September Book Club Reading Plan

In September, we will be reading: 

1. Faith-Rooted Organizing by Alexia Salvatierra & Peter Heltzel

2. Harvest the Vote by Jane Kleeb

Week 1: Naming the Crisis

This Week's readings are:

• Faith-Rooted Organizing - Introduction + Chapter 1

• Harvest the Vote - Introduction + Chapter 1

Focus:

• The importance of organizing from a faith-rooted perspective

• Understanding political divisions in rural America

Week 2: Power, People, and Possibility

This Week's readings are:

• Faith-Rooted Organizing - Chapter 2-3

• Harvest the Vote - Chapter 2-3

Focus:

• Listening and organizing across differences

• How values-based advocacy works in polarized communities

Week 3: Faith in Action

This Week's readings are:

• Faith-Rooted Organizing - Chapter 4-5

• Harvest the Vote - Chapter 4-5

Focus: 

• Organizing that is deeply spiritual and relational

• Rural organizing successes and the role of hope

Week 4: Planting Seeds of Transformation

This Week's readings are:

• Faith-Rooted Organizing - Chapter 6-7

• Harvest the Vote - Chapter 6-7

Focus:

• Practical tools for sustainable faith-based organizing

• The future of rural democracy and community empowerment

Reflections to consider while reading:

• Where  do you see political division and disengagement harming your community?

• What are the challenges and opportunities of engaging those who think differently from you?

• How can your faith community become a force for justice and healing?

• What actions can you take in your faith or local community to resist injustice and grow civic participation?

With warmth,

Amy

Working Towards Improvement