The Joy of Talking Politics with Strangers Book Launch

Forget the pundits and polls – this year’s elections will be decided on front porches and phone calls across the country. Join Elizabeth Chur for the launch of her book, The Joy of Talking Politics with Strangers: How to Save Democracy, One Conversation at a Time.

In conversation with the Bay Area Coalition’s Judith Bolker, Elizabeth will tell stories about her most memorable voter encounters in California’s Central Valley and beyond. By engaging with compassion and nonjudgmental curiosity, these respectful dialogues can help earn people’s trust – and their votes. She’ll share strategies and practical tips about how to get the most out of each conversation with a voter.

Expect an engaging evening filled with discussion, practical advice, and inspiration about how these one-on-one interactions can shape our country’s future – and transform us in the process. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, get signed copies of Elizabeth’s book, and meet others who share a passion for civic engagement. Learn how taking small, positive actions can not only save our democracy but create newfound hope and joy!

Want to support community members? By purchasing a "Pay It Forward" ticket you will allow us to provide free tickets to those who may not be able to afford entry otherwise and ensure we can create a diverse socio-economic audience that represents San Francisco.

Manny's never turns away anyone for lack of funds. To receive a complimentary ticket just email the word "grapefruit" and the title of this event to [email protected].

Elizabeth Chur is a Swing Left San Francisco volunteer and freelance medical writer. She has trained over 2,500 volunteers nationally through three acclaimed workshops – Phone Bank and Canvassing Training for Introverts (& Friends), Spanish for Activists, and You and the 34%: How to Have Meaningful Conversations with High-Potential Voters.

A former journalist and documentary radio producer, she studied the development of free press in Eastern Europe as a Thomas J. Watson fellow and was part of a UC Berkeley team that won a George Polk Award for their radio documentary, “Reports from a Warming Planet.” Elizabeth has also worked at the St. Anthony Foundation and in arts administration and is a graduate of Oberlin College and the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies.

Judith Bolker is cofounder and steering committee member of the Bay Area Coalition, member of the Swing Left Peninsula Leadership Council, co-lead for Democrats Abroad Californians Abroad, and regional organizer for the Center for Common Ground. In 2023 she was named Volunteer of the Year by the California Democratic Party.

Elizabeth Chur’s Substack: https://substack.com/@talkwithvoters

Elizabeth Chur’s website: https://elizabethchur.com/

Spanish for Activists: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yDlIv3MX3ZO6eA8NiAmF5U-LfTqO1Gh4

Bay Area Coalition: https://bayareacoalition.org/

Host or Publisher Manny's