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

Financial Reform Bill Could Stabilize Commodities

New rules may rein in speculation that distorts the market for agricultural futures contracts.

Kagan’s Opponents

Many progressives dislike President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee.

Filthy Factories Won’t Help Sick Kids

Infant’s Tylenol recall illustrates why we need government regulation.

Monsanto Seed Delivery Angers Haitian Activists

Farmers object to the pesticide-laden donation.

Racial Wealth Divide now a Vast Gulf

Overall, white families see growth in their net worth while African Americans experience stagnation.

This is Your Brain on Pesticides

Research finds that consuming pesticides may make it more likely that kids will develop ADHD.

Trillion-Dollar War Tab

The Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts are nearing a big milestone.

Monsanto

A bountiful crop of genetically modified public servants that are 100% resistant to any pressure from below.

Times Square Bomber Popped a Bubble

Not surprisingly, since we are conducting a virtual war inside their country, 64 percent of Pakistanis view the United States as an enemy.

Constitution v. Corporations

Kagan’s confirmation process should usher in a much-needed national conversation about the Supreme Court.

Supremely Important: Genetically Engineered Crops

More questions are being raised about the long-term impact of these crops on the environment.

Tough Budget Choices

Non-security discretionary programs are being squeezed by our nation’s rising military spending.

Wake Me Up When It’s June

Seldom has so much stupidity, past and present, been on display simultaneously.

We’ve Been Slicked by Big Oil

Once again, we’re paying the price of years of deregulatory, laissez-faire ideology pushed down our throats by corporate lobbyists and whorish politicians.

No Fixing Housing Woes Without Dealing with Jobs First

Many Americans are struggling to hang onto their houses and apartments.

Fragrances Can Really Stink

The diverse, and unknown, range of chemicals we’re exposed to is increasingly unhealthy.

Angry about Arizona

Cities boycott Arizona to protest its immigration law as the state cracks down on ethnic studies.

Banks Put on Notice

A Senate amendment bars rewards for enabling bad loans.

American Power Act

New energy bill mixes support for coal, nuclear, and oil industries with measures meant to reduce pollution and planet-warming emissions.

Baseball Boycott

Senator Menendez is urging Major League Baseball players to protest Arizona’s new immigration law.