Political Hobbyism vs. Political Power

More than ever, Americans are spending time thinking, talking, and reading about politics. And yet, we’re below historical averages in actual civic and political volunteerism. What’s going on? Today, most people who are interested in politics are “political hobbyists” – engaging in politics to satisfy their own intellectual interests and emotional needs. In this talk, based on his book, Politics is for Power, Tufts University professor Eitan Hersh will lead a discussion on why so many of us practice a shallow form of political hobbyism, and most importantly, what the alternative is. The alternative is told through inspiring stories of seven organizers, including three from the Boston area, who figured out how to get into the trenches and empower their values.

Please register here. This program is part of the Library’s civic engagement series. Learn more about this series on our website.

Generously sponsored by the Library Trustees.