The Books, Ideas, and Research Committee is a working group of Indivisible Portola Valley. Its purpose is to scan for, and make accessible, practical ideas (from books, websites, articles, etc.) to help inform the work of IPV and assist in making it more effective.
We do this through sharing the results of our scans and discoveries in monthly Zoom meetings and through working in small working teams focused on such topics as:
- how best to make books, ideas, and other resource materials available and accessible on the IPV website,
- how we can most effectively outreach to others and build support for IPV’s work,
- how to improve communication with the “other side” in these polarized times,
- how to improve our understanding of the fundamental importance of nonviolence in protests and demonstrations and how to ensure safety for demonstrators,
- how best to encourage noncooperation within institutions (e.g., education, business, courts and the law, civic organizations, etc.) where democracy-eroding actions are being taken by the current administration,
- how to organize effective actions outside of protests and demonstrations that build momentum and broaden the scope of democracy-building activities,
- etc.
We also look for opportunities to share with other Indivisible groups and other groups working to improve our democracy and help it withstand the threats of authoritarianism.
We believe that in a healthy democracy, there will be many differences and disagreements, and we welcome a diversity of political viewpoints, so long as they are grounded in a fundamental commitment to the underlying principles of the United States, namely freedom, equality, and a commitment to the rule of law.
We would be delighted to welcome anyone wishing to work with us toward our objectives of strengthening our democracy.