In a regular listener type of way. I have my group of Podcasts I’ve now come to rely on for news, thinking, and joy. Late to the game, but whatever. Here’s my current list of favorites:
Haven’t got into Lovett or Leave It yet. Maybe sometime soon. And full disclosure. I did listen to and was way into Serial Series 1.
In a time of much tumult, it’s a breath of fresh air to see people boldly marching toward a future that’s better for everyone. Whether with community organizing, grassroots activism, or running for local office. In one particular instance, we just helped Megan Hunt launch her campaign for Nebraska Legislature. She’s an entrepreneur and activist, small business owner and mother. And she’s an overall great person with a passion for making things better. I’m very excited to see how her campaign unfolds as we move toward 2018. If you want to support Megan, contribute here. If you’re going to run for local office and need some branding, hit me up.
I didn’t think Barack Obama would be elected president because I thought America, at that time, was too racist. I didn’t think Donald Trump would be elected president because I thought America, at that time, wasn’t down with a bigot, misogynist, and liar for the highest office in the land. I also didn’t think I’d ever stop buying Compact Discs.
I’m getting way into Chuck Klosterman. Currently reading But What If We’re Wrong? And subsequently thinking about all the stuff I’ve been wrong about in my life. From political predictions to musical delivery mechanisms. Maybe I’ll post more about such things. Or not. Hard to say, as I’m not really into make predictions at this time.
Want to infuse your life with more creativity, more joy, and more magic? Of course you do! So, my wife is pretty amazing. She’s big time. Moving, shaking, making things happen. Recently she gave a talk at Creative Mornings Omaha on Ideas to Increase Your Luck Factor. It’s a great talk. For more of that creative spark, give a listen.
These and other topics are things I’m thinking I should write about. But I’m just not very much in a writing mood. So instead, they exist as pithy little 1-liners. At least for now.
The 5th annual charitable challenge for the city of Omaha was on a Wednesday this year. I started the day by listening to the news and hearing the details of the Trump budget that cuts an insane amount of money from heath, education, and environment programs designed to help those in our society who are struggling. So the juxtaposition was motivating considering I could respond to this horrible budget by donating a bunch of money to nonprofits in our community who do great work. It doesn’t change the fact that Trump and Republicans will stop at nothing until the parts of our government that help people are decimated. But I digress.
During Omaha’s 5th annual 24-hour charitable challenge, more than $7.83 million was raised for 923 nonprofits with 52,886 donations. Over the five years of the event, 200k donations have totaled more than $35 million. Money that goes to important nonprofits who are doing crucial work. Having participated in the event since it started and being the design partner for the last 4 years working with Omaha Community Foundation to get people excited about donating, it’s quite an inspiring thing to see.
The way we all celebrate giving, the way we work together to help others, and the way we recognize sharing is better than taking. Until next year, remember, there’s plenty to go around and there’s only so much we can do individually. After all, it takes a village to make sure the village is the best it can be.
From the Heath Mello for Mayor Case Study
The election was watched nationally as one of the first in this odd new Trump era. Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Keith Ellison were brought to Omaha to campaign for Heath as part the DNC’s Come Together Fight Back tour. While the event did energize the base, it unexpectedly spurred a heated discussion around being a pro-life Democrat in a conservative state. While some of the coverage was incorrect, this article in The Nation breaks things down well. The discussion is certainly an important one for Democrats to have, but it did detract from what the campaign wanted to be talking about in the final weeks leading up to election day.
Not getting a win is certainly disappointing. Having another 4 years of a harsh Republican mayor who lacks vision is very concerning for the city’s future mass transit needs, riverfront development, and the prioritization of equity for EVERYONE.
But, the creativity and energy from the campaign is a hopeful sign for future citizen engagement. The tireless work of young leaders in our community mean the central idea of the campaign — creating a city that’s more welcoming, inclusive, and innovative — is still possible. Those of us who want a more progressive city aren’t giving up. In fact, we’re more determined than ever.
