Advocacy Bites

A quick overview of the ballot for this coming election and a discussion of lies and misinformation in political ads. Early voting is almost here, and hosts Susan Book and Renee Sekel walk you through everything on your North Carolina ballot this fall from school bonds and three dangerous constitutional amendments to the wildest, most dishonest political ads of the election season. If you live in Wake County or anywhere in North Carolina, this is your crash course on what's actually at stake before you vote.

Susan breaks down why local school bonds matter (think failing HVAC systems and mold-closed schools), makes the case for a long-overdue statewide school bond, and walks through the three proposed constitutional amendments on this year's ballot, including a new photo ID requirement and dangerous limits on property and income tax increases that would tie the hands of local government for good. Then Renee digs into why the legislature is rushing these amendments through now, and why, if they pass, they'll be nearly impossible to undo.

From there, we turn to the truly unhinged political ads flooding North Carolina airwaves this cycle: a cruel, photoshopped attack on candidate James Galliard, Erin Pare's fabricated outrage over a Dolly Parton tribute, the "Cooper raised taxes" claim that makes no sense at all, and a viral ad about the price of "burger" that has to be seen to be believed.

Have thoughts on this episode? Join the conversation and find more ways to get involved at saveourschoolsnc.org.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Red Wine and Blue Voter Guide https://go.redwine.blue/ncarolinavg

Photo ID Exception Form for Absentee Ballots https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/State_Board_Meeting_Docs/2024-06-26/Photo%20ID%20Exception%20Form/Photo%20ID%20Exception%20Form%20Absentee%2020230623_fillable.pdf

League of Women Voters Info Page on Amendments https://my.lwv.org/north-carolina-state/action-alert/three-constitutional-amendments-north-carolinas-2026-ballot

(00:35) Sample ballots and key election dates (01:51) Why the school bonds matter (03:59) The case for a statewide school bond (05:58) The three constitutional amendments on your ballot (06:20) Amendment 1: limiting property tax increases (07:15) Amendment 2: capping the state income tax (08:29) Amendment 3: a new photo ID requirement (10:16) Don't skip the judicial races (11:19) Why the legislature wants these amendments locked in now (14:27) Political ad dishonesty, then and now (15:15) A disgustingly cruel attack ad against James Galliard (16:22) Erin Pare's fabricated outrage over Winn Decker (19:46) The "Cooper raised taxes" claim, debunked (22:28) Mary Ann Insprecker's party-flipping and the $8 "burger" ad (26:03) What you can do before Election Day

Advocacy Bites is hosted by Susan Book and Renee Sekel. Learn more and get involved at saveourschoolsnc.org.

Renee and Susan go over the new, legislatively forced policies addressing book bans and letting kids miss school for religious instruction. First up: an overhaul of Policy 3210 that expands who can challenge instructional and library materials from parents to essentially anyone in the community, opening the door to coordinated, repeat book challenges under the guise of "fairness." Then: a new "released time" policy that requires schools to let students miss up to 160 hours of instruction a year for off-campus religious teaching with Susan and Renee digging into LifeWise Academy, the Ohio-based organization pushing this nationwide, its own stated goal of reinstalling religion in public schools, and the troubling track record that comes with it.

It's a dense one, but they close with concrete ways to push back: showing up to speak at your school board meeting, or emailing your board members directly about the safeguards these policies still need.

Have thoughts on this episode? Join the conversation and find more ways to get involved at saveourschoolsnc.org.

(00:40) Two policies, one late state budget (01:10) Policy 3210: how book challenges work today (04:57) What's changing: challenges opened up to the whole community (07:40) Review timelines and the "one guy" problem (09:27) Show up and speak: getting involved at school board meetings (11:02) The real goal behind the book policy (14:11) Released time for religious instruction, explained (16:25) The hypocrisy of the attendance crackdown (17:52) Requested safeguards: background checks, no ads, no prizes (18:58) LifeWise Academy: the group behind "released time" (20:40) Predators, peer pressure, and disrupted classrooms (23:11) Where school board members stand (26:43) There's no shortage of ways to get religious instruction (28:49) What you can do next

Advocacy Bites is hosted by Susan Book and Renee Sekel. Learn more and get involved at saveourschoolsnc.org.

Renee and Susan discuss a local political fallout and how AI plays a larger role in our lives than we're all willing to admit. Hosts Susan Book and Renee Sekel start this episode with a confession: for once, they came to the mic without a tidy outline. That's because this week's topic came out of a real mess in their own online advocacy community: a moderator removed for posting AI-assisted content, a "divisiveness" pile-on, and a group that ultimately shut itself down.

What starts as community drama turns into a bigger conversation about how we talk about AI (spoiler: you're already using it, spell check counts), why naming a problem so often gets treated as worse than the problem itself, and the real emotional labor that holds advocacy communities together.

Have thoughts on this episode? Join the conversation and find more ways to get involved at saveourschoolsnc.org.

(00:41) The situation: a community leader is pushed out

(05:01) AI is a tool, not a villain

(12:59) When talking about the problem becomes "divisive"

(17:12) The emotional labor of advocacy

Advocacy Bites is hosted by Susan Book and Renee Sekel. Learn more and get involved at saveourschoolsnc.org.

Renee and Susan discuss the state budget that was 365 days late and countless dollars short.

The title says it all.

In this episode of Advocacy Bites, hosts Renée Sekel and Susan Book take a hard look at North Carolina's newly signed state budget, unpacking what made the process so controversial and why they believe the final product falls short for students, teachers, families, and communities. From delayed negotiations and last-minute legislative maneuvering to education funding, teacher pay, school vouchers, legal aid, child care, and public schools, they examine the budget's biggest wins, biggest losses, and the long-term consequences for North Carolina.

The conversation also explores what the budget means for public education, why one-time bonuses aren't a substitute for meaningful investment, and how policy changes tucked inside the spending bill could affect classrooms across the state. Renée and Susan also discuss Governor Josh Stein's decision to sign the budget, the ongoing Leandro school funding debate, concerns about voting rights and government accountability, and close the episode by honoring the life and legacy of education advocate Matt Ellinwood.

If you care about North Carolina politics, education policy, the state budget, teacher pay, school funding, public education, voting rights, or advocacy, this episode breaks down the headlines and explains why they matter—and what everyday advocates can do next.

(0:13) - Budget Passed in a Flash (1:24) - Conference Report Breakdown (2:18) - Late Budget Fallout (3:52) - Bonuses Not Backpay (7:31) - Teacher Pay Sleight of Hand (10:42) - Unfunded School Mandates (12:13) - Vouchers and Other Addons (14:06) - Childcare and PreK Gaps (15:28) - Religious Release Time Debate (16:22) - Governor Signs and Spins (20:11) - Elections Power Grab (21:07) - Remembering Matt Ellinwood

Matt Ellinwood obituary with link to support his family: https://obits.endswellfuneralhome.com/matthew-ellinwood. Stay connected at: http://saveourschoolsnc.org/

What does "right to work" actually mean and who does it really benefit?

In this episode of Advocacy Bites, hosts Renée Sekel and Susan Book continue their series breaking down North Carolina's proposed constitutional amendments by tackling one of the most misunderstood issues in state politics: the proposed Right-to-Work constitutional amendment.

Many North Carolinians assume "right to work" protects workers from being fired. In reality, the policy centers on labor unions, collective bargaining, and workplace rights. Renée and Susan unpack the history of right-to-work laws, explain how they affect union membership, wages, and worker protections, and explore why lawmakers want to move an existing state law into the North Carolina Constitution.

The conversation goes beyond definitions to examine what constitutional amendments are designed to do, why they're so difficult to reverse, and how changes to the state constitution can shape labor policy for generations. Whether you support unions, have questions about workers' rights, or simply want to better understand what's on your ballot, this episode offers the context every North Carolina voter should hear.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What "right to work" actually means—and what it doesn't
• The difference between right-to-work laws and at-will employment
• How union membership impacts wages, benefits, and workplace protections
• Why North Carolina has one of the lowest unionization rates in the country
• Why lawmakers want to place right-to-work into the state constitution
• How constitutional amendments can permanently reshape public policy
• What this proposal could mean for the future of workers' rights in North Carolina

If you're interested in North Carolina politics, constitutional amendments, labor unions, workers' rights, public policy, voting, civic engagement, labor law, collective bargaining, or state government, this episode provides the insight you need before heading to the ballot box.

(0:13) - Right to Work Explained (1:22) - Union Benefits and Freeloaders (3:24) - Why Amend the Constitution (5:34) - Taft Hartley and Origins (9:02) - NC Workers and Jim Crow Laws (13:45) - Personal Stories and Pro Business Myth (16:40) - Fear Messaging and Economic Reality (17:54) - Chamber Argument and Fairness (19:37) - Union Wins and Call to Action

Subscribe to Advocacy Bites on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with friends, coworkers, and anyone who wants to better understand how constitutional amendments can impact workers and the future of North Carolina.

Renee and Susan talk about the Property Tax Amendment that'll be on the ballot in November.

The Property Tax Problem might sound like an episode about budgets and tax bills, but it's really a conversation about the future of public education, local government, and democracy in North Carolina.

In this episode of Advocacy Bites, hosts Renée Sekel and Susan Book break down one of the proposed North Carolina constitutional amendments that could dramatically reshape how counties fund essential public services. They explain what the property tax amendment actually says, why its vague language has raised concerns, and how limiting local property tax authority could affect public schools, libraries, parks, emergency services, and county governments for years to come.

The discussion explores the history of property taxes in America, the relationship between taxation and democratic government, and why similar property tax proposals are appearing across multiple states. Renée and Susan also examine alternative approaches to property tax relief, the impact on school funding, and why local control matters when communities make decisions about their own priorities.

Whether you're preparing to vote, trying to understand the constitutional amendments on your ballot, or interested in public education and state politics, this episode provides the context you need to make an informed decision.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What the North Carolina property tax constitutional amendment actually does
• Why the amendment's language is so broad and controversial
• How property taxes fund public schools, libraries, parks, and county services
• The difference between property tax relief and property tax limits
• Why local control over taxation matters for communities
• How similar property tax proposals are appearing across the United States
• The connection between tax policy, education funding, and democracy

(2:01) - What The Amendment Says (4:20) - Why Property Taxes Matter (7:52) - Real Fixes And Relief Options (14:06) - Renee Spots A National Pattern (17:35) - Replacing Revenue And Regressive Taxes (24:33) - Vote No And Change The Tax Narrative (27:16) - Local Control Versus State Power

If you're passionate about public education, North Carolina politics, constitutional amendments, civic engagement, school funding, local government, voting, advocacy, or public policy, this episode offers practical insight into one of the most important issues facing voters this election season.

Subscribe to Advocacy Bites on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who wants to better understand what's on the ballot before Election Day.

What happens when constitutional rights exist on paper, but the government refuses to enforce them?

In this episode of Advocacy Bites, hosts Renee Sekel and Susan Book take a deep dive into the growing tension between constitutional rights, separation of powers, and public education funding in North Carolina. Using the ongoing Leandro school funding case as a backdrop, they explore what it means when courts issue rulings that are ignored, delayed, or weakened by political actors—and what that means for students, families, and everyday citizens.

Renee examines the constitutional questions at the heart of the Leandro litigation, including the role of the judiciary in protecting rights when legislatures fail to act. Susan connects those issues to the realities facing North Carolina's public schools, from teacher shortages and special education challenges to the broader consequences of chronic underfunding. Together, they discuss why elections, judicial races, and local advocacy matter more than ever in shaping the future of public education and civil rights.

The conversation also touches on federal education policy, the importance of protecting vulnerable students, the impact of language and public discourse, and how advocates can continue pushing for meaningful change even in difficult political moments.

If you care about public education, constitutional rights, school funding, education policy, civic engagement, advocacy, North Carolina politics, special education, judicial accountability, and democracy, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Topics Covered:

• The Leandro school funding case
• Constitutional rights and public education
• Separation of powers and judicial authority
• North Carolina Supreme Court decisions
• Teacher shortages and school funding
• Special education advocacy
• Civic engagement and voting
• State and federal education policy
• Protecting students' rights
• Everyday advocacy in action

(1:29) - How NC Amendments Work (3:15) - Distraction and Turnout Tactics (6:06) - Locking Power in the Constitution (12:59) - Tax and Voter ID Changes (17:46) - Legislative Chaos and Burnout (19:12) - Andor Manifesto Inspiration (21:04) - Call to Action

About Advocacy Bites: Hosted by Renee Sekel and Susan Book, Advocacy Bites explores what it means to be an everyday advocate and provides practical ways for listeners to get involved in issues affecting their communities, public education, and public policy.

Susan and Renee reminisce about the teacher march both past and present. Renee gives a little update on vouchers. Justice, public education, and the future of advocacy in North Carolina take center stage in this powerful episode of Advocacy Bites. Hosts Renee Sekel and Susan Book unpack the ongoing Leandro school funding case, the constitutional fight over educational rights, and the growing tensions between courts, legislatures, and public accountability.

From separation of powers and judicial inaction to teacher shortages, special education concerns, and the dismantling of public education systems, this episode dives deep into the policies shaping schools, students, and communities across North Carolina and beyond. Renee and Susan also discuss the importance of voting in local and judicial elections, advocacy at the state level, and why kindness, language, and civic engagement matter more than ever.

If you care about public schools, education funding, disability rights, democracy, school boards, teacher support, or grassroots advocacy, this episode is a must-listen.

Topics include:

• The Leandro education funding case

• North Carolina public schools

• School funding and constitutional rights

• Teacher shortages and classroom behavior

• Special education advocacy

• Judicial elections and state politics

• Education policy and local government

• Disability rights and inclusion

• Everyday advocacy and civic engagement

(0:38) - March Prep and Volunteering (4:19) - Conversations and No Budget (7:01) - New Energy and Hope (9:21) - Surprise Guest Sam Page (10:51) - Teacher Pay Political Spin (13:07) - Voting Rights Act Fallout (16:03) - Voucher Numbers and Myths (20:17) - Segregation and Broken Promises (22:00) - Keep Hope and Get Involved (23:20) - Union County Pride Plug (24:23) - Wrap Up and Call to Action

Advocacy Bites is hosted by Renee Sekel and Susan Book and explores what it means to be an everyday advocate — and how you can make a difference in your community.

Stay connected at: saveourschoolsnc.org

Susan and Renee share their experiences from a recent advocacy day at the North Carolina General Assembly.

From organizing behind the scenes to meeting with legislators face-to-face, they reflect on what it really means to be an everyday advocate—and why personal stories remain one of the most powerful tools for change.

Susan shares what it was like helping coordinate the event, training new advocates, and encouraging people to move beyond talking points to speak authentically about their lived experiences in public education, disability advocacy, and community organizing. Renee reflects on nine years of advocacy work, the nostalgia of returning to the legislature, and the importance of holding lawmakers accountable for public school funding and educational equity.

The episode also explores something rarely discussed in activism: the physical and emotional toll advocacy work can take. Renee and Susan openly discuss chronic pain, burnout, boundaries, aging in advocacy spaces, and why sustainable activism requires caring for both your body and your mental health.

With honest conversations about coalition building, legislative visits, public education funding, Leandro, and the realities of long-term grassroots organizing, this episode is both a reflection and a rallying cry for anyone wondering how to keep showing up in difficult times.

🎧 In this episode:

• Advocacy at the North Carolina General Assembly
• Grassroots organizing and coalition work
• Storytelling as a tool for political advocacy
• Public education and school funding
• Legislative meetings and accountability
• Chronic pain, burnout, and sustainable activism
• Building confidence as a first-time advocate
• Why community and persistence matter in advocacy work

Whether you're a longtime activist, a parent advocate, educator, organizer, or someone looking for ways to get involved locally, this episode offers encouragement, honesty, and practical insight into the work of advocacy and civic engagement.

Stay connected at: https://saveourschoolsnc.org/

Renee and Susan discuss the dismissal of the Leandro Case and where we go from here. We discuss the April 2nd court decision that saw Chief Justice Paul Newbie dismiss the 30-year-old Leandro case with prejudice.

Renee pulls no punches as she breaks down the legal "reverse engineering" used to end this landmark case, which sought to ensure every North Carolina child receives a sound, basic education. From the "flimsy" arguments regarding subject matter jurisdiction to the dismissal's implications for generations of students, this episode serves as both a legal autopsy and a call to arms.

But the episode doesn't stop at the "primal scream." Susan provides a roadmap for hope, reminding us that while a court case may be dismissed, the North Carolina Constitution remains alive and well.

Key Highlights:

• The "Newbie" Decision: Why dismissing the case "with prejudice" is a grave injustice that attempts to silence constitutional claims forever.

• The Racism of Rhetoric: A look at the historical context of the NC Constitution and how the recent opinion "sneers" at its post-Civil War origins.

• The Principles of Leandro: Why the focus on adequate, equitable, and accountable funding is more relevant now than ever.

• The Rise of "Little Leandros": Susan's predictions on the future of educational advocacy, from rural districts to students with disabilities.

• Call to Action: Concrete steps you can take right now, including upcoming rallies at the General Assembly and the May 1st Teacher March.

Important Dates for Advocates:

• April 21st: Join education advocates at the North Carolina General Assembly for a day of legislative meetings and action.

• May 1st: The "All Out" Teacher March – let's make Raleigh a sea of red once again.

• November 2026: Every seat in the legislature is up for grabs. Make Leandro your litmus test at the ballot box.

(0:13) - Leandro Ruling Shock

(2:08) - Dismissed With Prejudice

(4:20) - What With Prejudice Means

(6:39) - Opinion Dissected

(11:21) - Rhetoric and Citations

(13:50) - Why It Matters

(15:59) - Leandro Principles Live On

(20:07) - Budget Season Roadmap

(23:05) - Elections and Courts

(25:48) - Action Steps and Events

Show Notes:

Join us April 21st for an Education Advocacy Day at the NCGA https://pastorsforncchildren.org/2026/02/10/april-21-public-education-advocacy-day/ All out May 1st : https://www.ncae.org/about-ncae/media-center/press-releases/ncae-and-educators-across-north-carolina-march-state-capital

Don't let the "L-word" die. Listen in to find out how you can help keep the fight for public education alive in your community.

If you found this episode helpful, please rate, comment, and share it with someone who needs to hear this "primal scream of rage" and turn it into action.