EdAllies Gets AmplifiED

By Matt Hager

In case you missed the memo, we launched a podcast this spring! AmplifiED aims to dig into the nuances, details, and lesser-known aspects of education equity through discussions that poke and prod at policymaking, systems, and much more. Hosted by our executive director, Josh Crosson, and our programs and outreach manager, Margaret Sullivan, AmplifiED wrapped up season one alongside the 2023 MN Legislative Session. If you haven’t yet tuned in, here’s what you’ve missed:

• Episode One introduces you to EdAllies, where we came from, how and why we advocate, and where we’ve had success – and challenges – when it comes to policies that impact our students.
  
• Episode Two brings in our Policy Director, Matt Shaver, to give an overview of EdAllies’ current policy work at the Capitol and what’s at stake in the 2023 legislative session. Alongside our executive director (and former policy director) Josh Crosson, you get an insider’s view of the machinations influencing education policy.
  
• Episode Three drops you right in the middle of the craziest point in any legislative session: half time. Matt Shaver is back as well as our Capitol Pathways intern, Yusra Hassan, to talk about their real-time experiences, frustrations, and hopes for what’s yet possible as Minnesota’s part-time legislature turns the corner into the end of its work for 2023.
  
• Episode Four closes out the 2023 legislative session with our highlights, lowlights, and a frank discussion of what it means to be a full-time advocate in a state with a part-time opportunity for changing laws and policy. 

Our second season just kicked off and will feature all-new guest interviews, reflections on current events, and deep dives into issues affecting our kids’ education. 

• Our first episode of Season 2 featured Dr. Nekima Levy Armstrong who highlighted the continued disparities in education for black and brown students and details the positive impacts of culturally affirming schools in Minnesota. She also discussed the recent mediation and court hearings related to the Cruz-Guzman lawsuit, which could limit school options that affirm and support students’ identities.
• We continued Season 2 by welcoming Jose Perez, Director of Good Trouble at Bridgemakers for episode 2. Margaret, Josh, and Jose touch on the power of youth voices and the need for systemic change in education. They discuss the brilliance and potential of these young individuals and how they are being let down by the system. The conversation also delves into the experiences of Jose and other young people at the Minnesota Capitol, fighting against legislation that would push out teachers of color.
• In the third episode, hosts Margaret and Josh are joined by policy director Matt Shaver to discuss the importance of advocating for Minnesota students during the legislative off season. They explore the differences between lobbying and donating money to candidates, the strain of fundraising for legislators, and the need to build relationships with decision makers.

We can’t wait to show you who we speak to next. Be sure you’re subscribed to AmplifiED and stay tuned!