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Givers, Doers, & Thinkers—A Podcast on Philanthropy and Civil Society

Givers, Doers, and Thinkers introduces listeners to the fascinating people and important ideas at the heart of American civil society. We speak with philanthropists, foundation leaders, reformers, social entrepreneurs, nonprofit executives, religious believers, historians, sociologists, philosophers, journalists, and anyone else who will help us understand contemporary civil society’s achievements and failures. We also sprinkle in practical advice for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers. This is the podcast for anyone interested in that vital space where philanthropy and civil society intersect.

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Givers, Doers, & Thinkers—A Podcast on Philanthropy and Civil Society

Aaron Withe & the resistance against government unions

December 27, 2023 • Jeremy Beer • Season 5 • Episode 8

This week on Givers, Doers, and Thinkers, Jeremy sits down with Aaron Withe to discuss the peculiar challenges government unions pose for a healthy civil society.

Aaron Withe is the Chief Executive Officer of the Freedom Foundation. He began his career at the Freedom Foundation in 2015 and was appointed CEO in 2021. Aaron is the author of Freedom is the Foundation: How We Are Defeating Progressive Tyranny by Taking on the Government Unions.

What are private sector unions, and how are they different from government unions? What is the impact of the 2018 Janus v AFSCME decision? Jeremy and Aaron discuss the influence of unions and what is required to ensure transparency for taxpayers and union members. Aaron shares his experience in resisting the power of government unions and the cost of doing so.

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