Has anybody ever told you that you should run for office? What did you do or say in response?

This week we spoke to Sara Guillermo, the CEO of IGNITE, which trains and empowers young women to become advocates and political leaders. We spoke to Sara about her own journey to supporting women’s political power, some of the challenges women face in both elected office and advocacy environments, and how IGNITE approaches training, support, and building community for young leaders. In the process we discussed why it’s so important that women get this kind of support and what kinds of opportunities become available when they do.

Episode Links:

• IGNITE: Website | Twitter/X | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

• Follow Lila on Twitter/X
• Follow Kelly on Twitter/X
• Follow the podcast on Twitter/X at @WhatCanIDoPod
• To contact us with questions or guest suggestions, email us at: hello@WhatCanIDoPodcast.com.
• Please rate and review and tell your friends!

Credits:

To the best of our knowledge, all audio used by What Can I Do is in the public domain or is used with permission. Our theme song is Upbeat Energetic Rock by Vivaleum and we hold a license for use of the song through Pixabay.

Original artwork is by Matthew Weflen and used with express permission.

Do you remember the slogan of the American colonists "no taxation without representation" and want to ensure that American citizens today all have that representation?

This week we spoke to Kelsye Adams, Director of DC Vote, about her work as an artistic activist, advocating for the fundamental rights of DC residents to equal representation in Congress via statehood. She discussed where the fight for DC statehood is, what it will take to get it over the finish line, and how she incorporates art and especially go-go music into her work.

Episode Links:

• DC Vote: Website | Twitter/X | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

• Follow Lila on Twitter/X
• Follow Kelly on Twitter/X
• Follow the podcast on Twitter/X at @WhatCanIDoPod
• To contact us with questions or guest suggestions, email us at: hello@WhatCanIDoPodcast.com.
• Please rate and review and tell your friends!

Credits:

To the best of our knowledge, all audio used by What Can I Do is in the public domain or is used with permission. Our theme song is Upbeat Energetic Rock by Vivaleum and we hold a license for use of the song through Pixabay.

Original artwork is by Matthew Weflen and used with express permission.

Are you interested in learning more about coalition-building and how to contribute to the creation of a more representative government?

This week we spoke to DaMareo Cooper, one of the co-Executive Directors of Popular Democracy (formerly the Center for Popular Democracy or CPD), about how different layers of individual involvement and action can help transform government into something that works for us all. He talks about his background as an organizer, how Popular Democracy works with their local affiliates to build networks, share information, and empower community organizations, and where people can slot into that work.

Episode Links:

• Popular Democracy (Former Center for Popular Democracy): Website

• Follow Lila on Twitter/X
• Follow Kelly on Twitter/X
• Follow the podcast on Twitter/X at @WhatCanIDoPod
• To contact us with questions or guest suggestions, email us at: hello@WhatCanIDoPodcast.com.
• Please rate and review and tell your friends!

Credits:

To the best of our knowledge, all audio used by What Can I Do is in the public domain or is used with permission. Our theme song is Upbeat Energetic Rock by Vivaleum and we hold a license for use of the song through Pixabay.

Original artwork is by Matthew Weflen and used with express permission.