In this thought-provoking episode of "The Kindness Is Pod," host Kaitlin engages in a meaningful conversation with Karen Svoboda, a passionate advocate for inclusive education and civil rights.

Karen shares her inspiring journey as a co-founder of Defense of Democracy, an organization committed to protecting public schools from extremist groups. She sheds light on their efforts to raise awareness about these groups and mobilize communities to stand up for inclusive education.

The conversation delves into the challenges of confronting divisive ideologies and the importance of finding common ground while still standing firm against harmful beliefs. Karen shares stories of the organization's impact, from crushing extremist agendas in local school board elections to empowering individuals to speak up for justice.

Throughout the episode, Kaitlin and Karen emphasize the need for collective action and the power of voting to protect the fabric of democracy. Listeners are encouraged to join the movement by getting involved with Defense of Democracy and making their voices heard in the pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Tune in to this enlightening episode, and be inspired to take action and create a brighter future for generations to come.

Transcript

QUOTES
"The community was not aware of this threat. And now those communities have problems"

"So, in Defense of Democracy, we kind of operate on two tenets. One of them is raising awareness about extremist groups"

"We support inclusive teachers and administrators and elected officials who are democratic in their understanding of the constitution in our country."

"The majority of people in this country are democratic. They understand the constitution, they understand the laws, they understand the way this country was meant to be"

"These extremists and these fascists are very scary."

"Defense of Democracy is the only national organization that is single focused on protecting the public schools from Christian nationalists."

"Being part of Defense of Democracy does give you a certain amount of comfort"

"We are very clear with our volunteers, you don't exaggerate. You don't lie. You don't make things up. You just state the facts because you don't have to. They're horrifying. There's no need to exaggerate what's going on."

"There's a very bad element in this country"

"Most of them really believe that they are saving this country and what it is burning it to the ground, if they're allowed to do it."

"The only thing that can be done, and this is critical, is people have to vote."

"The fabric of our democracy is the right to vote, and that needs to be taken advantage of."

"Get out and vote...or don't complain"

"Get out and vote, or just accept the fact that things are what they are. And I'm praying that nobody continues to accept the fact that things are going to be going the way that they have been."

"So it does take sometimes coming out of your comfort zone and hearing the call of what needs to be done and then just doing it."

"Kindness to me has an awful lot to do with empathy."

"When you can feel empathy for someone, especially if they're people who don't have a voice, and you do, you can use that kindness and that feeling that you have to speak for those who can't...you can to be an example to others around you of how people should be treated"

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