As we work to elect our nation's first female president & a former social studies teacher as vice-president, now is a great time to review Ken Burns’ 1999 documentary, Not for Ourselves Alone, about how the struggle for women's rights began. My local PBS station, KQED, has this documentary available in 2 parts through its Passport program, a benefit to members who contribute at least $60/yr. Your local PBS station may offer this, too.

Imagine sending your kids to school and the biggest worry on their minds is, “Where did I put my homework?”

Losing too many of our loved ones to gun violence is a choice we don't need to keep making. Imagine heading to the mall and your top-of-mind concern is about finding your favorite parking spot.

Losing too many of our loved ones to gun violence is a choice we don't need to keep making.

I've found myself frequently triggered this week and losing sleep about the leaked Supreme Court draft on the case related to abortion. One way I cope is to look for inspirational examples of nonviolent communication in action. Here's one that I appreciate because it is from someone who still considers himself "evangelical" in the Biblical meaning of the word AND no longer conflates his faith with political party allegiance.

Did your family talk about politics when you were growing up? Was it a topic at meals with your immediate family or extended family? Did you ever observe your parents talking about politics with their friends? My parents were keen on voting. It was a point of pride for them to be among the first, if not the very first, voters of the day in their precinct. However, not once do I recall them discussing an issue or who they voted for with me or with anyone else.

This piece by @jenmercieca resonates with me. Actions 1, 2, 5, 7 & 9 reinforce the Smart Politics approach advocated by Political Psychiatrist, Dr. Karin @tamerius - i.e. how to converse with friends & family who disagree about politics. editorialboard.com/ten-actions-ev… The Smart Politics Change Conversation Pyramid show that building trust begins with helping others feel COMFORTable enough to begin a dialogue, & continues by building connection, demonstrating comprehension & expressing compassion - all in verbal & nonverbal ways.

Thx @Teri_Kanefield! 1) Yes, the Jan 6 committee wants to expose the truth; this is critical for democracy, AND 2) What they expose is unlikely to persuade others UNLESS we practice Smart Politics with friends and family. What is Smart Politics? 1/ Developed by political psychiatrist, Dr. Karin @tamerius, Smart Politics is a relational & conversational approach that seeks first to fully understand another’s view, names common values or goals, and includes a personal story. /2

@DainesforMT Impeaching Trump is NOT politically motivated. The facts are clear to anyone willing to learn and understand them. @DainesforMT This is why Robert Mueller provided evidence of obstruction of justice to Congress.

1848 Seneca Falls Convention:
"The history of mankind is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations on the part of man toward woman, having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over her. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world." "He has monopolized nearly all the profitable employments, and from those she is permitted to follow, she receives but a scanty remuneration."

Improvement in 170 years? Yes. Equal pay for equal work? Not yet.