Will there be a federal Department of Education a year from now? Despite catastrophic drought and uncontrolled wildfires, will climate deniers hold sway? Is a reshaped Supreme Court determined to abandon marriage equality and trans rights, along with reproductive health and rights?
Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of how Trump’s re-election and the “Make America Great Again” movement have reshaped the political landscape and decision-making here in Arizona. The program will delve into the policies, cultural shifts, and partisan dynamics that have emerged under the Trump era and examine their ongoing effects on governance and civic life here in Arizona.
Beth Lewis, Save Our Schools; Sandy Bahr, the Sierra Club; and, Kelley Dupps, GLSEN will outline how potential actions by Trump and Congressional Republicans will impact Arizona’s educational system, its environment, and LGBTQ+ communities. NCJW AZ’s own Jodi Liggett will unpack how MAGA has redefined political identities and power structures in DC and within our state legislature.
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
7:00 PM – Virtual
Speakers:
Sandy Bahr
Sandy Bahr is the director for the Grand Canyon (Arizona) Chapter of Sierra Club, where her responsibilities include advocating for environmental protection, equity, and democracy, including climate action and justice, with various state and federal agencies, conducting research, developing and evaluating policies, conducting grassroots outreach and organizing, developing and implementing priority projects, fundraising and budget development, and supervising staff, among others. Originally from Michigan, she has made Arizona her home for more than 30 years, working actively on environmental protection issues throughout Arizona including northern Arizona, both as a volunteer and as staff for various organizations. Sandy monitors and advocates on environmental protection, clean energy, and climate justice at the Arizona Legislature, the Arizona Corporation Commission, and various state and federal agencies. She has received a number of awards for her work, including the 2016 Scrapping Bear Award from the Arizona Chapter of the Wildlife Society for her advocacy work relative to wildlife, the Arizona Interfaith Power and Light 2017 SAGE (Spirited Activists Greening the Earth) award, the Arizona Capitol Times 2018 recognition for Best Activist, and the 2019 Best Environmentalist recognition from Phoenix New Times. She was also recognized by Chispa Arizona in December 2023. Sandy has an associates in applied science in civil engineering, a bachelor’s in environmental studies, and a master’s in legal studies.
Kelley Aven
I am the Director of Inclusive Policy at the Education Action Alliance; formerly at GLSEN Arizona and Planned Parenthood Arizona.
I use he/him pronouns, drink copious amounts of black coffee, and enjoy long walks on the beach.
Beth Lewis
Beth Lewis is a mom, educator, public education advocate, and K-12 policy expert who fights for a fully and equitably funded school for every Arizona child. As Director of Save Our Schools Arizona, Beth works to bring parents, educators, elected officials, business leaders, and community members together in support of Arizona’s public schools, which strengthen our communities and our great state.