Sharon McMahon: Democracy Starts at Home

Can the Next Generation Do Politics Better Than We Have?

Being angry on the internet isn't activism. So what actually makes a difference? Sharon McMahon, "America's government teacher" and author of The Small and the Mighty and host of the Preamble podcast, joins Curtis Chang to explore how we can help the next generation do politics better and build a healthier democracy in the process. They discuss raising engaged citizens, choosing character over party loyalty, and loving our neighbors—even when they're our enemies. With the midterms approaching, Sharon offers a practical path from political frustration to local civic engagement, reminding us that hope begins with believing our actions matter.

00:54 - Welcome and Why Civic Formation Matters

05:53 - Norm Mineta and Modeling Public Service

09:27 - Teaching Young People to Vote Thoughtfully

14:21 - Can Civic Engagement Form Character? 18:04 - Choosing a Community Focus

23:55 - Loving Enemies Without Accepting Harm

34:04 - Helping College Students Speak Up

38:30 - Civic Education During a Constitutional Crisis

41:26 - Is Hope an Active Choice?

43:55 - Helping One Person at a Time

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Mentioned in This Episode:

• Sharon McMahon's The Small and the Mighty
• Sharon McMahon's We Are Mighty
• More about Norman Mineta
• Executive Order 9066: Resulting in Japanese-American Incarceration (1942)
• Read the Constitution and the Preamble (transcript)

Scriptures:

• Matthew 22:34-40 and Matthew 5:43-48 (ESV)
• Matthew 6:10 (ESV)

More From Sharon McMahon:

• Sharon McMahon's website
• Sharon McMahon's The Preamble podcast
• Sharon McMahon's The Preamble Newsletter

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The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.