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Wednesday, May 01, 2024 at 06:00 PM · 17 rsvps
BarCode Lounge & Grill in Manchester, NHBallots & Brews
Democracy is for everyone, but only a fraction of New Hampshire residents get involved in the political process beyond voting in general elections - or even know how to start. We want to work together to fix that.
Join us for our Ballots and Brews event on Wednesday, May 1st, at the Barcode Lounge & Grill in Manchester for an approachable introduction to the New Hampshire legislative process. In this relaxed atmosphere, we will discuss why voters' rights and civic engagement matter, the importance of campaign finance and redistricting reforms for passing policies that cater to the needs of the people, and the many different ways you can get involved.
Our program will begin with half an hour of mingling and building connections with fellow young professionals. During this time, we invite you to take fun photos at our democracy photo op set and cast your 'ballot' to vote on what issue is most important to you. Then, we will settle in for the speaking segment of the night, the mock debate with our fantastic panel of speakers. Finally, we will wind down the night with further networking and tables with our speakers where you can ask them more about their topics of expertise.
Speaker Bios:
Ophelia Burnett, Program Associate with American Friends Service Committee and Democracy
Organizer with Open Democracy. Ophelia is a passionate advocate for equality, justice, and the rights of marginalized communities. She has a deep belief in the inherent value and dignity of every individual and has dedicated herself to creating a more inclusive and equitable society. By collaborating with organizations, activists, elected officials, and community leaders. She has been able to amplify the voices of marginalized individuals and effect positive change.Kathryn Langille, Open Democracy's Public Policy Fellow, Kathryn is passionate about serving her community and creating positive
change. Slated to graduate from Saint Anselm College in the Winter of 2025, she is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Psychology, with minors in Education and Public Policy Studies. She intends to pursue a career in policy writing and analysis, with a focus on public education systems. Kathryn's deep sense of community stems from her experience in performing arts during her formative years. At Saint Anselm, she has had the privilege of being on her theater company's Executive Board as Director of Sets. She also works for a variety of on-campus offices, including the Meelia Center for Community Engagement and the New Hampshire Institute of Politics.David Andrews is a UNH-trained electrical engineer living in Concord with a passion for data analysis. During the 2020 redistricting
cycle he worked as a Data Analyst at the Redistricting Data Hub, a national nonprofit assisting governments & organizations with redistricting data. He was the lead mapper for the Map-a-Thon project which created and introduced fair maps during the 2020 redistricting process in New Hampshire. David is also an expert witness in the City of Dover v. Scanlan case which is challenging the NH House map, which is currently in the Strafford Superior court.Sam Cassin, High School Voter Registration Coordinator. Sam is a dedicated and hardworking coordinator who has a goal of
making a long-lasting and meaningful impact on communities and young people alike. He is a lifelong New Hampshire resident who grew up in the Queen City, Manchester. He comes to Open Democracy in a less traditional manner than most. He attended Saint Anselm College, located on the Manchester-Goffstown border. He studied in many different fields due to the college’s liberal arts education and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Politics. Upon graduation, Sam worked in recruiting, scouting, and coaching for the Saint Anselm college football program. Today, he brings his skills and abilities in connecting with young people back to the political sphere. -
Friday, June 14, 2024 at 06:00 PM · $20.00 USD · 9 rsvps
The Derryfield Restaurant in Manchester, NH2024 Annual Meeting
Please join Open Democracy and Open Democracy Action for the 2024 Annual Meeting!
WHEN: Flag Day, June 14, 2024. 6 pm
WHERE: The Derryfield Restaurant, 625 Mammoth Rd, Manchester, NH
Our very special guest will be Pulitzer Prize-winning former New York Times reporter, Emmy award-winning producer and correspondent, Hedrick Smith!
In addition to his many writings and productions, Hedrick is executive editor of Reclaim the American Dream, a website committed to informing the public about key issues for economic and political reform. (Our own Treasurer, Gordon Allen, serves on the Advisory Board)Hedrick has also been a special friend and ally to Open Democracy, travelling to New Hampshire to host many events over the years. If you haven't had a chance to hear him speak, don't miss this one!
Get your tickets today.
Want to be a Sponsor of this event?
As a sponsor, your name will be listed in the program book and you will receive 1, 2, 4, or 6 complimentary tickets for your sponsorship of $250, $500, $1,000, or $2,500, respectively. Please reach out to Doreen or Olivia for full details.
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Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 07:00 PM · 1 rsvp
Online via ZoomODBC_DemocracyAwakening
Join Open Democracy Book Club for a discussion of Heather Cox Richardson‘s vital and urgent call to action about the precarious state of American democracy.
At a time when the very foundations of democracy seem under threat, the lessons of the past offer a roadmap for navigating a
moment of political crisis. In Democracy Awakening, acclaimed historian Heather Cox Richardson delves into the tumultuous journey of American democracy, revealing how the roots of Donald Trump’s “authoritarian experiment” can be traced back through the earliest days of the republic. She examines the historical forces that have led to the current political climate, showing how modern conservatism has preyed upon a disaffected population, weaponizing language and promoting false history to consolidate power.
With remarkable clarity and the same accessible voice that brings millions of readers to her newsletter, Letters from an American, Richardson wrangles a chaotic news feed into a coherent story that singles out what we should pay attention to and what possible paths lie ahead. Her command of history and trademark plainspoken prose allow her to pivot effortlessly from the Founders to the abolitionists to Reconstruction to Nixon to the January 6 insurrection, highlighting the political legacies of the New Deal, the lingering fears of socialism, the death of the liberal consensus, and the birth of “movement conservatism.”
An essential read for anyone concerned about the state of America, Democracy Awakening is more than a history book; it’s a call to action. Richardson reminds us that democracy is not a static institution but a living, evolving process that requires constant vigilance and participation from all of us. This powerful testament to the resilience of democratic ideals shows how we, as a nation, can take the lessons of the past to address today’s challenges and secure a more just and equitable future.
Purchasing information
Available at your local book store (Hardcover 30.00):
Gibson's Bookstore, 45 South Main St., Concord, NH 03301 603-224-0562
Water Street Books, 125 Water St., Exeter, NH 03833 603-778-9731
Toadstool Bookstores, 12 Depot St., Peterborough, NH 03458 (603) 924-3543
Details
- Publisher : Viking (September 26, 2023)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 304 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0593652967
- ISBN-13 : 978-0593652961
