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Explaining 'Citizens Assemblies', a Real Kind of Democracy

Julia Hotz

December 18, 2019 |

Vice |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom, Leeds

In the city of Leeds, England, a group of randomly selected demographically representative citizens came together to solve the climate crisis. This group of twenty-one strangers formed the Leeds Climate Citizens' Jury, which is a smaller version of the better-known Citizen's Assembly. Over the course of several weeks, the members of the assembly or jury learn about and discuss how to tackle a certain political problem, like climate change. Similar assemblies have formed in Ireland, Australia, and Poland to tackle political problems like abortion and nuclear storage.

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Translators help Korean American voters in Harris County find their electoral voice

Alexa Ura

November 26, 2019 |

The Texas Tribune |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Houston, Texas

Even in multicultural and diverse Harris County, Texas, with a population greater than 26 states and over 145 languages spoken, some groups, like Korean Americans, are marginalized when it comes to voting and civic participation due to language and other cultural barriers. Houston resident is fighting this marginalization by organizing Korean American Early Voting Day, which provides Korean-speaking Texans with translated voter guides and other translation services.

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When Residents Support Solar—Just ‘Not in My Backyard'

Linda Poon

November 20, 2019 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Solar power panels are broadly supported across America, as concern about climate change increases; however, not all supporters want solar power plants in their backyard. Now, companies and local governments work to install these renewable energy sources while informing neighbors and stakeholders of the benefits of these plants.

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Limits could rein in runaway legislative sessions

Laura Leslie

November 18, 2019 |

WRAL-TV |

Broadcast TV News |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Raleigh, North Carolina

As North Carolina wrapped up its second-longest legislative session in its history, the government looked to other states for a possible solution. In states like George and Tennessee, which have sessions 40 and 30 days long, respectively, session limits save money, provide efficiency, eliminate meaningless bills that do not produce laws, and allow a more diverse range of people to serve as lawmakers.

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Making a More Democratic Economy, One Revolving Loan Fund at a Time

Oscar Perry Abello

November 14, 2019 |

Next City |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Berkeley, California

Advancing the model of worker ownership requires expanding access to loans for cooperative businesses. In California, Berkeley City Council recently adopted changes to its Loan Fund for small businesses, allowing businesses without a CEO to apply for a loan. The City Council and Loan Administration board approved an idea put forth by the Sustainable Economics Law Center (SELC), which will permit coops to appoint a panel of owners to serve as guarantors of a loan, in lieu of a single CEO.

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Philly Sets New Gold Standard for Domestic Worker Protections

Oscar Perry Abello

November 07, 2019 |

Next City |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Giving domestic workers a seat at the table elevates their voices and provides them with access to protections enshrined in labor laws. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the passage of the Philadelphia Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights extends worker protections to those previously left out of traditional labor laws. The new law, passed with the combined effort of the Pennsylvania Domestic Worker Alliance (PDWA), Philadelphia’s City Council, and the support of Philadelphia AFL-CIO, grants domestic workers access to employer-funded benefits and paid time off.

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In some states, the census is an investment. Not Connecticut.

Mark Pazniokas

October 30, 2019 |

The Connecticut Mirror |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Connecticut

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving granted $448,400 to 20 community organizations to support voter registration and the census. Connecticut did not earmark any money in the state budget for the census. Public libraries will use grant money to hire staff to help residents complete the census online, the method being encouraged due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The census is tied to federal aid and political representation so advocates warn that, despite being a federal responsibility, state funds are needed to support nonprofits and foundations working to ensure an accurate count of Connecticut residents.

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On One Issue, Americans Are United. Too Many Are Behind Bars.

Tina Rosenberg

October 30, 2019 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Washington, District of Columbia

In such a divided country, many groups from lawmakers to advocacy groups are finding rare bipartisan cooperation around the issue of criminal justice reform. Two congressional representatives, one Republican and one Democrat, have found common ground, as well as the Justice Action Network, which forms bipartisan coalitions, one of which was instrumental in passing the First Step Act.

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An Athenian remedy: the rise, fall and possible rebirth of democracy

Patrick Chalmers

October 16, 2019 |

The Correspondent |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Greece

Citizens’ assemblies, which allow for mass participation in political debates and decision-making with a lottery system to select speakers, are increasingly being used to overcome issues such as corruption and the unwillingness by incumbent politicians to address controversial issues. Many countries now use citizens’ assemblies, including Ireland who used one in 2017 to push forward a debate and decision on its abortion ban after decades of political deadlock. Citizens’ assemblies do face challenges, including being dismantled by ruling politicians who feel they challenge incumbent power.

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How solar ‘skin' helped an Indiana homeowner win a fight for rooftop panels

Kari Lydersen

October 15, 2019 |

Energy News Network |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Indianapolis, Indiana

After the homeowners association denied his request to install solar panels on his roof due to their aesthetic, Indianapolis-resident Joey Myles used SolarSkin to disguise the panels to look like asphalt shingles. The company Sistine Solar makes these films that coat solar panels in various images that can be used to blend in with roofs or other forms of artwork. The panels with skins only generate about 85 percent of energy as those without skins, but they can withstand extreme weather.

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