The Hopewell Valley Republican Association will host a community book discussion next month focused on political polarization and the challenges of civil discourse in modern American politics.
The event, part of a new “Courageous Conversations” Book Discussion Group, will take place Monday, April 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the community room at the Mercer County Library’s Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington-Titusville Road in Pennington.
The first discussion will center on the book “Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times” by Doug Techner, Beth Mallow, and Becky Robinson, writers associated with the national organization Braver Angels.
Organizers say the discussion group is intended to bring together residents from across the political spectrum to talk about the growing polarization in American politics and explore ways to rebuild civil dialogue in local communities.
The discussion group is intended to create space for respectful conversations across those differences.
The event will follow a code of conduct designed to encourage civil discussion, including active listening, respectful dialogue, evidence-based discussion, and constructive disagreement. Participants are asked to come prepared having read the book selection.
Copies of the book are available for checkout through the Hopewell Branch of the Mercer County Library.
Future book discussions being considered for the group include “How to Raise a Citizen” by Lindsey Cormack, “The Righteous Mind” by Jonathan Haidt, and “The Two-Parent Privilege” by Melissa S. Kearney.
More information about the discussion group is available through the Hopewell Valley Republican Association.
