Changing Charlotte: An Advocacy Podcast by UNCC Students

Byron Cousin Jr.

In this podcast we had the pleasure to interview with the Disability Rights and Resources center for the Charlotte, North Carolina area. We discussed the advocacy work they do in the community, some of the people in charge, and overall some knowledge about the organization that the general public might not be aware of. Also, clarification about who the group helps and what can deem someone as having a disability. To learn more about the organization go to https://www.disability-rights.org/?page_id=37 and take a read.

The Abandon Project is a non-profit organization located in East Charlotte whose mission is “To model the love of Jesus to hurting communities who deserve freedom from negative cycles.” In this episode, Riley Smith, a senior at UNC Charlotte, interviews the Community Outreach Advocate for the Abandon Project and discusses the epidemic of broken homes in America, it’s impact, and what is being done about it.

Outside audio clips used:

"Impact of The Fatherless" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeD90uQR9zA

"Absentee Fathers Are Destroying the United States" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df8vK3nwJYE&t=26s

"Report: Fatherless homes hurting young, black teens" - https://www.newschannel5.com/news/report-fatherless-homes-hurting-young-black-teens

The American Foster care system needs major work but you may not know there are already people on the ground advocating for individual children. Also along the path of foster care, there are stories of families who find their missing piece.

The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation has become the leading organization in the fight against Duke Energy’s coal ash contamination of surface and groundwater resources in the Catawba River Basin. In this episode, Taylor Burns meets with the Riverkeeper himself to discuss the current state of the fight and where things go from here.

In this episode, UNCC student Kellen Hand sits down with Vietnam Veteran Richard Chenail to discuss his experience in the service and after. Later on we profile VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), a staple veterans advocacy group with a lot of big legislative decisions under their belt.

Music provided by Joseph McDade and Bensound.com

My name is Andrew Carag and this podcast documents advocacy that is being done in Charlotte, NC towards substance abuse and addiction. 

Climate change is effecting so much more than just the environment. Demanding governmental action and increasing common knowledge on the conversation for change will bring a new generation of individuals who will depart from old habits. In this episode, UNCC student Madison Reed introduces 350 Charlotte, a local group that is centered around direct-action advocacy. UNCC professor, Tina Katsanos, is a member of 350 Charlotte and she shares her efforts in protest, education, and reform. 

Hope Reins is a Christian-based, nonprofit organization located in Raleigh, NC that treats childhood trauma with equine therapy. In this episode, UNC Charlotte student Mackenzie Giba meets with Hope Reins CEO and Founder Kim Tschirret to understand how the organization tries to fill a gap in mental health resources in the state of North Carolina.