Bookshop.org's 29 Books to Help You Understand Democracy, Social Justice, and Building a Better World
SERIES:
Don't be a bystander.
These resources from On Tyranny are free of charge and available for anyone to use and download.
Cultivating Care shows how adults can exemplify and foster the care young people crave to raise the next generation of civic-minded citizens.
This report provides a data-driven understanding of what young people seek, believe in, and trust in civic life — and what (or whom) they don’t. It will shape how adults activate civic participation with emerging generations.
Democracy depends on the next generation: this report charts a path forward.
How To Talk about Politics with Young People
By Dr. Nabil Tueme /
Discussing social and political topics can be challenging, especially in light of widespread disillusionment and polarization. Springtide asked young people what adults can do to make young people feel like they can talk about these topics with the adults in their lives.
The skills improvisers use to create compelling stories are valuable off-stage too. In their workshops, Danger Boat facilitators guide groups through exercises to enhance listening, collaboration, and creativity. Participants will gain skills in: adaptive leadership, navigating different perspectives, creative brainstorming, deep listening, and comfort in the unknown. Workshops can be tailored for any group size and duration, from 55 minutes to multi-day retreats. Discover new approaches, bring your group closer, and build a “yes, and...” culture all while having fun.
The Art of Difficult Conversations with Tane Danger of DangerBoat Productions/Theater of Public Policy
Rural Organizing Project is a state- and nation-wide organization that supports a multi-issue, rural-centered, grassroots base in Oregon. They work to build and support a shared standard of human dignity: the belief in the equal worth of all communities, the need for equal access to justice and the right to self-determination.
Their mission is to strengthen the skills, resources, and vision of primary leadership in local autonomous human dignity groups with a goal of keeping such groups a vibrant source for a just democracy.
Commissioner John Harrington and Interfaith Action invite interfaith leaders statewide to join in conversations about forging a better system of public safety and policing in Minnesota. Clergy and congregations are asked to outline how they think public safety officers should respond in various scenarios. Then engage with sacred texts addressing similar scenarios. Then, respond again. Responses will be gathered by an expert team into a report of Minnesota's faith communities' input on how public safety should be shaped.
Visit the website to learn more and register your congregation to participate.
The Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC) is a statewide interfaith legislative advocacy coalition working to advance opportunities for economic and housing security and social and racial justice for all Minnesotans. The MN Council of Churches is the Protestant partner.
You can see their 2021 legislative agenda here. For more information, contact Joan Miltenberger at the JRLC - jmiltenberger@jrlc.org, 612-230-3232.
Diana Butler Bass (The Cottage) and Tripp Fuller (Homebrewed Christianity) meet up once a month for Ruining Dinner. Here’s their secret pod on the Donald Trump indictment
— a gift to us all during a most significant week:
Understanding Christian Nationalism: An invitation to explore the movement shaping American politics
Diana Butler Bass's three-essay exploration of the history, theology, and social movement that has brought us to where we are, today. Read all three. Study with others. Discussion questions are included in this post.
All Rev'd UpAll Rev’d Up explores where faith intersects politics and culture. Rev. Irene Monroe and Rev. Emmett G. Price III come from different black faith perspectives, they’re of different generations, they hail from different parts of the country, and they come together in this podcast to talk about faith in a different way. They don’t always agree, but they always hear each other out. Dive into conversations around race, faith, and this week’s headlines with the Revs every other Wednesday. When something happens in the world, you want their take on it. All Rev’d Up is produced by WGBH.
Straight, White, Christian, Married, Suburban Mom
Hell hath no fury like a suburban mom scorned
Diana Butler Bass offers essential insights in New Old-Time Religion: Shall the Fundamentalists Win This Time?
Diana Butler Bass considers The Unwanted Anniversary: Remembering and Contemplative Democracy.
Rev. Dr. Michael Piazza urges us to speak out against white supremacy and racism taking shape in voter suppression in God Must Be Rewarding Georgia.
by Adam Russell Taylor (author of A More Perfect Union, above)
Richard Rohr includes numerous voices in his week-long reflections on Good and Bad Power.
Learning How to See with Brian McLaren
In season two of our podcast Learning How to See, we are invited to confront the host of biases that prevent us from connecting more deeply with ourselves and one another. Listen and discover how seeing is social, political, and contemplative.
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities offers a list of Resources and Actions Amidst amidst the Chauvin Trialand the Death of Daunte Wright, including opportunities for Prayer/Meditation, Holding Memory, Changing Policies, Impacting Public Discourse, and Engaging Our Emotions.
Waging Nonviolence: People Powered News & Analysis
DOGE’s hiring site has become a focal point for cathartic and even strategic outrage, underscoring the important role humor and rebellious defiance play in bleak times.
Rivera Sun February 10, 2025
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Over a million federal workers refused to comply with Musk’s email ultimatum last week, offering a glimpse of what mass noncooperation can look like.
Daniel Hunter February 27, 2025
Rev. Dr. Cameron Trimble, CEO of Convergence, created this complete toolkit, Who Do We Choose to Be in the Age of Collapse?, for congregational resilience, intentionality, and community-building. Packed with wisdom and resources for congregational vitality grounded in justice and action for the days ahead. Access a free copy here.
Rev. Anna Kendig-Flores' (PTCA Antiracism Coordinator), multi-pronged kit, including:
Justice Sonia Sotomayor: Is the Constitution a Live Document, Open for Interpretation, or Not?
