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.

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Latest Work

5 Ways the Economy Is Stacked Against Millennials

Millennials suffer stagnant wages and high expenses in an economy not designed for them — but there’s hope.

Celebrate American Excellence — With Equal Pay

In soccer and in everything else, we need to pay America’s millions of underpaid women what they’re worth.

Critics of Campus Activists Don’t Care About Free Speech

They complain when students protest hateful speakers, but not when shadowy conservative groups and politicians write laws to punish our speech.

Washington Vs. The Squad

Trump’s not the only one terrified of these four congresswomen — leading Democrats apparently are, too.

A Trump Plan to Throw 55,000 Children Out of Their Homes

A proposed rule would strip housing benefits from U.S. citizens if they’re found to have family members with the wrong immigration status.

Return of the Poll Tax

Florida’s anti-democratic poll tax will cost the state hundreds of thousands of voters — and hundreds of millions of dollars.

Refusing to Fund Our Own Destruction

From the White House to Ohio, too many politicians care more about protecting toxic industries than protecting their constituents.

Medicare For All Would Save Money — And Lives

The last thing on your mind during a ride to the ER should be: Is this going to bankrupt me?

Celebrating Juneteenth with Bold New Ideas

Juneteenth was supposed to mark the end of a horrific era of oppression, but racial inequality remains rampant. These 10 policy proposals could change that.

A Father’s Day Gift for Myself: Activism

My two-year old child will be the age I am now when the climate catastrophe comes, and that realization is taking a toll.

Racism is a Public Health Crisis

Milwaukee just declared racism a public health crisis. This novel approach to combating racial inequity should inspire other cities.

MLB Players Are Getting Stiffed

If corporations treat millionaire assets this way, imagine how they’ll treat you.

Debunking Myths About Wealth and Race

It’s not individual behavior that drives the racial wealth divide — it’s a system that many folks pretend doesn’t exist.

Let Prisoners Vote

Mass incarceration is now a bipartisan concern. Its effects on our democracy should be, too.

How Wall Street Drives Gender and Racial Inequality

If the minimum wage had kept up with Wall Street bonuses, it would be worth $33 today, instead of just $7.25.

All I want for Mother’s Day Is Equality for My Child

My child has fought her whole life for her right to exist. This administration wants to take that away.

Bring Back May Day

The U.S. is one of the only countries in the world that doesn’t mark International Worker’s Day. So how are our workers doing?

A Revolutionary Idea to Close the Racial Wealth Divide

“Baby bond” accounts for all American kids would bridge the racial wealth gap while providing security to Americans of every color.

Abolish the Electoral College, Empower the People

Republicans don’t respect Americans enough to let them pick their own president.

It’s Time for $15 and a Union

A minimum wage hike would boost earnings for 40 million workers.