Representative Kyrsten Sinema, Singer/Songwriter Matthew David & "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
Originally released: July 15, 2009
Episode 7 features an interview with Arizona State Representative Kyrsten Sinema. Kyrsten just released the book Unite and Conquer: How to Build Coalitions that Win and Last. Kyrsten currently serves as the Assistant Leader to the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives and represents central Phoenix in the Arizona Legislature. Now in her third term, she is the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee and the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee.
Kyrsten holds both a law degree and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University, and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in the School of Justice and Social Inquiry at ASU. She is an adjunct professor in the School of Social Work at ASU and practices law when not in session. Kyrsten also serves as faculty for the Center for Progressive Leadership, teaching tomorrow’s community leaders about the political process.
Kyrsten has worked on initiatives in Arizona and around the country for a number of years, and in 2006 chaired Arizona Together, the first and only successful effort in the country to defeat a same-sex marriage ballot initiative.
In 2008, she chaired Protect Arizona’s Freedom, the coalition that defeated Ward Connerly’s effort to place an initiative on the state ballot to eliminate equal opportunity programs. She continues to consult with political groups around the nation on electoral and legislative strategy. Kyrsten serves on numerous community and national boards, including as Board President of Community Outreach and Advocacy for Refugees, the YWCA of Maricopa County, Center for Progressive Leadership, and the Young Elected Officials’ Network.
Kyrsten is the recipient of awards for her political leadership, including the NAACP Civil Rights Award, AZ Hispanic Community Forum Friend of the Year, Planned Parenthood Legislative CHOICE Award, Sierra Club’s Most Valuable Player, and the AZ Public Health Association Legislator of the Year. Kyrsten’s first book, Unite and Conquer: How to Build Coalitions that Win and Last, is now available by Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
You can find more information on Kyrsten's work by following her on twitter, facebook and her blog.
Also in Episode 7 you will hear the debut single by singer/songwriter Matthew David – “Masquerade”. Strong, inspiring lyrics along with an impressive contemporary rock arrangement were merged with Matthew’s engaging vocal style to create a first release that is fueling the anticipation of his first full-length album. The Vancouver based singer-songwriter got his start like many of today's chart-topping artists - by singing in church. Since he was 4, Matthew has been exploring and learning the art of performance. At 18 he packed his bags and moved to England where he studied voice and theatre in London's West End.
Matthew is currently in the studio finishing up his debut release, which is due out this fall.
You can find Matthew David at facebook.com/musicbymatthewdavid & myspace.com/musicbymatthewdavid.
On July 7, 2009, Representative Patrick Murphy (D-PA) announced that he was taking over lead sponsorship of legislation in Congress to repeal the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy of the US Military. Rep. Murphy also announced a website – www.letthemserve.com – where people can go for more information on the legislation, and to take action in support of the bill.
In conjunction with this announcement, the Human Rights Campaign, along with Servicemembers United announced a National Tour call “Voices of Honor: A Generation Under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’” For details on the tour visit: www.hrc.org/voicesofhonor.
Thank you Kyrsten Sinema & Matthew David for your contributions to episode 7 of Nathan OUTloud!
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