People in Common

Carolina Lopez leads the Partnership for Large Election Jurisdictions (PLEJ), a national network supporting the officials who run elections for more than 123 million Americans. When election officials face threats, natural disasters threaten polling places, or misinformation spreads, Carolina and her network are the first responders. It's all about "agility, resilience, and network." We talk about why elections matter to everything we hold dear, how PLEJ builds trust across deep political divides, and what it looks like when Republicans and Democrats work together to protect the foundation of our democracy. Carolina shares stories from her decade running elections in Miami-Dade County, explains how peer support works when officials come under attack, and offers concrete ways we can all show up for the people protecting democracy at the local level.The conversation gets real about the challenges election officials face, from armed interference to misinformation campaigns. And it also highlights an incredible network of dedicated public servants who refuse to be divided, who show up for each other across partisan lines, and who are more prepared than ever to protect our collective ability to participate in democracy.Action Opportunities Be a Prepared Voter: Ensure your voter registration is accurate. Confirm your polling location. Check your local election office website. Support Your Local Elections:Become a poll worker (there's a critical shortage) at powerthepolls.orgFollow your local elections office; they're the subject-matter experts in your communityWhen your local office is strapped for resources, show up: write a proactive op-ed, volunteer, send a letter to the board, or speak at a budget hearingSupport the Work:Donate to PLEJ at taketheplej.orgFollow @taketheplej on social media to stay informedFor Election Officials:PLEJ-eligible election offices: Consider joining the networkAll election offices: Access PLEJ's nonpartisan, publicly available resources and operational forecasting tools at taketheplej.orgKey TakeawaysIn a world where the integrity and efficiency of elections are crucial, Carolina Lopez is a beacon of hope and innovation. As the founding executive director of PLEJ, she is leading a transformative movement that connects large election jurisdictions across the United States.1. The Birth of PLEJ: A Network for Election OfficialsCarolina Lopez founded PLEJ to create the first national nonprofit network for large election offices. The goal: foster collaboration and share best practices on things like "How do we get [voters] in and out the door quicker?" 2. The Village of Support: A Unique Approach Carolina describes a collaborative environment where election officials can share knowledge and resources. This collaborative approach not only enhances problem-solving but also builds a community among election officials, enabling them to navigate challenges more effectively.3. Addressing Challenges to ElectionsCarolina highlights the importance of preparedness, especially in the face of threats, whether natural disasters, pandemics, or cybersecurity threats. She emphasizes the need for early detection of potential issues. "How do you communicate transparently?"4. Continuous Improvement: Learning from Each Election"You're only as good as the last [election]." PLEJ serves as a platform for learning and sharing experiences, helping election officials adapt and grow with each election cycle. The focus on best practices ensures that every election is more efficient and voter-friendly than the last.Carolina Lopez is all about the power of collaboration and continuous improvement in elections. By fostering a support network among large election jurisdictions, PLEJ makes elections more efficient and ensures that the voices of voters are heard and respected. In an increasingly complex electoral landscape, the principles of transparency, preparedness, and community support are essential.

Picking up where they left off dancing on stage, Baron tells Jama: "I think that's what dance has taught me is just like sports, be comfortable being uncomfortable."Baron Davis is a two-time NBA All-Star who led the league in steals twice and now invests in 26+ companies. He founded Business Inside the Game (BIG), connecting athletes, creators, and entrepreneurs, and Sports, Lifestyle in Culture (SLIC), which empowers creators through original content and IP development.Be Comfortable Being Uncomfortable"I was just having fun. I was just kind of doing something that people wouldn't expect. I think it's overall just conquering the fear, like living outside your comfort zone." Baron's philosophy isn't just about movement. It's about taking action despite fear and learning faster by throwing yourself to the wolves.Show Up Ready, No Matter Who Shows Up"I was ready for 400 people but only four people showed up. If I'm ready like this every time, you never know when the 40 to the 400 are going to show up." You don't wait for perfect conditions. You show up prepared, stay consistent, and welcome whatever comes as a chance to learn rather than failure. Baron talks about the reality checks, the days that aren't the greatest. The question is: how do you overcome? How do you continue to push through? The answer is readiness. Present moment awareness. Always be learning.The 5%"The 5% in the corner having a good time become the gravitational pull for the other 95%." Change doesn't happen by convincing everyone. It happens when a core group is so aligned and energized that others naturally want to join.Media That Honors PeopleToo much media focuses on "argumentative, debating, knocking people down" instead of honoring people's stories, their sacrifice, their full humanity. Baron's calling for media that celebrates the complete story. Where people come from, what they've sacrificed, who they are. "A lot of that makes up your story and your DNA." Quality and substance over noise.Learn From Mistakes"Here are the mistakes that I made...Here are the ways that I would definitely tell you to go the other way." The most valuable thing you can give someone isn't just your wins. It's the honest account of what didn't work, how you learned the hard way so they don't have to. Real roadmaps.Baron's Leadership Lessons"Be Comfortable Being Uncomfortable""Champions are made when nobody's around, when you're putting in the work behind closed doors""Throw me to the wolves. I learn faster when I'm around wolves and sharks""There is no failure, only incremental stages on the way to success"Action OpportunitiesLearn more: Business Inside the Game at bigsummits.com and @BIGsummits, SLIC Studios at slicsports.com, @BaronDavis on InstagramBe part of the 5%: Be comfortable being uncomfortable. Practice curiosity. Show up ready. Give someone the ball.Support entrepreneurs: Invest in companies from underrepresented founders. Attend BIG Summit events. Amplify creators through SLIC. Support companies that serve everyone, not just shareholders.Chapters00:00 The Power of Dance and Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable02:54 Cultural Shifts and the 5% Influence05:53 Leadership vs. Individual Talent08:40 The Responsibility of Storytelling11:32 The Impact of Information Overload14:34 Legacy and the Future of Culture19:53 The Value of Storytelling in Community22:17 Building Beloved Communities23:51 The Shift in Community Engagement26:20 Reevaluating Personal Values and Community29:16 The Entrepreneurial Journey and Community Support32:02 Navigating Entrepreneurship and Investor Relationships34:56 Meeting People Where They Are36:56 "There is no failure, only incremental stages on the way to success"

Mel Allbright opened her Arizona home to Jama Adams for five weeks before the 2024 election, not because she's a professional organizer, but because she believes in showing up for people. A retired Kyrene School District professional and baseball coach, she and her husband Al, an Air Force veteran, embody grassroots democracy: meaningful welcome, homemade meals, looking out for each other at rallies, and maintaining relationships across political divides. We talk about respecting differences and meaningful dialogue, bridging divides, and the joy of 'finding our people.' Through Mel's story, we discover how small acts of care sustain movements, why respect means standing against bullies, and how eight years of community building in Serbia enabled people to stand together against Milosevic. Strong communities built on trust and care are how we get through tough times, together.## Chapters00:00 - Introductions and BackgroundJama introduces Mel, who was her host during the 2024 election campaign in Arizona.02:00 - How It All StartedMel shares the story of how she decided to open her home to a stranger for the campaign.05:00 - First Rally ExperienceThey recount their first political rally together in Maricopa's intense heat.08:00 - Obama Rally MagicMel describes her crowd control role at the Obama rally and her emotional reaction to Gabby Giffords.14:00 - The Power of Small GesturesDiscussion about how simple kindness and smiles can change people's lives.19:00 - Finding Common GroundMel explains how she connects with people across political divides through shared humanity.26:00 - Standing Against BulliesThey discuss respect, dignity, and why certain behaviors are unacceptable in leaders.35:00 - Encouragement and CommunityMel offers advice on making a difference and the importance of local community involvement.5:00 - Closing and GratitudeHeartfelt goodbyes and expressions of mutual appreciation for their friendship.## Guest BiographyMel Allbright spent over 24 years with Kyrene School District in Arizona. Before that, she was a Lead Document Specialist at BP, held positions at Alaska Airlines, and has had jobs across the spectrum, including bread truck driver, experiences that taught her how to connect with all kinds of people. Now retired, she and her husband Al (a Navy veteran and longtime volunteer umpire) are beloved in their community as baseball coaches who've spent decades building relationships across divides. When Mel opened her home to organizer Jama Adams for five weeks before the 2024 election, she demonstrated what grassroots democracy looks like, with welcome messages, homemade meals, and genuine relationships built on shared humanity. Her gift for connecting across political divides shows the joy of finding our people in challenging times.

Col. Pam Stevenson is Kentucky's House Minority Floor Leader and U.S. Senate candidate. She founded the Stevenson Law Center providing pro bono legal services, serves as an ordained minister, and is the first Black woman to lead a legislative caucus in Kentucky. Col. Pam brings 27 years of Air Force service as a Judge Advocate General who negotiated in 11 countries, and learned "there's more than one way to do everything" and "you've got to treat people with a lot of respect." Her approach starts with one simple question: "What can I do to serve you?"‍Action OpportunitiesLearn more about Col. Pam Stevenson: stevensonforsenate.com @ColPamStevenson "Stand up. Find joy. Every day." Start with one—donate one dollar, do one thing that gives you joyCreate your own narrative (vs. respond to others' frameworks)Ask "What can I do to serve you?" in your next difficult conversationFind ways to work with "all people, not just your people" in your community. Support veterans and seniors through pro bono services or advocacyCarry forward Col. Pam’s grandmother’s legacy of sacrifice and generational investment: “Whose ‘Lucy’ will you be?” How are you going to show up in such a big way for somebody?The "Lucy" Example: How to Approach Change"Let me give you an example. There was a leader, Lucy. Lucy was born in the early 1800s. And Lucy dropped out of the sixth grade, got married at age 14, had 15 kids. And when Lucy had a grandchild, she decided that she was going to save 10 cents a month to pay for an insurance policy so her grandkid could go to college. She did extra stuff to earn that 10 cents a month…She dreamed a whole world for me that she knew she couldn't be for herself. She couldn't go downtown, she couldn't file a police report, she could do none of those things. But she did what she could do to make sure I could…And when I turned 18, the insurance company gave me the policy because Lucy was my grandmother."Whose Lucy are you? Who are you standing for? That's where we've got to start. You don't have to do everything. Just do one thing. One thing that gives you joy. One thing that fills your soul. One thing that's of use to another human. One thing!"‍Democratic Leadership PrinciplesCol. Stevenson's core leadership lessons from 11 countries:"There's more than one way to do everything""You've got to treat people with a lot of respect"Start every conversation with "What can I do to serve you?""Living for something bigger than self"‍Spiritual FoundationsPractice asking "What can I do to serve you?"Respect is the foundation of all successful negotiationsFind joy daily to sustain over the long-term"Whose Lucy will you be? How are you going to show up in such a big way for somebody?" Chapters00:00 Setting the Stage00:58 The Power of Community and Support04:01 Personal Background and Military Service06:56 Vision for Kentucky and Leadership09:48 Responsibility in Society13:08 Overcoming Division and Promoting Unity15:59 The Role of Love in Addressing Challenges18:54 Creating Our Own Narrative20:49 The Power of Community Engagement23:44 Meeting People Where They Are29:24 Lessons from Global Experiences34:46 Living for Something Bigger Than Self36:16 Faith and Service: The Foundation of Action37:19 America's Ideals and Inconsistencies38:47 Leading from Where You Are and Taking Action Now42:38 The Power of One: Small Actions, Big Impact44:37 Engaging the Disengaged: Building Community46:17 Fighting for Future Generations48:57 Duty, Honor, and Collective Power

In a special role reversal, producer Phil Ybarrolaza interviews me about the journey behind People in Common and what it means to build an authentic community when everything feels like it's falling apart. Phil—who reached out to offer his production skills because he wanted to get more voices like mine out there—digs into the real questions: How do we find courage when institutions are crumbling? What does it actually take to turn shared values into collective action? And why does building a beloved community matter more than ever right now?We explore everything from the ethics of AI and the role of philanthropy to the complexities of identity politics and the urgent need for genuine human connection. Phil pushes me on the hard stuff—the aftermath of 2024, the challenge of organizing across differences, and why we can't just wait for heroes to save us. This conversation gets to the heart of what People in Common is really about: creating spaces where we can have honest conversations, recognize our shared humanity, and figure out how to do hard things together, joyfully.Action Opportunities:• Join the People in Common community https://www.jamaadams.com/people-in-common-podcast• Act in a way that creates the "Beloved Community" - https://thekingcenter.org/about-tkc/the-king-philosophy/• Check out local community organizing opportunities through groups like Indivisible - https://indivisible.org• Practice "quiet resistance" in your workplace and daily life—living your values openly and creating space for others to do the same• Consider how you can use your skills and resources to support the movements and causes you care aboutChapter Markers:• 00:13 Reflecting on the year so far (February 2025)• 00:39 Reviving 'People in Common' Podcast• 00:57 The Importance of Conversations and Community• 04:37 Discussing Influential Figures and Their Impact• 10:43 The Role and Future of AI and Humans• 17:33 Ethical Considerations in AI• 24:33 The Giving Pledge Initiative• 25:33 Philanthropy and Impact Investing and The Role of Courage• 40:36 Quiet Resistance and Workplace Dynamics• 44:16 Opportunities for Positive ImpactKey Topics Discussed:• The vision behind People in Common and why we need more platforms for authentic dialogue• How technology and AI should serve human connection rather than replace it• The role of philanthropy in creating systemic change (and why billionaires shouldn't have yachts while others lack basic needs)• Building courage in the face of institutional breakdown and authoritarian threats• Why identity politics gets weaponized and how we can navigate complex identities with integrity• The importance of treating immigrants and all marginalized communities with dignity• Creating "beloved community" where honest conversations can happen across difference• Why we need human-curated content and genuine dialogue more than everAbout Phil Ybarrolaza:Phil is the producer who makes People in Common possible. An accomplished community builder and media professional with over two decades of experience in organizing, labor advocacy, and content creation, he reached out to offer his production skills because he believes in practicing what he preaches. With a background spanning union organizing (including roles as president of Teamsters Local 624 and business representative for multiple locals), podcasting, and digital media strategy, Phil brings deep expertise in connecting people around shared values."I work with other podcasters and content creators to make things that they love. Helping people communicate positive messages via online, print, and media is my true passion in life!" Phil's commitment to amplifying important conversations and his skill in creating space for honest dialogue make him the perfect partner for this work. His perspective on technology, ethics, and building authentic connections becomes part of every conversation. Thank you, Phil!