Ep.89 – The Penny Peace Project: Rural Organizing Initiative & Bridging Culture War Divides | Julie Fernatt & Llama Habern (ROI)
“Be Like Penny.” If you visit my current hometown of Cottonwood, Arizona, you’ll see these three words displayed around town. Penny Smith was a friend to many and a living example of how everyday citizens can make a meaningful difference in their local communities. She passed away in 2021, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who know and love her, and also through The Penny Peace Project.
In this episode, I’ll introduce you to Julie Fernatt and Llama Habern, the founders of ROI (Rural Organizing Initiative). Thanks in large part to Penny’s supportive efforts, in 2023, Cottonwood was a planned tour stop for a regional drag company. Evangelical religious leaders mobilized their communities to turn up in droves, and city council meetings became contentious, escalating to threats of violence toward city leaders and community members. That’s when ROI and its partners organized a nonviolent response that effectively silenced right-wing agitators. Listen in to learn how they did it.
ROI currently provides civic engagement and supports candidates for local and county offices. Julie & Llama share how community organizing clears channels of communication and helps to build lasting, non-partisan coalitions. We also discuss: running for local office, fundraising, and the upcoming No Kings protest.
Local activism is accessible to all and with a little effort, we can all be like Penny.
Rural Organizing Initiative (ROI) is a 501(c)4 non-profit corporation operating in Northern Arizona. ROI promotes full participation in democracy by providing civic education and by supporting/coaching potential candidates for local and county offices. Learn more at roi.vote.
June 4, 2025
Referenced In This Episode:
- Reach out to ROI for support
- Learn more about Penny Smith
- Find an Indivisible group near you
- Attend a NoKings Protest near you
