For the past two week-ends,  a dozen or so Oly Indivisiblers have been gathering to reflect on and explore each other's experiences of Indivisible founders Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin's new book, We are Indivisible. And eat cookies. (SPOILER ALERT: This book group is one in a series which OI members Glen and Lisa began hosting back in March 2018, called Cookies and Conversation--so in addition to conversation, there are cookies.)


The folks in the room talking about We are Indivisible are different ages, come from different upbringings, from different parts of the US and the Americas, and represent a wide range of different life experiences: some of us are full time employees, others are retirees, we veterinarians, musicians, and school teachers, straight and queer, married, single,  and divorced...

Whatever our age, profession, and personal life, Ezra and Leah's book has proven to have the power to ignite powerful and inspiring conversation  for us as individuals and in dialogue.

Here are  comments from participants in our book group from the past two meetings: 

- "The book has tapped into my long held belief that we will get through this crisis of consciousness because the resistance is working."
- "I like hearing other people's experiences and learning from the book, which has a lot of good tips and strategies."

- "After reading the introduction to Indivisible and with tears running down my cheeks, I am continuing with hope that we can make a difference."

- "For a book worm having never participated in a book discussion group before now, what I really enjoy is the areas of discussion that are not directly from the book. We Are Indivisible is what really propagated all of our ‘external’ discussion. Last night, I arrived not in a good mood but the discussions elevated my mood. It was a great energy-builder.

Strategy, motivation, improved group energy…
See you in a couple weeks (Indivisibles: you all are invited too).

We are Indivisible isn't a book of platitudes about hope; it's a steely-eyed guide to people power--how to find it, how to build it, and how to use it to usher in the post-Trump era. As the book's Introduction author Marielena Hincapie says: "Viewed from the top, American democracy is under aerial bombardment. But there is also the view from the bottom, where a democratic renewal is underway." This book explores how each of us can be part of that renewal.


If you are interested in joining us, please do! You can buy yourself a copy of the book at Orca Books, Browser Books, or Barnes and Nobles. To join our group, Just send an RSVP to Cookiesandconversationrsvp@gmail.com. Our next meet-up is Saturday evening, Dec. 7.

Cheers to you all,
 
Lisa and Glen
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Olympia Indivisible's Cookies and Conversations hosts Glen Hubbard and Lisa Ornstein are organizing a four-session Saturday evening "We are Indivisible" book discussion group starting November 16 and running through December 14 (with time out for Thanksgiving week-end). Joining this book group is a great way to learn about the vision of Indivisible's founders, to share your responses and thoughts about that vision with fellow Indivisiblers, and to build fellowship and energy as we look forward to 2020 and beyond.
Oh. And cookies! Let's not forget about cookies.

So, you might ask, how do you get geared up to be part of this soon-to-be-legendary book group?

It's easy!

1. STEP 1. Buy the book. It'll hit the shelves of local bookstores Nov. 5, OR you can order a copy right now for from Indivisible's nifty website and save a few bucks off the list price. Here's the website address: "We Are Indivisible: A Blueprint for Democracy After Trump"
2. STEP 2. Sign up for the book club. We'll be meeting at Glen's home in NW and/or Lisa's in SE (tbd) on Saturday Nov. 16 and 23rd, and Dec. 7 and 14, from 7-8:30pm. We're limiting the group to 15, so ya gotta sign up in advance (and we suggest you do so quickly!).
   How? RSVP to Cookiesandconversationrsvp@gmail.com
   Reminders and directions will be emailed to the members who sign up. The November 16 event will be at Glen's home.
3. STEP 3. Read chapters 1 and 2 by November 16.

Members of Olympia Indivisible regularly debate issues being considered by the Board of County Commissioners, including the more recent vote to fund the military vehicle for our County police. We now have the opportunity to hear from and question one of our endorsed members of the Commission, Tye Menser, who will speak to us during an All Member meeting on Thursday, October 24. We all care about homelessness, Initiative 976 (Max $30 car tab fees) and the impact of SB5432 on how Behavioral Health Organizations are run and the effect it will have on County residents needing mental health care. Come prepared with questions for Tye and plan to have some fun as we have a few surprises for you.
 
WHEN:                   Thursday, October 24
TIME:                     7:00 - 8:30 PM. Doors open at 6:45 pm
WHERE:                Thurston County Courthouse, 2000 Lakeridge Drive, Room 152
RSVP TO:              Olyindirsvp@gmail.com
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 I met with Patty on Wednesday at her DC office for her weekly “Coffee with Constituents.”  When I introduced myself and as a member of Oly Indivisible, then said we had registered 1200 new voters in a year and a half, I got a round of applause from the other attendees and staffers.  I reminded everyone that Tuesday, September 24th is National Voter Registration Day and that we have scheduled 8+ venues for that day.  
Patty was very gracious and approachable.  A nice and normal woman!  Thank you, Patty for all that you’re doing to maintain our Democracy.  

Marilyn