Direct Democracy Diaries

About Direct Democracy Diaries

Direct Democracy Diaries explores ballot measures from grassroots campaigns to transformative victories. Hosted by Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian from the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, we bring you stories of activists who've harnessed direct democracy for community change. Whether you're a seasoned leader or newcomer, tune in as we break down campaign strategies. Each episode features compelling stories about coalition building, signature gathering, and defending victories, showing how democracy works from the ground up. https://ballot.org/

Publisher

Ballot Initiative Strategy Center

Category

news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 Jun 2025

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Oct 2026

   From No to Yes: Jeremy Al-Haj on Building Working-Class Power in Missouri

   In this episode of Direct Democracy Diaries, Chris and Caroline speak with Jeremy Al-Haj, co-founder and executive director of the Missouri Workers’ Center, about Missouri’s “Year of No” and what defensive campaigns can teach organizers about building lasting power. Jeremy traces his path into organizing, explains how ballot measures have become a critical tool for working-class Missourians, and discusses recent fights over direct democracy, taxes, reproductive rights, and redistricting. The conversation explores how long-term relationships, durable coalitions, and organizing across local and state campaigns can turn defensive victories into the foundation for a future “Year of Yes." Learn more about the Missouri Workers Center and its work building a multiracial movement of working people across Missouri: https://moworkers.org/ (https://moworkers.org/) Learn more about BISC and the ballot measures to watch in this year’s election on our Ballot Measure Hub: https://ballot.org/ballot-hub/ (https://ballot.org/ballot-hub/) Chris Melody Fields Figueiredo on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-melody-fields⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-melody-fields) Caroline Sánchez-Avakian on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineavakian⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineavakian) BISC Official Website:⁠ https://ballot.org/⁠ (https://ballot.org/) BISC on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy/⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy/) BISC on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center)

2. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Funding the Movement: Krithika Harish on Philanthropy and Ballot Measures

   In this episode of Direct Democracy Diaries, Chris and Caroline speak with Krithika Harish, Senior Program Officer for Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, about philanthropy’s role in building lasting movements. Krithika shares her path from civic engagement and international development to advocacy and institutional funding, then explains how transparency, and long-term relationships shape strong funder-grantee partnerships. They examine the role of ballot measures in advancing reproductive freedom, why early and sustained investment matters across the full life cycle of a campaign, how the funding landscape has shifted since the 2024 election, and why funders must reflect on the power they hold in shaping movements." Chris Melody Fields Figueiredo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-melody-fields (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-melody-fields) Caroline Sánchez-Avakian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineavakian (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineavakian) BISC Official Website: https://ballot.org/ (https://ballot.org/) BISC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy/ (https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy/) BISC on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center)

3. 

   23 Sept 2026

   Rising Together: Andy Marra and Jaelynn Scott on Trans Liberation and Movement Power

   In this episode of Direct Democracy Diaries, Chris and Caroline speak with Andy Marra of Advocates for Trans Equality and Jaelynn Scott of Lavender Rights Project about coordinated ballot measure and legislative attacks targeting transgender people. Andy and Jaelynn connect today’s fights to lessons from the marriage equality movement, discuss the importance of centering trans leadership, and examine what effective coalition work requires. They also explore cross-movement solidarity, storytelling rooted in freedom, sustained investment in movement infrastructure, and the need to build lasting political power while responding to immediate threats. Learn more about Advocates for Trans Equality (https://transequality.org/)and the work they're doing to advance equality, safety, and justice for transgender people across the country. Learn more about The Lavender Project (https://www.lavenderrightsproject.org/)and their work building Black trans political power and leadership. Leticia Martinez on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/leticia-martinez-1b7a6b10⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/leticia-martinez-1b7a6b10) Jess Grennan on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicagrennan⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicagrennan) Chris Melody Fields Figueiredo on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-melody-fields⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-melody-fields) Caroline Sánchez-Avakian on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineavakian⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineavakian) BISC Official Website:⁠ https://ballot.org/⁠ (https://ballot.org/) BISC on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy/⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy/) BISC on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center)

4. 

   16 Sept 2026

   Consultants as Campaign and Movement Partners

   In this episode of Direct Democracy Diaries, Caroline Sanchez-Avakian and Chris Melody Fields Figueredo speak with Leticia Martinez, partner at Mission Control, and Jess Grennan, founder of Simple Majority, about the role consultants play in ballot measure campaigns and movement work. Leticia and Jess discuss what makes consultant partnerships effective, where trust can break down, and why transparency, legal counsel, compliance, research, and early collaboration matter. They also examine the tension between campaign messaging and long-term movement goals, the importance of knowing when to lead or push back, and how campaigns can build lasting organizational capacity, skills, relationships, and infrastructure beyond Election Day. Learn more about Mission Control (https://www.missioncontrolinc.net/)and the work they're doing to support movement organizations and campaigns. Learn more about Simple Majority (https://www.simplemajority.org/)and their work helping progressive organizations build stronger strategy, messaging, and organizational capacity. Leticia Martinez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leticia-martinez-1b7a6b10 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/leticia-martinez-1b7a6b10) Jess Grennan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicagrennan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicagrennan) Chris Melody Fields Figueiredo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-melody-fields (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-melody-fields) Caroline Sánchez-Avakian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineavakian (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineavakian) BISC Official Website: https://ballot.org/ (https://ballot.org/) BISC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy/ (https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy/) BISC on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center)

5. 

   9 Sept 2026

   Building Democracy From the Ground Up: Kelley Robinson on Power, Joy, and, Belonging

   In the season two opener of Direct Democracy Diaries, Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez Avakian speak with Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign and Human Rights Campaign Foundation, about the state of American democracy and what it takes to build lasting power. Kelley reflects on her family history, the fragility of civil rights, and why local organizing matters—from school boards to block parties. They discuss interconnected attacks on LGBTQ+ people and other communities, the need to move beyond defense, the role of storytelling and listening, and how organizers can stay focused amid constant crisis. Kelley also shares why joy, belonging, and community are essential to sustaining movements and creating a more inclusive democracy. To learn more about Kelley’s work - go to Human Rights Campaign (https://www.hrc.org/)One Year Into Trump Administration & LGBTQ+ Messaging Playbook for the Midterms (https://www.hrc.org/resources/one-year-into-trump-administration-lgbtq-messaging-playbook-for-the-midterms) BISC’s new Substack - Direct Democracy Dispatch (https://ballotstrategy.substack.com/) BISC Report: Attacks on the Ballot Measure Process (https://ballot.org/dd-threats-report-2026/)

6. 

   19 Nov 2025

   E7:  Beyond the Ballot: Building Movements Through Ballot Measures

   In the season finale of Direct Democracy Diaries, hosts Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sanchez-Avakian sit down with Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party. Maurice shares how his Caribbean immigrant upbringing and lifelong organizing work shape his political vision. Together, they explore the role of ballot measures in building movements, the 2025 election outcomes, and the critical need to fight not only against fascism but for dignity, affordability, and power for working people. This episode offers a call to action to build authentic, connected, and community-rooted political power. If you’re interested in the work that Maurice Mitchell and the Working Families Party are doing, you can learn more at: http://workingfamilies.org/ (http://workingfamilies.org/) BISC on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy) BISC on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/) BISC on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter (https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter)

7. 

   12 Nov 2025

   E6: From Victory to Vigilance: Richard von Glahn on Post-Election Power

   In this episode of Direct Democracy Diaries, Chris and Caroline are joined by Richard von Glahn, a longtime ballot initiative strategist with Missouri Jobs with Justice. Together, they explore what happens after the win—when implementation battles begin and the work of organizing deepens. From California’s Proposition 50 and Maine’s defense of voting access, to Colorado’s tax reforms for school meals, they trace 2025 ballot trends that shape the road to 2026. Richard shares stories from Missouri’s fight to uphold Proposition A, lessons from campaigns won and lost, and how movement-building becomes the foundation for long-term power. This episode highlights why organizing doesn’t end at the ballot box—and how every campaign is a step toward collective agency. _____________________________________________________________ [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:13] Discussion of California's Proposition 50 and its implications on gerrymandering. [00:02:24] Introduction of Richard von Glahn and the significance of Maine's ballot measures. [00:04:35] Overview of Colorado's Measures LL and MM and their impact. [00:06:03] Richard’s advocacy background and ballot initiative involvement. [00:10:34] Missouri’s coalition building and strategy after winning ballot measures. [00:14:24] Implementation challenges of Proposition A in Missouri. [00:20:31] Power building lessons from union and worker organizing. [00:23:33] Lessons from failed campaigns and the importance of movement building. [00:27:31] Powerful stories that shaped campaign narratives. [00:31:04] Gerrymandering and initiative process threats in Missouri. [00:33:09] BISC's role in ballot measure strategy and campaign support. [00:36:20] Importance of early campaign funding for power building. [00:38:47] Lessons from organizing against authoritarian structures. [00:41:33] Advice for new and seasoned advocates in ballot measure work. [00:46:24] Ballot measures as love letters to communities. Links: Chris Melody Fields Figueiredo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-melody-fields (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-melody-fields) Caroline Sánchez-Avakian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineavakian (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineavakian) BISC: https://ballot.org/ (https://ballot.org/) If you’re interested in the work that Richard and Missouri Jobs with Justice are doing - you can learn more at https://mojwj.org/ (https://mojwj.org/) To learn about the effort to stop gerrymandering in Missouri, check out https://peoplenotpoliticiansmo.org/ (https://peoplenotpoliticiansmo.org/) To learn more about ‘Building Power Beyond the Ballot Box’, go to https://ballot.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Building-Power-Report.pdf (https://ballot.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Building-Power-Report.pdf)

8. 

   29 Oct 2025

   E5: Campaigning Towards Victory and What We Leave Behind with Fran Hutchins

   In this episode of Direct Democracy Diaries, Chris and Caroline sit down with Fran Hutchins, Executive Director of the Equality Federation, to reflect on two decades of ballot measure campaigns, queer movement building, and the importance of doing the work before the spotlight hits. Hutchins shares lessons from marriage equality battles in Maine and California, the evolution of trans rights messaging, and the real meaning of cross-movement solidarity. With honesty and strategy, they explore what it takes to build durable power—and how today’s bodily autonomy fights can be a love letter to our people. Find out more about Fran and Equality Federation here: https://www.equalityfederation.org/author/fran-hutchins (https://www.equalityfederation.org/author/fran-hutchins) BISC on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy) BISC on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/) BISC on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter (https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter)

9. 

   22 Oct 2025

   E4: Beyond Translation: Culturally Rooted Messaging that Wins with Dusti Gurulé

   What makes voters lean in and say yes at the ballot box? In this episode, co-hosts Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian are joined by Dusti Gurulé, President & CEO of COLOR and COLOR Action Fund, to unpack the strategy of storytelling that resonates. From building narratives to navigating multilingual, cross-cultural outreach, Dusti shares how campaigns can craft narratives that truly connect with voters. If you’re interested in the work that Dusti and COLOR and the COLOR Action Fund are doing, you can learn more at: https://colorlatina.org/ (https://colorlatina.org/) You can also learn more about their ballot measure campaign at https://coloradansforreproductivefreedom.com/ (https://coloradansforreproductivefreedom.com/) BISC on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy) BISC on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/⁠⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/) BISC on YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter (https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter)

10. 

    15 Oct 2025

    From Signatures to Power: How Movements Get on the Ballot with Danielle Atkinson

    Signature gathering is more than just petition signing—it’s people power in action. In this episode, co-hosts Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian talk with Danielle Atkinson, founder of Mothering Justice and veteran organizer, about how the petition phase can make or break a campaign. From the nuts and bolts of getting started to the vulnerabilities every campaign faces, Danielle shares hard-earned lessons on turning signature collection into a deeper practice of base building and long-term community engagement. If you want to understand how movements turn signatures into real change, this episode is your guide. If you’re interested in the work that Danielle Atkinson and Mothering Justice are doing, you can learn more at: https://motheringjustice.org/ (https://motheringjustice.org/) BISC on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy) BISC on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/⁠⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/) BISC on YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter (https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter)

11. 

    8 Oct 2025

    E2: Running Ballot Measures with Community + Care with Lauren Brenzel + Sarah Parker

    Running a ballot measure takes more than signatures and soundbites—it takes people, trust, and courage. In this episode, co-hosts Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian sit down with organizers Lauren Brenzel (Florida's Yes on 4 Campaign Director) and Sarah Parker (Executive Director of Voices of Florida) to unpack what it really takes to launch a ballot initiative. From the tough early decision of whether to go to the ballot, to navigating funding challenges, to building a diverse and powerful coalition, Lauren and Sarah share the inside story of Florida’s 2024 fight for reproductive freedom. Listeners will learn how to balance strategy with care, build alignment across differences, and why the most powerful and equitable campaigns are always rooted in community. If you’ve ever wondered how grassroots organizing becomes a ballot measure, this conversation is your roadmap. If you’re interested in the work that Lauren and Sarah are doing, you can learn more at: floridareprofreedom.org/ (https://floridareprofreedom.org/)  and www.voicesofflorida.org/ (https://www.voicesofflorida.org/) Check out a 2024 interview of Lauren with author and journalist Jessica Valenti: https://jessica.substack.com/p/chat-with-lauren-brenzel-campaign (https://jessica.substack.com/p/chat-with-lauren-brenzel-campaign) And also Sarah’s rousing and inspiring speech on election night 2024: (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCBMGtVsVZV/)

12. 

    1 Oct 2025

    E1: How a Story of Redemption Transformed Democracy Across America with Desmond Meade

    Ballot measures are reshaping democracy from the ground up—but what does it really take to run one? In our very first episode, co-hosts Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian sit down with Desmond Meade—MacArthur “Genius,” Time 100 honoree, and the visionary behind Florida’s Amendment 4, which restored voting rights to over 1.4 million people. Together, they unpack the strategy, storytelling, and sheer determination that make ballot measures powerful tools for change. From building unlikely coalitions to centering the voices of those most impacted, this episode dives deep into why ballot measures matter now more than ever—and how dreaming big can transform our democracy. Learn more about the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition: floridarrc.com (https://floridarrc.com/) and grab a copy of Desmond Meade’s book (https://www.desmondmeade.com/let-my-people-vote). You can also listen to Desmond’s podcast, Our Voice (https://open.spotify.com/show/21ThNPkxIS1zjjOrj0i4MS), with co-host Neil Volz. BISC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy (https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy) BISC on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/) BISC on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter (https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter) Ballot Initiative Strategy Center (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fballot.org%2F&data=05%7C01%7CCaroline%40ballot.org%7Cb8dbbfa2fe1b4c02ff7508db8ed2c902%7Cd5a4c9a3a39543c2abb7c6b82378ebef%7C0%7C0%7C638260808185913463%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=a7ScNLfY74C1AM%2BIMIAlqLTWXCbJK10j3b%2FIrFtuEt4%3D&reserved=0) | BISC Foundation (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbiscfoundation.org%2F&data=05%7C01%7CCaroline%40ballot.org%7Cb8dbbfa2fe1b4c02ff7508db8ed2c902%7Cd5a4c9a3a39543c2abb7c6b82378ebef%7C0%7C0%7C638260808185913463%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=6Y9OhZmBgPA16fEUqyl2Z%2FPxkiHWk0U0HNGb19i8TM4%3D&reserved=0)

13. 

    24 Jun 2025

    Direct Democracy Diaries (TRAILER)

    Hosts Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian introduce Direct Democracy Diaries, a podcast exploring ballot measures and grassroots campaigns, offering insights into how activists create change through direct democracy in this trailer episode.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

40,475

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

20 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

54

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

0