Growing up Black in America: We the People Book Club Focus for April
This month the We the People Book Club is reading what book club curator Julia Davis describes as "remarkably candid reflections on growing up black in America:" James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time and Ta-Nehisi Coates's Between the World and Me.
Practicing Democracy with the Earth
Seventeen ways to honor our home, the Earth. These practices help strengthen democratic values and virtues through our connection with the Earth, its current inhabitants, and its future generations.
Developed with Spirituality and Practice as part of the Practicing Democracy Project.
The Fire Next Time and Between the World and Me Reading Guide
Explore the themes of the condition of whiteness, the condition of blackness, and creation and destruction in this guide to James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time and Ta-Nehisi Coates's Between the World and Me. Part of the We the People Book Club, a year-long program contemplating America’s past and possibilities, this guide was created for individual and group use.
April Practice: Clean Up Day
Our surroundings mirror our attitudes towards ourselves, our communities, and our nation at large. It is important that we care for our streets, highways, fields, forests, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Organize a clean-up day; Earth Day on April 22 is one good time. Or you may want to join the efforts of the Keep America Beautiful. This nonprofit works with local officials and community members to beautify our towns and cities. As a bonus, you will meet your neighbors and discover what is worth saving and protecting in your environment.
Guides for Practicing Democracy
Democracy is more than a form of government. It is a way of life that can be strengthened through spiritual practices—both those traditionally considered to be “inner work” and those that encourage active engagement with our neighbors and communities. The Practicing Democracy Guides give you specific ways to practice democracy at home, at work, on the Internet, and in other settings.
March Practice: Dive Under Emotions
Engaging online with images and stories about important democratic matters can kindle strong emotions. Sometimes the emotions are joyful; other times fear and anxiety are triggered. The adrenaline rushes of these responses can be overwhelming.
Practicing Democracy Online
Eleven ways to support healthy and wise connections online. An increasing number of our interactions about democracy occur online. We turn to our favorite websites, channels, and chat rooms for research, dialogue, and debate, often as a replacement for pursuing face-to-face opportunities. To help foster healthy engagements online, we offer these suggestions.
Developed with Spirituality & Practice as part of the Practicing Democracy Project.
Practicing Democracy at Work
Thirteen ideas for practicing democracy in the workplace. Americans spend a major portion of each week at work. The way we go about our jobs and how we relate to our coworkers—both in our own workplace and on behalf of the larger community of workers—reveals how we much we value the common good and the national motto “Out of many, one.”
Developed with Spirituality & Practice as part of the Practicing Democracy Project.
Gilead Reading Guide
Explore the themes of the beauty of existence, the complex blessings of family, and moral light and moral blindness in this guide to Marilynne Robinson's Gilead. Part of the We the People Book Club, a year-long program contemplating America’s past and possibilities, this guide was created for individual and group use.
February Practice: Consider Interbeing
Everything relies on everything else in the cosmos in order to manifest—whether a star, a cloud, a flower, a tree, or you and me. —Thich Nhat Hanh
A key principle of democracy is that individuals seek to advance the common good. Why this is important becomes clearer when we remind ourselves of the web of connections that thread through every aspect of our lives. As Thich Nhat Hanh writes,