IGNITE's Blog

Black History Month was first celebrated in 1970 at Kent State University, but its origins can be traced further back. Originally, it started as a week to ensure Black history would be preserved through time. This week-long celebration introduced by historian Carter Woodson in 1926 eventually evolved into Black History Month and is now celebrated internationally. 

There is talk about an ambition gap between men and women running for political office. New research by the Brookings Institute says "politics is still a man's game." Women today are as unlikely as they were 20 years ago to express interest in running for office. In Massachusetts, a growing list of women is leaving the state legislature. Women now account for 30.5 percent of legislators there, down from 32 percent. 

Celebrities have been getting political this month. Angelina Jolie went to Capitol Hill last week with her 17-year old daughter Zahara. They urged lawmakers to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. Meanwhile, Dolly Parton's Dollywood will pay full tuition for employees pursuing college, reigniting the conversation about student debt. 

There are infinite ways to approach organizing people for a campaign, event, fundraiser…whatever you want them organized for (or against). Understanding the different approaches is incredibly useful. It’ll enable you to select the proper approach for your specific mission, goal or task at hand.

President Joe Biden’s pledge to nominate the first Black woman in the court’s 233-year history is not radical, clumsy, or affirmative action. It is the recognition that our democracy works when we the people can equally participate and represent some of our most prominent democratic institutions. We need justices on the court that reflect the diversity of American experiences and use their insight to impartially uphold the rule of law.

Did you hear the news? Rihanna is pregnant! The news broke the internet earlier this week, accompanied by some iconic photos. We’re beyond excited that the singer/actress/businesswoman is expecting her first child. But what if RiRi wasn’t RiRi? What if she wasn’t a billionaire? What if she didn’t have the resources, networks and access she has? 

You have the power to make a difference in your community. While it doesn’t always seem that way, your voice really does count. Don’t believe us? Keep reading to discover how you can turn up the volume to make sure that your voice is heard. 

IGNITE is pleased to announce that Rebecca Yanez will be serving as our first-ever Oklahoma City Fellow! We caught up with Rebecca to chat about her hopes for the Fellowship. 

IGNITE is excited to announce that we have our first-ever South Bay Fellow, Rahel Bachmann! We spoke with Rahel to learn more about her political leadership journey and Fellowship goals. 

We are so excited to welcome Carlyn ‘Kiki’ Michelbacher as our Baltimore Fellow for the 21-22 Program year! We caught up with Kiki to chat about the Fellowship.