In this episode of Direct Democracy Diaries, Chris and Caroline speak with Jeremy Al-Haj, co-founder and executive director of the Missouri Workers’ Center, about Missouri’s “Year of No” and what defensive campaigns can teach organizers about building lasting power. Jeremy traces his path into organizing, explains how ballot measures have become a critical tool for working-class Missourians, and discusses recent fights over direct democracy, taxes, reproductive rights, and redistricting. The conversation explores how long-term relationships, durable coalitions, and organizing across local and state campaigns can turn defensive victories into the foundation for a future “Year of Yes."

Learn more about the Missouri Workers Center and its work building a multiracial movement of working people across Missouri: https://moworkers.org/

Learn more about BISC and the ballot measures to watch in this year’s election on our Ballot Measure Hub:
https://ballot.org/ballot-hub/

• Chris Melody Fields Figueiredo on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-melody-fields⁠

• Caroline Sánchez-Avakian on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineavakian⁠

• BISC Official Website:⁠ https://ballot.org/⁠

• BISC on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy/⁠

• BISC on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center