26 Million.

That’s the number of Americans that do not have an ID. And while we most often think of IDs in the context of turning 21 and having a bouncer give you two thumbs up, an ID provides a quiet lifeline. It allows people to obtain legal employment, to accept scholarships, to secure housing, to utilize SNAP, WIC, and other programs, to receive one’s SSI, to access veteran’s benefits, and so much more. An ID is a vital key to surviving in the US. Yes, surviving – and it’s that picture that’s painted on this week’s episode of the pod with Kat Calvin, the founder of the Project ID Action Fund and the author of American Identity in Crisis: Notes From An Accidental Activist. You can see the picture painted here:

In watching on the big screen, medium screen, or even small screen, you’ll also learn about the critical work that Kat has been doing to get people much-needed IDs, and how complicated the barriers to getting an ID can be. The web is wild.

And on a positive note, the conversation moves to solutions with discussion on a bill that’s now been introduced at the federal level. The bill, Ids For An Inclusive Democracy Act, would change the game for 26 million people and beyond, providing free federal IDs for all – providing opportunities for people to get housing, jobs, healthcare, and so on.

Get the scoop on the bill and the backstory by tuning in on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Podcasts.

10 SECONDS, ONE EPIC ACTION ITEM

Pregame the pregame with this action item

Get the Ids For An Inclusive Democracy Act across the finish line by sending this pre-written digital note to your reps. Then leave ‘em a message at the beep. If passed, this Act would make sure that every American is granted a free federal ID. BIG. STUFF. BIG. RESULTS.

ALL THE GOSS, ALL THE POVS

This new newsletter gives you the GATG BTS

The newest addition to the famjam, Hot Mic’d gives readers the behind the scenes tea on Girl and the Gov, The Podcast, povs on all things politics x pop culture, the fave tingssss of your girlypop co-hosts, and a look at what they’re texting about. It’s like the morning after debrief but politics edition. Read it and lol (or weep if that’s your vibe), and…

SOCIAL MEDIA IS HARD, THIS WILL HELP

This newsletter sends political content ideas right to your inbox

Save yourself time, sign up #VIRAL, the newsletter and get content ideas that work for the political space to your inbox every Tuesday. The team also offers social media audits to make sure it’s looking spiffy and getting results.

SHOW NOTES:

Find these key links here and in the show notes

THINKING OF WORKING ON A CAMPAIGN? TAKE A STOP AND SHOP HERE FIRST: Shop the GATG gals fave picks, from OOTDs to WFH must-haves, and recs for what to wear while working in politics on and off the trail. Check out the curated collections [which are always being added to], here.

CAN WE MAKE A LINKEDIN JUST FOR POLITICS: Yes, and we did with The Gov Club. Connect with other humans looking to network in the political space – or chat about the latest political meme, whatever floats your boat.

WE STAN FANGIRL BEHAVIOR: A fan of the show? Let your friends know by posting your fave eppy to your IG Story and tagging @girlandthegovthepodcast. We’ll send participating bestie humans our smiley stickers :)

GET THIS SHOW TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW: Help us grow the show by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, following on Spotify Podcasts, and hitting subscribe on YouTube. While you’re there please give us a rate and review. Love you, mean it.