Join Birch Tree Books for a rich discussion about the state of democracy in the United States and what we can do to feel like we’re doing something to help. Come to the event ready to discuss new ideas and walk away with action items.

Get the book ahead of time to answer the quizzes and respond to the prompts.

Author Emily Amick will be at the event and will provide bookplates.

About the book:

A whip-smart combo of self-help and political manifesto that is perfect for anyone who wants to save our democracy but doesn't know where to start.

In today's political climate, it's hard not to get discouraged. Isolated, doom scrolling, lacking a sense of purpose or community...it's easy to become overwhelmed by the dire state of American democracy and do nothing, because why try when the odds are never in our favor?

At this fragile moment in history, Emily Amick, lawyer and former counsel to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, alongside New York Times bestselling author and Betches Media cofounder Sami Sage, want to reframe civic engagement as a form of self-care: an assertion of one's values and self-respect. This book is not just about voting, but about claiming your singular place in your country and community.

Including real stories of regular people who have made a difference along with helpful exercises and quizzes, Democracy in Retrograde is a choose-your-own-adventure map to civic engagement that will help you:

*Define your values and passions

*Understand how the system works, so it's easier to know how to change it

*Match your personality, skills, resources, and interests, to meaningful actions within your community

*Implement changes (big and small) that matter

*Build a civic life that's sustainable and authentic to you, whether you have only a few minutes to spare or are ready to make a lifetime commitment

Democracy in Retrograde will help you learn about much more than just political action. This book will provide a new lens through which to see yourself: a new and powerful light which bridges the personal and the political. In the words of Joan Baez, action is the antidote to despair, and with this helpful guide, even if Mercury is in retrograde, our democracy doesn't have to be.

About the authors:

Sami Sage is a cofounder and chief brand officer of Betches Media, and established the brand's politics and activism vertical Betches News. She also hosts the award-winning daily news podcast The Morning Announcements.

Emily Amick is a lawyer, journalist, and political analyst who served as counsel to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. She created @EmilyinYourPhone to give people her insider insight into the political process and help them find ways they can take action.

About the moderator:

Candy Baracat-Donovan with Politically Connect helps candidates, campaigns and organizations engage voters and mobilize them to action, delivering votes at every precinct. Whether it’s through authentic social media that helps build an IRL community, creative strategies to increase brand awareness among disengaged voters and key demographic groups, or help developing relationships with local niche influencers, PC can help you stand out in even the noisiest races and ultimately, deliver votes. Get tips for your own personal activism, your campaign or organization: @politicallyconnect on IG.