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5:00 PM ET Doors | 6:00 PM ET Program Start
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Price Includes Program Admission and Signed Book by the Authors

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A whip-smart combo of self-help and political manifesto that is perfect for anyone who wants to save our democracy but doesn’t know where to start.

Feeling overwhelmed by the state of American democracy? You’re not alone. But don’t let apathy win. Extend your Independence Day celebrations and join us at the Weitzman Museum for an enlightening and inspiring conversation moderated by PA Governor Josh Shapiro and co-authors Emily Amick and Sami Sage, that could change the way you engage with our community and country.

In this conversation, our panelists will explore themes of self-care, overcoming apathy, and finding practical ways to get politically involved that seamlessly integrate into your life. Drawing from their new book, Democracy in Retrograde, the discussion aims to shift the narrative from doom and gloom to a motivational and actionable conversation about the impactful roles we can each play in our community and nation.

Don’t miss this chance to transform your outlook and actions towards American democracy with insights that speak directly to our times. Join us for a powerful dialogue that promises not only to inspire but to empower every individual to make a difference.

More About The Authors
SAMI SAGE is a cofounder and chief brand officer of Betches Media and established the company’s news and politics vertical Betches News. She also hosts the award-winning daily news podcast, the Morning Announcements.

EMILY AMICK is a lawyer, creator of @EmilyinYourPhone, and former counsel to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

More About The Moderator
GOVERNOR JOSH SHAPIRO is the 48th Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Governor Shapiro is focused on bringing people together to get stuff done and deliver real solutions to the challenges Pennsylvanians face. In his first year in office, Governor Shapiro made historic investments in public schools, delivered free breakfast 1.7 million students, created the Commonwealth’s first economic development strategy in nearly two decades, launched automatic voter registration for Pennsylvanians, rebuilt I-95 in just 12 days, and more. Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has visited 47 counties, meeting and listening to Pennsylvanians from all walks of life and communities big and small – from small business owners to teachers, first responders to barbers, farmers to nurses.

Prior to serving as Governor, he served as Attorney General – Pennsylvania’s top law enforcement official. During the 2020 presidential election, he protected the right to vote and defended Pennsylvania’s election result, winning in court dozens of times.

Governor Shapiro is married to his high school sweetheart, First Lady Lori Shapiro, and they have four children: Sophia, Jonah, Max, and Reuben.

You can view Governor Shapiro’s full bio here.

More About The Book
Emily and Sami know we’re juggling a lot: full-time jobs, childcare, finances, and more. Even so, we want to make our country better, and Sami and Emily provide advice and insight on realistic ways to get the job done.

• Civic Engagement as Self-care: Claiming your singular place in your country is an assertion of your values and self-respect. Whether you’re a pragmatist or an idealist, a leader or a giver, we all have civic superpowers.
• Overcoming Apathy: The loss of connection and trust in local communities has led to loneliness and an information ecosystem that heightens polarization. Learn who’s invested in keeping us silent and disillusioned and how to beat them.
• Play Politics Your Way: Sami and Emily teach you how to match your personality, skills, resources, and values to meaningful action, whether you only have a few minutes to spare (Befriend your neighbors!) or are ready to make a lifetime commitment (Create political art!). Choose your own adventure.
• No Dumb Questions: What’s a filibuster? What do local officials actually do? And how does dark money threaten our democracy? Sami and Emily understand how the government really works, so we can change the system for the better and make the biggest impact with our time.
• You Were Made for This: Caring about people’s lives (your own, your family’s, your community’s and beyond) is the only prerequisite you need. Sami and Emily share empowering, true stories of regular citizens who’ve made a difference.

With a fun, civic personality quiz, prompts for reflection, helpful tips for de-escalating conflict, and more, DEMOCRACY IN RETROGRADE provides a transformative lens through which to see yourself: a new and powerful light which bridges the personal and the political. In the words of Joan Baez, action is the antidote to despair, and with this helpful guide, even if Mercury is in retrograde, our democracy doesn’t have to be.