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

The Lineup: Week of Feb. 20-26, 2012

Raul A. Reyes points out the dangers of “self-deportation,” Mitt Romney’s plan for resolving the nation’s immigration challenges.

Coal Smoke and Planetary Fever

As the climate changes, a deadly disease is on the rise.

Go Deport Yourself

Romney’s “self-deportation” policy is no joke.

Dodging the Media on the Campaign Trail

Mitt Romney’s Colorado tour illustrates how shallow coverage becomes when candidates evade the scrutiny of real journalists.

Legislating Under the Influence

Conservatives who want jobless Americans seeking unemployment benefits to submit to mandatory drug testing have a hidden motive.

The Fight over Reproductive Rights

Liberals aren’t trying to make anyone use birth control.

Inside Rick Santorum’s Head

For him, the right to privacy doesn’t exist.

Get Ready for War with Iran

All this imperial conniving is giving the Republican presidential candidates, except the isolationist Ron Paul, plenty to yammer about.

Pee for Food

Conservative lawmakers want to drug-test the unemployed.

Populism and Pain in Obama’s 2013 Budget Proposal

Here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly from a budget proposal where Obama is letting the 1 percent off rather easy, while the rest of us, especially the poor, shoulder the pain.

The Lineup: Week of Feb. 13-19, 2012

Bartlett Naylor calls on the government to fulfill a commitment to curb reckless behavior on Wall Street.

The Real Social Security Crisis

It may be difficult to face facts in an election year, but the fact is that Social Security retirement benefits are just too low.

Black Women Make History Too

Coretta Scott King was MLK’s equal partner.

Risky Business

Astronomic compensation remains the norm on Wall Street.

Politics, Perpetrators, and the Plight of Women

Angelina Jolie’s “In the Land of Blood and Honey” is an important reminder that the international community can’t forgo its responsibility to respond to genocide.

Un-Presidential Primaries

Despite the Santorum speed bump, it seems certain now that Mitt Romney will be the eventual nominee.

The Chief Twinkie Goes Ding Dong

After sinking into bankruptcy, Hostess Brands is trying to squeeze its workers without disrupting its junk food sales.

American Roulette

You take the risks, they reap the profits.

Racist Double Whammy

African Americans are disproportionately impacted by the Great Recession and the Great Disenfranchisement.

Kaul’s New Super PAC Draws Donor

This bazzilionaire, alas, only has her golden sense of humor to offer.