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

Durban Diary: What’s on the Table?

Many countries — especially the wealthiest ones — are dragging their feet.

Durban Diary: UN Summit’s Stormy Backdrop

Scientists are finding increasing evidence that climate change is behind the recent surge in extreme weather.

The Lineup: Week of Nov. 28-Dec. 4, 2011

Janet Redman sizes up the latest reasons for the international community to take bold action to halt climate change.

A Blizzard of Bad Climate News

If you want to get your grandkids something they’ll be really thankful for this holiday season, fight to stop climate change.

A Main Street Jobs Agenda

Putting more money in the hands of those who already have jobs so they can buy more Chinese imports does very little to put Americans to work in good jobs that pay good wages.

The Cost of Congressional Dithering

The Violence Against Women Act isn’t just about women.

The UC Davis Pepper Spray Incident

Lt. John Pike hosed down a line of silent, passive, determined, and frightened students, as if they were nothing more than weeds he needed to kill.

Shocked and Disappointed

Walmart’s sales are down because people are skimping on things like milk and food while Saks Fifth Avenue is selling lots of $1,000 handbags and $2,000 suits.

Catering to the Frozen Pizza Lobby

Doting on the financial interests Coca Cola, ConAgra, and Del Monte instead of America’s school kids isn’t going to get the approval rating for Congress recover from an all-time low.

Climate Denial Man

The climate may change, but he won’t change his mind.

Chump U

For-profit colleges are too fixated on the corporate bottom line.

The Lineup: Week of Nov. 21-27, 2011

Sarah Anderson suggests concrete steps toward a more balanced budget that would make the U.S. economy healthier, more equitable, and sustainable and rein in runaway military spending.

Occupy the Budget

How to pay for the crisis while making our nation more equitable, green, and secure.

Is Iran Iraq All Over Again?

The nuclear intelligence that the media is fixated on consists mostly of allegations of abstract research that have been floating around for years.

Misrepresenting Occupy Wall Street

Even the Anti-Defamation League denies that the Occupy movement is infused with anti-Semitism, but ultra-conservative pundits are sticking with that non-story anyway.

Occupy Your Bank

Once a business is handling a transaction for you, you’re not trespassing when you go down to check on its progress.

Vegan Misgivings

Moving to the big table wouldn’t have been such a big deal if what you found when you got there was broccoli.

Border War Rumors

Far from being a chaotic war zone, a study of the 14 Texas counties bordering Mexico shows that the number of murders has actually declined in the past five years.

Thanksgiving on Wall Street

Dear Lord, thanks for all that gravy.

Big Banks are Doing Just Fine, Thank You

This virtual abandonment of local economies by Wall Street exploded when Uncle Sam bailed out the big banks.