Spiteful Optimism: Finding Hope in Local Politics with Amanda McCellon
ivic engagement consultant Amanda McCellon joins us on Pod4Good to spotlight the transformative power of grassroots activism in Oklahoma. Through her insightful experiences, Amanda sheds light on the impact of participating in local governance, from city councils to school boards. We dive into the significance of community involvement, with Amanda emphasizing how local elections often come down to just a handful of votes, making each voice critical in shaping essential services and policies. This episode is packed with practical steps for those who feel daunted by the national political climate, empowering listeners to find hope and agency through localized action.
We celebrate a historic milestone with Amanda Sandoval's election as the first Latina mayor of Bethany, Oklahoma, illustrating a growing shift towards inclusivity in traditionally conservative areas. Her success story serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring us to break barriers and engage deeply with local communities. Amidst rising skepticism in democratic processes, our conversation delves into advocating democracy's value to those focused on pressing social and economic issues. Through "spiteful optimism," we embrace the resilience required to drive change, even when facing setbacks, and reinforce the belief that meaningful progress is attainable anywhere.
This episode also tackles the modern challenges of digital activism, featuring a TikTok creator who found their voice during the pandemic. We explore the complexities of navigating social media ethics while maintaining mental health and joy amidst activism. Our discussion underscores the powerful role of unconventional media in connecting and mobilizing communities, especially in areas with limited access to mainstream platforms. Finally, we express our gratitude to the Pod4Good community, encouraging listeners to support our mission by liking, subscribing, and sharing feedback to help us amplify these crucial conversations.
Follow Amanda on all of her social media feeds: https://linktr.ee/amandamccellon
