Our take

Everyday the government makes decisions that affect our lives; from the water we drink, the food our kids eat and how much money we bring home. Being informed is one of the first steps in building our power and creating change in our communities.

The Washington Post: Trump thrusts abortion fight into crucial midterm elections

By Eleanore Wood | May 22, 2018

The Trump administration announced that it is taking action to dismantle federal funding for health clinics. The proposed change would mean ANY health clinic that even mentions abortion services to patients cannot receive Title X funds, which means many would be forced to choose between actual health care and closing their doors. Doctors and nurses…

Winston Salem Journal: Our view: Our teachers deserve help

By Eleanore Wood | May 17, 2018

North Carolinians support their teachers.  Teachers in our state are working in crumbling buildings, with no supplies, for low pay.  Many teachers work multiple jobs to make ends meet.  Republicans want us to believe that they have fixed the problem, but according to our teachers, the problems have only gotten worse.  The people of this…

The Winston-Salem Journal: Stand with the teachers

By Eleanore Wood | May 15, 2018

On May 16th thousands of educators across North Carolina will be heading to Raleigh to confront lawmakers and demand more funding for our schools.  Teachers in North Carolina make $9,600 less than the national average.  Many teachers work multiple jobs to make ends meet.  Classroom funding has been cut in half over the last 10…

The Chicago Tribune: I don’t think abortion is murder, and neither do you

By Eleanore Wood | May 4, 2018

Americans– both pro- and anti-abortion– do not believe abortions are homicide. This idea is just a tool of the anti-abortion movement to punish and stigmatize those who have abortions. Even anti-abortion zealots do not advocate for treating those who exercise this right in the same way we do murderers. This means that the whole “abortion…

Winston Salem Journal: We should join Forsyth judges standing up to legislative attacks

By Eleanore Wood | April 30, 2018

Legislators in Raleigh have had unconstitutional bill after unconstitutional bill struck down by the courts.  Their answer is to try to take over the courts and appoint judges themselves in order to pass their extreme agenda without interference. Judges from both parties are speaking out against this undemocratic idea.  It’s time our legislature stop this attack on…

The Greensboro News & Record: N.C. public school workers have little to fear and everything to gain

By Eleanore Wood | April 17, 2018

When adjusted for inflation, educators in North Carolina are making 12% less than they were in 1999.  Their classroom budgets have been cut in half over the last 10 years.  They continue to be asked to move mountains without being given the resources to do it.  Educators around the country are demanding that conditions be…

From The Winston-Salem Journal: Town hall highlights concerns with education funding in N.C.

By Eleanore Wood | April 12, 2018

When adjusted for inflation teachers in North Carolina are making 12% less than they were in 1999.  Per pupil spending in the last ten years has been cut in half.  The expectations for teacher’s performance continues to get higher yet they are given fewer and fewer resources.  It’s time that our teachers be paid a decent…

Rewire: Scott Walker Just Made Wisconsin the Latest State to Ban Abortion Coverage for Government Workers

By Eleanore Wood | April 12, 2018

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker recently signed a bill prohibiting the state’s health insurance program from covering abortion care for state and local public workers. This is just another attempt by conservatives to take away health insurance from those who need it. All people deserve access to affordable abortion care. In North Carolina, abortion is covered…

From The Salisbury Post: Teachers, students put civics into action

By Eleanore Wood | April 9, 2018

Teachers and students around the country are exercising their rights to demand action from lawmakers.  Teachers are demanding better pay and students are demanding a safer world. Together they have the potential to change education in our country to be safer and more effective.  It’s time politicians listen and represent the best interest of the people.…

From Public Radio East: Teacher Vacancies Hard To Fill In ENC

By Eleanore Wood | April 6, 2018

Recent tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations led to big cuts in public school funding in North Carolina. When adjusted for inflation teachers in our state are making 12% less than they were in 1999-2000. Now teacher shortages are a problem around the state as teachers move away for higher pay or quit…