February Practice: Moral Questions and Democracy
This month we turn to the wisdom of Oren Lyons, Indigenous rights advocate, for inspiration. Lyons' quote is featured in our Conversation Cards on Democracy, Freedom, Equality, and Common Good.
Resources for Tumultuous Times
As we grapple with the deep divisions in our country, and what it will take to uphold our fragile democracy, we share some of our partners’ resources to help us replenish our spirits and fortify ourselves for the work ahead. We offer these resources knowing that not everyone has the luxury of time and space to do any more than this moment is currently requiring physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Tending and Befriending: Reflections on the Depolarization Summit
I was listening to a podcast recently, and a guest on the show spoke about the theory of “tending and befriending.”During the stress response, our bodies engage in fight or flight. This ancient tactic for survival allowed us to hide in places from predators and stand up to them when our safety was at risk. But more recent research has pointed to the possibility that the response is more complex. Our bodies do respond in fight or flight, but in some scenarios, they respond by tending and befriending.
Spiritual Practices to Support Democratic Values and Virtues
This chart is designed to show how spiritual practices uphold democratic values and cultivate democratic virtues. We invite you to use it—and add to it—as you go about practicing democracy at home, at work, online, and in other settings.
Love Can Transform Our Society and the Political Landscape
Going into this election, we have a politics of fear and division. We have politics that encourage an “us vs. them” attitude, that foster the dehumanization of those who believe differently than we do. What is the solution to these feelings of division, to the anger and fear so many are feeling?
November Practice: Spirituality and Civic Action
Spirituality compels people to engage in action and activities tied to creating a better nation and world—and helps sustain action.
—Rev. Adam Russel Taylor, Executive Director, Sojourners and “What Does Spirituality Mean to Us?” advisor
Conversation Cards on Democracy, Freedom, Equality, and Common Good
These cards are designed to spark engagement with democracy and democratic values. On your own or with family, friends, classmates, or colleagues, select a card and read its quote aloud. Turn it over for suggestions for reflection, journaling, or discussion, and ways to act on the ideas in your personal and community life.
Download this PDF, which works nicely on a phone, or request a deck, limit one per person while supplies last.
Thanks to the team at the Practicing Democracy Project (PracticingDemocracy.net) for helping develop this resource!
Practicing Democracy through Advocacy and Outreach
A fundamental value of American democracy is the common good: that which is beneficial for all members of the community. Upholding it entails placing the good of the country and its collective citizenry above our individual interests, a goal of advocacy and outreach work. Here are 13 practices that encourage democratic virtues like fairness, social conscience, service, and civic engagement. They can help us walk our talk in support of the common good.
Developed with Spirituality & Practice as part of the Practicing Democracy Project.
October Practice: Vision at the Great Turning Point
This month, our partner Spirituality & Practice launches a wonderful new resource: Practicing Democracy Conversation Cards. This set of 52 cards includes quotes from a broad spectrum of national leaders, both historical and contemporary. The cards are designed to encourage reflection, conversation, and action.
What Does Spirituality Mean to Us? A Study of Spirituality in the United States
Earlier this year, our partners at NORC at the University of Chicago shared with us that they’d received the last of the 3,600 responses to our national survey on spirituality and civic life. With excitement and anticipation, we and our partners at Hattaway Communications, our advisors, and reviewers dug into the data, looking for the nuance of what it means to be and feel spiritual today.