign-influenced, US-based corporations from contributing to candidates, parties, or committees – and protect the integrity of California’s government.AB 2419, authored by Bryan - is known as California Justice40 Act - and would invest at least 40 percent of federal climate and infrastructure funding to communities that have been historically neglected by discriminatory policies -- such as low-income, Indigenous, and rural communities and communities of color. Our 7th Annual Courage Score was released on Feb. 28 – visit CourageScore.org to find out who your State Assemblymember and Senator are, see their scores and voting history–  and discover who to hold accountable and who to celebrate as champions.With You, fashioned in Courage, We can create a California that represents and serves us all. Let us know your thoughts about this episode by tagging us @CourageCA and using the hashtag #CourageLooksGoodOnYou https://couragecalifornia.org/ https://couragecaliforniainstitute.org/ Production: LisaMarie Betancourt and Angela ChavezEditorial: Jay Chotirmal and Irene Kao Graphics: Isidra Chávez With You, fashioned in Courage, We can create a California that represents and serves us all. Connect with us: @CourageCA #CourageLooksGoodOnYou Host & Production: Angela Chavez Editorial: Irene Kao Graphics: Isidra Chávez