Grassroots: SURJ Columbus Uses “People Power” to Work Against Racial Injustice

Getting involved in the fight for racial justice can be intimidating for the average white progressive. Where do you fit? How do you let your voice be heard without drowning out the black and brown voices of the movement? How do you contribute without coming off as a “white savior?” Showing Up for Racial Justice […]
Brain Science and Mental Healthcare Combine at Directions for Youth & Families

Childhood trauma isn’t like an old t-shirt. It’s not something that can be tossed aside or outgrown. A woman who grew up with her father’s substance abuse, her mother’s incarceration, and the resulting physical and emotional neglect is 12 times more likely to attempt suicide. She’s at three times the risk for heart disease and […]
Grassroots: The Socialist Alternative Fights for the Working Class in Columbus

If there’s mobilization behind a progressive policy, more than likely the Socialist Alternative is involved. The international organization, originating in the UK in the 50s and landing stateside in 1984, established its Columbus chapter in 2013. “We’re not a single issue organization,” said Kyle Landis, local activist and member of the Socialist Alternative. “Anywhere people […]
Grassroots: The Free Skool for Humans Breaks Educational Boundaries

Anyone who’s gone to school likely shares a similar notion of how things are supposed to go: one instructor stands in front of a group of students and tries to teach them something — physics, graphic design, Women and Gender Studies 101, how to sing or play an instrument — the list can go on […]
Grassroots: Yes We Can Wants Political Involvement to Become Mainstream

Note: In this new profile series, CU will take a look at the goals and functions of Columbus’ grassroots organizations to spur community awareness and involvement in them. This is the first installment, so stay tuned for future profiles. For the concerned Columbusite, knowing how to get involved in neighborhood issues can be a task […]
Meet the Most Imaginative Bartender in Columbus

When Annie Williams got into bartending years ago, it was with the same intention as many a wary drink slinger has: an easy way to make money while in college. She started, as most, honing her bottle-opening skills at sports bars, but the rest of her story diverges here a bit from the norm. A […]