"How To" Ideas for Authentic, Sustainable, Civic Engagement

One of the questions I always get asked as a bookstore owner is some version of, “What surprises you about running a bookstore?” I’m continually surprised by the connections we form as a third place – a place to spend time beyond home and work. Sharing a bookstore space with our community means we talk about books, and as you know, book conversations lead to more intimate topics. Personal life changes, national disasters, and yes, elections are all part of the conversation inside these walls. The beauty of the bookshop is that it’s a safe place for all points of view to converge and to discuss without feeling alienated. At the end of the day, we’re all neighbors; and beyond politics, we have so much else in common, including books!

This is what’s special about a third place – it’s somewhere to connect with our community on topics that affect all our lives. Nine days after the bookshop opened eight years ago, the 2016 election brought the conversation about the divisive nature of politics to the forefront. In 2020, we weathered a global pandemic, the escalation of racial tensions, further breakdown of civil discourse and the insurrection of early 2021. In 2022, we faced harrowing concerns about school safety, gun violence and the Dobbs decision. In 2023, we navigated questions of poverty in Bend and all over the nation.

Today, once again, we come together on the eve of a national election.

There is a real sense in the bookshop that everyone is tired — exhausted actually, of the political rhetoric and negativity. Everyone is reaching for hope. Cozy, uplifting and inspiring books have been flying off the shelves and are our most frequent recommendation request. That begs the question: What should we read as the next election is just around the corner? Regardless of your political leanings, there are some great ways to get involved in the upcoming election and beyond.

First and foremost, please read your free and informative Voter’s Pamphlet. Mine arrived in the mail last week. After that, there are several inspiring books available on the political process, most notably, those that remind us that civic engagement is not just our privilege, but the mere act of participating, regardless of outcome, can improve our lives.

In their new book, “Democracy in Retrograde,” Sami Sage and Emily Amick address the question of civic engagement, and the apathy that results from giving up and tapping out in frustration and hopelessness. More than 30% of Americans did not vote in 2020, and only 37% of Americans voted in all three major elections of 2018, 2020 and 2022.

As the authors write, “We believe that civic engagement is a form of self-care. Our hope is that this book will inspire a lifelong internal paradigm shift, because civic engagement is a reclamation of your place in a community, a statement of your values, and an act of self-respect.”

The authors explore ways civic engagement can feel authentic and sustainable, even for the busiest of schedules. They give concrete action plans, such as auditing your news diet and making intentional choices about where you get your news, creating a civic calendar and noting the meeting times of local political bodies or nonprofit organizations that align to your interests. The book encourages people to strengthen friendships by attending events together and to develop new friendships by getting involved with a local interest group. Find an issue you care about, explore solutions, research your representatives, and then reach out with an email or phone call. It doesn’t cost a thing.

Another book full of practical advice on civic engagement is “Democracy or Else” from the hosts of Pod Save America. They focus on how to get positively involved in politics, by donating time and volunteering, organizing and protesting and staying engaged without losing hope – or your mind. It’s a fun resource for everyone, no matter where you fall on the political engagement spectrum.

One particularly popular book in our shop these days is Sharon McMahon’s “The Small and the Mighty.” McMahon highlights moments in history when the most ordinary Americans, not famous, rich, or connected, took actions that changed the path of American history – moving us toward a more just and peaceful nation. The people in her book were telephone operators, poets and schoolteachers, great Americans who illuminate the best of our character and spirit.

Time marches on and as our world changes, the way we connect changes. Sometimes, it can start to feel like a small but loud minority has seized control of the process. But there are many books, professors and leaders explaining why that’s not true. Sage and Amick remind us that even though the world is changing quickly, everyone who wants to do their part in making our community better, can do so.

“By reclaiming the power of the majority – your power – we can forge a future where the voice of the people truly reigns supreme.”

Let’s kickstart a year of positive civic engagement by educating ourselves and voting on or before Nov. 5.

“We are all Americans together, and we must not forget that the common good is our common interest and our individual responsibility.”

—Jimmy Carter, Farewell Address