In 2020, in some of the darkest days of the COVID pandemic, one of our Open Democracy Team members proposed an "Open Democracy Book Club."  To our surprise, 300 citizens registered for the first book and discussion in January.   Certainly, the pandemic gave us some time at home to read, but the hunger to learn about the problems and how to fix them was there already. Our Book club now has 483 members.

Our Mission

We've been fortunate in our first months to have the authors of each of our books with us via Zoom for a few minutes to help us grapple with our three guiding questions about the sad status of our Democracy:

Where are we?

How did we get here?

What do we do about it? 

You'll hear these words echoed from book to book, as we all figure out what actions we can take to get our Democracy fixed and return power to the people.  

Books and Discussions

We work on a new book every six weeks or so, culminating with a discussion.   We have the author speak for 30 minutes, then break up into Zoom breakout rooms for small group discussions, usually facilitated by an Open Democracy staff member or volunteer. 

If you didn't get to the book this month, you should still come for the author discussion and the small group discussions, which have been full of smart discussion and information.  

Our Next Book!

April 14, 2022 - How Democracies Die  by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt

How to Get the Book

While there's no cost for being a part of the Open Democracy Book Club, it's up to you to get the book.   On the RSVP page for each of the events, we'll post information about the book, including the author's bio and ISBN number and other info you'll need to find it.  We encourage you to order it through your local bookseller, get it from your local library but you order any way you wish.  

Prior Books

Jan 13, 2022 "Democracy in Chains" with Nancy MacLean
Oct 14, 2021 "Our Time is Now" by Stacey Abrams
May 27, 2021 "The Politics of Joy (and Sacrifice): The Fearless Walks and Historic Talks of Doris "Granny D" Haddock", a compilation of inspiring speeches given by Doris with Dennis Burke 
Apr 15, 2021 "They Don't Represent Us" with Lawrence Lessig
March 4, 2021 "Unrigged: How Americans Are Battling Back to Save Democracy". with David Daley
January 21, 2021 "Corporations are Not People: Reclaiming Democracy from Big Money and Global Corporations" by Jeff Clements

Sign Up Below

We'll notify you of the new book, the date of the discussion, and sometimes discussion questions.  You'll also be added to the Open Democracy Book Club email discussion, where you'll be able to ask questions and have discussions with your fellow readers.   

In order for us to efficiently get you all relevant information, please tell us what types of emails communications you would like to receive. 

If you previously "opted out" either intentionally or accidentally, please go here for instructions or help on rejoining our membership list. 

Open Democracy works hard to educate and engage New Hampshire citizens, policymakers, and the press in the cause of democratic reform. Click the links above to check out our latest press releases and news reports!    If you're looking for our most recent events, click here.

May 4, 2021        Freedom to Vote Groups Gather to Support H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

April 20, 2021      Statement on NH Secretary of State Wm. Gardner's Testimony to U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee's Tuesday Hearing

April 4, 2021        Local Nonpartisan Group Asks Businesses to Speak Out for Equal Voting Access & Fair Redistricting in NH

March 19, 2021    Statement on NH House & Senate Failure to Address Transparency in The Special Committee on Redistricting with SB 90 and HB 428

March 15, 2021    Call for Nonpartisan Redistricting Racks Up Wins in Town Meetings

March 9, 2021      Statement on Passage of Pro-Voter H.R. 1 in U.S. House, and Proposed Anti-Voter Bills in the NH Legislature