Progress Pod

We had a great conversation with Dr. Galarza of Shippensburg University's Social Work Department. Her areas of focus include intersectionality, Latinx sexuality, sexual/gender identities and experiences, narrative therapy, and feminist therapy. We touched on it all, and discussed the implications of the impending decision from the U.S. Supreme Court regarding civil rights around gender identity and sexual orientation.

Reading is fundamental. But many among us struggle with this basic skill. The negative consequences of low literacy run deep, so organizations like the Franklin County Literacy Council serve a vital role in our community's health. Listen in as we talk with Angie Wilt of the Franklin County Literacy Council about the effects of low literacy and how you can find help or be of help to others.

The ALICE project describes the hard-working people in our community who are employed and earning, yet struggling month-to-month to make ends meet. On this edition of the Progress Pod we talk about the report with representatives of the United Way of Franklin County; Amy Hicks, Executive Director, Amy Weibley, Community Impact and Communications Director, and Kim Crider, Board member and Campaign Chair.

Believe it or not tourism is big business in Franklin County, PA. Maybe you even have plans to explore some of the sights of our own backyard this Labor Day weekend. For locals interested in furthering and sharing their knowledge of the area, the Franklin County Visitors Bureau offers a Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) program. Listen in as we talk tourism with Doug Harmon who directs the CTA program at the Visitors Bureau, and Angie Lynch, Certified Tourism Ambassador.

Dr. Flagler is Associate Professor of Social Work and Gerontology at Shippensburg University. She's also a co-founder of Ship's Institute for Social Inclusion. An important part of her work includes advocating and providing opportunity for "everyday" social inclusion for those with intellectual disabilities. Listen in to hear more about her research and personal insight.

Bringing together the right individuals, organizations and groups is key when it comes to doing the important work of preserving the landscape in South Central Pennsylvania. Listen in to find out what that work entails, from Katie Hess, Director of the South Mountain Partnership.

Listen in for the latest efforts to end gerrymandering in Pennsylvania. Just before we began recording our conversation with Lex McMillan, the Supreme Court handed down it's 5-4 decision on gerrymandering. We talk about that, and next steps in Pennsylvania with Dr. McMillan

We talk with Franklin Bumbaugh (aka Lolli Cox) and photographer Phillip Michael Whitley of the Pride Franklin County steering committee about this year's event, to be held August 4th, and about their work representing and increasing awareness of the county's LGBTQ+ community.

A new leader of the Chambersburg Area School District officially takes the helm on July 1st. Listen in as we get to know Dr. Dion Betts; his background, his ideas, and his goals for the 9000+ students, faculty and staff of the district.

We talk political polarization, culture and media with Dr. Alison Dagnes, Professor of Political Science at Shippensburg University and author of the new book "Super Mad at Everything All the Time: Political Media and Our National Anger".