Democracy Wise and Open Discussion

Discussion Driven Events Banner


DEMOCRACY WISE

Democracy Wise is a non-partisan speaker series designed to educate on topics of key importance to our democratic system, community, and country. Some of the topics featured in events have been Immigration Law, Gerrymandering, Democracy 101, How To Run For Office, Effecting Change in Government, Navigating Media and Civil Liberites. 

We are currently taking a break from Democracy Wise events to focus in our NEW Open Discussion Reading Group program. 

 

OPEN DISCUSSION READING GROUP

Open Discussion Project promotes civil conversation at a time Americans are deeply divided. We hold different values and beliefs, and have different faiths, needs, and priorities. And yet we must continue to engage with one another on intentionally political subjects. Our democracy depends on it.

Books are essential to creating the marketplace of ideas on which our democracy depends. The Open Discussion Project, in collaboration with the American Booksellers Association, creates reading groups that offer an informal setting for facilitated conversation with others who hold different views. 


How to Participate:
1. Come into the store (before the discussion date) to grab your copy of the book, and purchase it at our Will Call counter. As with all of our in-store book clubs, participants receive a 20% discount on the discussion book; just let us know at the Will Call counter when you purchase it.
2. Read the book and enjoy!
3. RSVP at rsvp@vromansbookstore.com to let us know you are coming.
3. Join us at the next meeting to engage in a discussion about the book and related themes. We encourage community members from all political spectrums to join us for a civil discussion that will be facilitated by two professionals.

This book talk will be held upstairs in our event space.

Ground Rules
1. No personal attacks
2. Listen respectfully and thoughtfully
3. It's OK to disagree! Expect conflicting viewpoints. We’re here to explore them.
4. What's said here, stays here
5. Try not to dominate the discussion, give everyone opportunity to speak
6. Try building on the ideas of others by using language like “yes, and…”, instead of negating ideas (“yes, but…”)
7. Please respect time limits.

Upcoming Open Discussion Meetings:

There are no meetings currently scheduled. Please check back.