Conversations in the Square
In Construction - Currently duplicated
Welcome to Townsquare Democracy's "Living Room.” These gatherings are small, facilitated discussions, where everyone has the opportunity to speak, and we explore how to engage politically without losing our humanity.
Upcoming Event
The Flip side of Democratic Empathy: Political Demonology
Monday, February 9 | 7:00 pm
Bernie’s Café & Bookstore
3966 24th Street (between Noe & Sanchez)
Please RSVP to: townsquaredemocracy@gmail.com
Our facilitator Professor Austin Sarat has argued that empathy is a necessary tool for recovering the practice ofdemocracy. We might go even further: empathy is a shield for our humanity. When we practice empathy, we grant other people a measure of humanity, even if we do not support their choices.
This strategy has a name: “political demonology”. Like everything else about MAGA, politicaldemonology is not new, and people have been studying it for a while now. We’ll talk about this phenomenon as practiced by MAGA through examples, to ground our understanding.
Past Events
The Power of Empathy for Democracy — and Why MAGA Tries to Shut It Down
By Indivisible SF
Jan 12 from 7pm to 8:30pm PST
Overview
Our ability to bridge the gap between “me” and someone else through feeling our common humanity—empathy—can be a transformative power that makes collective action possible, transcending difference and building democratic strength. Empathy is foundational to human rights and pluralism. When it is delegitimized, as MAGA mouthpieces have labored to do, exclusion and cruelty become easier to justify. In truth, empathy can be difficult to practice across meaningful differences, because it requires taking someone else's views seriously. So we'll prepare to try! Join us for a discussion of empathy as part of your democratic toolkit.
Hosted by Townsquare Democracy, with support from Indivisible San Francisco
Cracks in the MAGA Coalition – What Do They Mean, and How Can We Engage?
By Indivisible SF
Dec. 8 from 7pm to 8:30pm PST
Overview
We’ll look at what these internal fractures actually tell us about the state of our government. Where institutions like FEMA and the courts are quietly pushing back.
We will also discuss the best strategies for talking with people in our lives who are still inside the MAGA orbit or starting to question it. We will address ways to stay clear about our own values, protect ourselves, and still leave doors open for change
This is not a debate or shouting match. It’s a space for thoughtful conversation, listening, and planning small, realistic next steps. Format: Up to about 15 -20 people. Short framing at the beginning, then circle conversation with guided questions.