Join the Chicago Pilot Group

Welcome to Democracy Book Club! We are a new monthly book club, connecting in person and virtually, for individuals who care about democracy. We're here to learn, build community, and take action together to change the trajectory of our country.

This pilot group is extra helpful in that we read books in advance that might roll out in subsequent months to the broader Democracy Book Club community.

We appreciate you answering these questions so we can learn more about you and get your advice on how to make this book club great. Feel free to also email us with your thoughts at hello@democracybookclub.org!

What neighborhood do you live in?

Do you have people in mind who you think would be interested in forming an in-person book club with you or joining an existing one?

These groups don't have to be big; it could be you and two others.

Yes, I have several people in mind.

Not yet, but I plan on asking a few to form one with me.

I don't have anyone in mind.

For those interested, we're also recruiting individuals to help drive awareness and bring more people together in person. What would you be interested in doing?

We will help brainstorm ideas, share best practices, and provide social media and flyer templates. Being involved can take as little as 5 minutes. No pressure, but every bit helps!

I'd love to help organize in-person events in my area.

I can post about Democracy Book Club on social media.

I can distribute flyers at my local library/coffee shop.

I can share Democracy Book Club with my local advocacy groups

I can help with design / tech for relevant projects

I'd like to just focus on reading the book at this time.

When it comes to your specific group, you have a few options. Which one do you prefer?

Note: Forming in-person book clubs with other DBC members will depend on how well we can spread the word in your area.

I will form my own group with people in my area.

I'd love to join a virtual book club with people from other pockets of the country.

I'd like to participate in an in-person book club with other Democracy Book Club members from my town/city.

I'm open to any of them.

For in person meetup, our first book for the Chicago pilot group will be The Nerd Reich on October 18th at 4pm at Beermiscuous in Lakeview. Are you interested in participating in that one?

It's a quick one, only 120 pages, but packs a powerful punch.

Yes! I've already read the book.

No thanks, I'll pass on this one.

After that will be On Tyranny, with a meeting in late Oct, location TBD. Are you interested in participating in that one?

Note: This is coming up soon and the book is great but very dense. You do not need to read it in full to participate in the club meeting, we will summarize the key points as part of the conversation.

Yes! I've already read the book.

No thanks, I'll pass on this one.

Are there other books you think we should consider for future months? Please let us know, as we'd love to hear your ideas!

An ultimate goal of our club is to enable members to come together to support each other's initiatives and launch new projects. Is there something you are involved with now or would like to build that can make an impact?

Please share so we know what you're working on and can think of ways and others in the group we can help your efforts.

How did you hear about this book club? If it's a specific person, let us know so we can thank them!

Anything else you'd like to add?

Thank you! Look out for a welcome email from us once you click submit. It will include a link to our Democracy Book Club iPhone and Android app so you can start connecting and collaborating with other book club members, including fellow Chicagoans!