OtherWords

OtherWords is a free, non-profit editorial service published by the Institute for Policy Studies. Each week, OtherWords distributes a batch of publication-ready op-eds, along with a cartoon, to thousands of readers — including hundreds of editors of small and medium-sized newspapers. Each year, these op-eds appear thousands of times in local newspapers throughout the country, as well as in a growing number of online outlets. We believe that strong social movements need informed citizens, and that people learn best from conversations in their own communities — neighbor-to-neighbor. But between a consolidated, corporate-controlled mass media and a deafening social media echo chamber, it’s gotten harder than ever to have these conversations, especially in smaller communities with few local media options.

Through OtherWords, we’re able to provide millions of readers in America’s heartland with intelligent commentary on a range of progressive causes — on climate, inequality, war and peace, the movements for race and gender justice, and beyond. Through the trusted local papers that use our service, we reach readers in red, blue, and purple states alike with well-written, timely commentaries on the national issues that affect their lives. To read our work or get information about publishing it in your community, check out OtherWords.org.

Sign up for Otherwords

Latest Work

Losing Their Grip

The Supreme Court’s affirmation of the right to marry and its rainbow-striped afterglow unleashed conservative tantrums.

How Would Francis Invest?

Heed the pope’s call to tread more lightly upon the Earth by making your money fossil-free.

Taking Our Sweet Crude Time

World leaders are resolving to stop cooking the planet after they’re dead.

All Hacked Up

The Justice Department should stop targeting hardworking Americans and start protecting us from actual threats.

Three Felonies a Day

In the world’s most incarcerated country, some high-profile sex offenders walk free.

Tightening Whose Belt?

As a millennial, I take the push to ditch the estate tax personally.

A Green-Energy Founding Father

Scott Sklar fights for independence from fossil fuels by being whimsical and wonky.

Re-entering Society — and the Voting Booth

Nearly three dozen states restrict felons from voting even after they’ve served their time.

Faking It While the World Burns

Words alone won’t hinder climate change.

The Latest Victim in the War on Whistleblowers

Jeffrey Sterling learned the hard way that the feds will throw the book at anyone who embarrasses them.

A Fossil-Fueled Fantasy

Coal-burning power plants that capture carbon aren’t worth the expense.

Virginia Is for Dirty-Energy Lovers

Dominion is skimping on solar and wind as it aims to build a fracked-gas pipeline and another nuclear reactor.

Converting the Fossil-Fuel Fundamentalists

Pope Francis is redefining the ongoing transition to greener energy as a moral and spiritual obligation.

Congressional Coddling of the Rich

Congress is gutting vital programs for the poor while heaping billions of dollars of relief on a few wealthy families.

Coal’s Collateral Damage

The industry is still wrecking the Appalachians as it withers.

The Divestment Dividend

Investors who refuse to put their money into oil, gas, and coal may reap financial gains for doing the right thing.

It’s Not Easy for Obama to Prove He’s Green

Hillary Clinton would probably stick with his counterproductive energy policies.

Blowing Past Political Turbulence

Dawdling lawmakers won’t snuff out the wind industry’s growth.

Talk Climate to Me

Florida Governor Rick Scott’s henchmen punish staffers who utter the words “climate change.”

Edison’s Bright Idea

The inventor wished the sun could power his inventions.