Please join Busboys and Poets Books and the Institute for Policy Studies as we welcome author Gordon Whitman to discuss his new book Stand Up! He will be joined in conversation by Austin Belali, Director of the Youth Engagement Fund, and Tram Nguyen, Co-Director of New Virginia Majority.

Each of us faces a moment of truth when we have a chance to take a risk for something larger than ourselves. At a time of crisis, do we stand up and speak out, or retreat into our private lives? Stand Up! is a book for anyone frustrated by what they see happening in the world, but not sure what they can do about it.

Veteran community organizer Gordon Whitman shows that we have all the power we need to create a racially and economically just society. But it won’t happen if we stay on the sidelines sharing social media posts and signing online petitions. We only win if we’re willing to join other people in the kind of face-to-face organizing that has powered every successful social movement in history.

Stand Up! describes five types of conversations that enable people to build organizations that can solve local problems and confront the greatest challenges facing our country — from gun violence to climate change. The book is a road map for standing up to the bullies who’ve hijacked our democracy and divided us against each other.

Books will be available before and after the event. Please contact books@busboyandpoets.com with any questions. PLEASE RSVP.