Dear Friends and Supporters, It is with a bit of nostalgia and a lot of appreciation that we announce the closure of the Growing Democracy Project. Over the past five years, we have sought to build a more inclusive and participatory democracy through dialogue, workshops, and community-engaged research. While this decision is undoubtedly bittersweet, funding constraints have regrettably become insurmountable. Since its inception, we aimed to have the Growing Democracy Project serve as a catalyst for positive change within our…
Celebrating 5 years!
Five years ago, in February 2019, the Growing Democracy Project official launched. It is hard to believe all that we have accomplished over the last five years. Here are a few highlights: Co-creating an online repository for key concepts related to civic and political engagement, written by KSU students and NEO community members. This is an on-going process. Reach out if you would like to be involved. Hosting the Growing Democracy Podcast, which focuses on civic and political engagement, social…
Theory and Practice: Queering and Decolonizing for Social Transformation
Growing Democracy Blog: Special Series From Growing Democracy Fellows, Fall ’23 | ‘Decolonizing Democracy’ Theory and Practice: Queering and Decolonizing for Social Transformation By: Courtney Green, Political Science PhD Student, Kent State University Increasingly, there have been calls to change the structure of academia to better reflect changing understandings of the world and to promote inclusivity in universities. Specifically, there has been a shift to decolonize or queer academia, which is connected to larger patterns within democratic movements around the…
Episode 205: American Conservation Movement & Environmental Justice
Episode: 205 – American Conservation Movement & Environmental Justice Podcast #: 81 Release Date: June 2, 2023 Summary: In this episode, Ashley and guest host Dr. Christie Bahlai (Kent State University, Co-Director ESDRI) talk with Dr. Dorceta Taylor (Senior Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Professor of Environmental Justice, Yale University) about the intersection of ecology, race, and environmental justice – as well the history and present of the American Conservation Movement. This podcast is made possible with funding…
Episode 204: Elaine Tso, Asian Services in Action
Episode: 204 – Elaine Tso, Asian Services in Action Podcast #: 80 Release Date: January 24, 2023 Summary: In this episode, Casey and Shemariah talk with Elaine Tso (Chief Executive Officer, Asian Services In Action) about her path to serving as ASIA’s CEO, and how ASIA’s programs and mission serve to empower, support, and advocate for the AAPI community throughout Northeast Ohio. This podcast is made possible with funding from the School of Peace & Conflict and the Center for…
Episode 203: The People’s Budget!
Episode: 203 – The People’s Budget! Podcast #: 80 Release Date: January 24, 2023 Summary: In this episode, Casey and Ashley talk with Fahiem Shabazz (President, New Era Cleveland) and Michelle B. Jackson (Campaign Organizer, PB CLE) about the mission and work of Participatory Budgeting Cleveland. This podcast is made possible with funding from the School of Peace & Conflict and the Center for Pan African Culture at Kent State University – with additional support from Mark Lewine and the John…
Episode 202: Cleveland in the Classroom
Episode: 202 – Cleveland in the Classroom Podcast #: 79 Release Date: December 8, 2022 Summary: In this episode, Casey and Shemariah talk with Greg Deegan (Executive Director, Teaching Cleveland) about his mission to teach the history of Cleveland in the K-12 classroom. This podcast is made possible with funding from the School of Peace & Conflict and the Center for Pan African Culture at Kent State University – with additional support from Mark Lewine and the John Gray Paynther…
Episode 201: Two Shakers (pt 2)
Episode: 201 – Two Shakers (pt 2) Podcast #: 78 Release Date: December 8, 2022 Summary: In this episode, Ashley and Shemariah talk with Josiah Quarles, Director of Organizing and Advocacy for the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the homeless. This discussion of the “Two Shakers” is part 2 of 2. This podcast is made possible with funding from the School of Peace & Conflict and the Center for Pan African Culture at Kent State University – with additional support from…
Episode 201: Two Shakers (pt 1)
Episode: 201 – Two Shakers (pt 1) Podcast #: 77 Release Date: October 24, 2022 Summary: In this episode, Ashley and Shemariah talk with Tiara Sargeant (SGORR Coordinator, Shaker Heights Schools) and Dr. Donna Whyte (professor at Cleveland State University) about their experience living in and attending school in the Cleveland suburb of Shaker Heights, OH. This discussion of the “Two Shakers” is part 1 of 2. This podcast is made possible with funding from the School of Peace &…
Growing Democracy 2.0: Relaunch
Episode: 200 – Relaunching the Podcast! Podcast #: 76 Release Date: October 23, 2022 Summary: We’re back, listeners! In this podcast relaunch, the three co-hosts – Ashley Nickels, Shemariah Arki, and Casey Boyd-Swan – talk about the relaunch and preview the next few episodes! Look forward to the following discussions in the coming weeks: Two Shakers: parts 1 and 2 Cleveland in the Classroom PB CLE: Participatory Budgeting in Cleveland This podcast is made possible with funding from the School…