IGNITE's Blog

As we wrap up an unprecedented 2020 and get ready for the new year, you’re probably thinking about what you want to accomplish in 2021, both personally and politically. So we’re here to help! Keep reading to learn how you can create effective to-do lists for the coming year. Don’t forget to save the template, fill it out and let’s get to work!

I got my Ph.D. at age 29. In the four years it took me to earn the degree I was trained in research methods and statistical analysis, I worked on a number of large-scale research studies, I co-authored articles, I designed and implemented original research, and I wrote a 150+ page dissertation. I have never led with the title. In fact, I rarely use it.

Delaware native Sarah McBride is a politician and activist. McBride is a State Senator-elect of the state of Delaware. McBride will be the first transgender state senator in the history of the United States. Here's a timeline of key moments in McBride's career.

Nayma Silver-Matos, an alumna of IGNITE and the State Committee Woman for New York's Assembly District 72 penned this powerful essay on Facebook. With her permission, IGNITE has republished it here. 

You did it! Finals week is over, your exams are completed and now it’s time to take a well-deserved break. We’re here to help you do some self-care as you unwind from classes and prepare for a new year of owning your political power. Keep reading to see how you can destress now that your semester is over.

In 43 states, it is still not illegal to discriminate against a person in the workplace or in schools because of their hairstyle. This discrimination is a source of racial injustice with serious economic consequences for Black people, especially Black women. How do we end this? By passing The CROWN Act.

Once elections pass and newly elected officials are sworn into office, that’s when our representatives get to work. But if you follow politics especially at the local level, you might hear titles being thrown around like “Commissioner” and “Lieutenant Governor”. What do those titles really mean? And what powers do those positions or offices hold? Keep reading to learn more about elected officials and offices at the state/local levels.

Legislative advocacy is one of the most effective ways to make a change in your community. One way to go about advocacy is to draft and present a policy proposal. A policy proposal is what you bring to elected officials or decision-makers about a certain policy or issue. But before reaching out to elected officials, it’s important to define your end goal and choose which level of government your policy proposal affects (state, county, municipal, or school board). After that, it’s time to start creating your pitch and policy proposal. 

Carolyn Kedslie serves as our North Texas Fellow.

Kelsey Lowman serves as our Cincinnati/Cleveland Fellow.