The People’s Guide to Power — 2022 edition
Real threats confront our democracy: from insurrectionists attempting to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power to those seeking to undermine the credibility of our elections to the millions of others simply tuning out and disengaging from our political system.
But at WNYC and Gothamist, we believe there is more to the story.
Our region is represented in Washington, D.C. by some of the most powerful people in politics who hold tremendous sway over policy. Making change is not easy. But the experiences of our friends, neighbors, elected representatives and activists prove there are paths to power — sometimes you just need a little help figuring out where to begin and how to keep up the momentum.
That’s where you come in.
What is The People’s Guide to Power?
The balance of power in Albany and in Congress is on the line this election season with lasting implications for our region. For 10 Sundays at noon, starting on September 11th, we will bring people in power together with those who seek power, and put them in conversation with the people who bestow it — you, our listeners.
Call in with your questions and your stories during each program. (There’s nothing more democratic than a call-in radio show!)
The number is 212-433-WNYC (9692), but we’ll only be able to pick up while the show is live on Sundays, during the noon hour. Any other time, feel free to leave us a message here.
Here’s our backstory
In 2017, the WNYC newsroom set out to understand how power worked in our region. One area of focus was the Queens County Democratic Party, referred to by many at the time as the Queens Machine.
In a series of stories, we looked at how someone inspired to get involved might start with the community board, City Council, or even run for Congress. It’s where some people first met a community board chair who has since gone on to become the City Council Speaker, Adrienne Adams. We were also one of the first news organizations to cover political newcomer Alexandria Ocasio Cortez. She took on the head of the Queens Machine, Congressman Joe Crowley, and won.
We are bringing The People’s Guide to Power back for the 2022 election season to look at political power in the region, and the defining issues of the moment. We will look at the political legacy of 9/11; unpack how the battles over redistricting are shaping the races at all levels in our region; what the fight over school funding means to parents seeking more power in our school system; and so much more.
Your voice is central to these conversations. You will help us ask the tough questions and share your own experiences with how our government works — as we strive to hold those in power accountable.
People’s Guide to Power toolkit
— Join the conversation
Starting on Sunday September 11 through November 20, tune in at 93.9FM, AM 820 or online at wnyc.org and join the conversation. The phone lines will be open and your voice will make the difference. Can’t make a call? Tweet us @ WNYC or @ BrigidBergin.
— Suggest a topic we should explore over the next ten weeks -- or tell us your story
Record a voice message here, or send an email to one of our producers.