"In today's political climate, it's hard not to get discouraged. Isolated, doom scrolling, lacking a sense of purpose or community... it's easy to become overwhelmed by the dire state of American democracy and do nothing, because why try when the odds are never in our favor? At this fragile moment in history, Emily Amick, lawyer and former counsel to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, alongside New York Times bestselling author and Betches Media cofounder Sami Sage, want to reframe civic engagement as a form of self-care: an assertion of one's values and self-respect. This book is not just about voting, but about claiming your singular place in your country and community"-- Provided by publisher.

Section 1: Introduction. Why we're here -- If you're thinking, civics? Really? -- Initial reflection exercise -- Section 2: Democracy in retrograde. Why helping democracy will also give you a more meaningful life -- On democracy : a work in progress -- Polarized, calcified, and exhausted -- Hopelessness is a civic engagement killer -- Reflection exercise -- Section 3: So, what can we do?. Action is the antidote to despair -- Developing your personal mission statement -- Section 4: Your civic personality. What is civic personality? -- Civic personality quiz -- Leaders/FIRE -- Givers/EARTH -- Connectors/WATER -- Creators/AIR -- Section 5: An action plan to get started. Audit your news consumption -- Create your civic calendar -- Build a civic network without "networking" -- How to lobby elected officials without spending a dollar -- Having challenging conversations about politics -- Tips on raising children with a heart for civic engagement -- Bringing it all together -- Section 6: The future is written by is, not in the stars. 10 rules for political action when we're all very busy and exhausted -- Section 7: Additional resources.