On Saturday, Jan. 23, Anythink will host its fourth Civic Saturday, bringing the community together through civic engagement and tradition. Held online via Zoom, Civic Saturday is an opportunity for individuals to connect through readings, poetry, music and discussion, centered in civic participation. On Jan. 23, attendees will focus on the theme of “Facing Conflict.” How can we participate in difficult – and important – conversations with the people in our lives? How do we reflect on relationships negatively affected by politics?

Civic Saturday continues Anythink’s commitment to creating local opportunities for meaningful civic engagement and information. As political divides continue to cause strife among friends, families, neighbors and colleagues, Civic Saturday provides a platform to encourage civil dialogue focused on addressing those divides. By hosting this program in a virtual format, the library will be able to safely encourage meaningful interaction.  

“We are at a critical turning point in our country, and it’s important to have safe venues for discussions on topics that effect our community and our world,” says Anythink Director of Strategic Partnerships Stacie Ledden. “Civic Saturday provides the perfect format for this – connecting with others passionate about civic engagement, singing songs together and holding discussions with friends, neighbors and strangers about what it means to be a citizen.”

This gathering is hosted in conjunction with Living Room Conversations, a Colorado-based non-profit focused on revitalizing civil discourse through conversation. Civic Saturday will also feature local artists and performers, including The Reminders and poet Franklin Cruz  Participating families will also be provided materials to encourage young children to engage in the conversation.

Civic Saturday was first started by Citizen University, a Seattle-based organization dedicated to building a culture of powerful, responsible citizenship in the U.S. To help spread the initiative outside of Seattle, Citizen University trains individuals and organizations from across the country, including Anythink, on how to host Civic Saturdays in their own communities.

The event is free and open to all. Registration is required at anythinklibraries.org. A link to the meeting will be sent to all registrants in advance.

Event Details

Civic Saturday

Saturday, January 23, 2021

9:30-11 am

Held online; register at anythinklibraries.org.

Gather with fellow community members to reflect, connect and create new civic traditions that are meaningful and communal. Through songs, readings and discussions, local artists, community members and Anythink staff will share inspiration on the theme of “Facing Conflict.” How can we participate in difficult – and important – conversations with the people in our lives? How do we reflect on relationships negatively affected by politics? This gathering is hosted in conjunction with Living Room Conversations. Local performers and guest speakers will also be featured. Participating families will also be provided materials to encourage young children to engage in the conversation.  Held online, this event is free and open to all. Please register at anythinklibraries.org.