Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual for Keeping a Democracy

Our February book gathering will focus on Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual for Keeping a Democracy by distinguished Professor of the Practice of Law, political analyst, and former US Attorney, Joyce Vance.

We’re in this together.

For the past several years, Joyce Vance has signed off posts on her chart-topping Substack, “Civil Discourse”, with these four words. Here, Vance offers a blueprint for avoiding burnout and despair, and for strengthening our democratic muscle. Giving Up Is Unforgivable is a clarion call to action, putting our current crisis in historical context and sketching out a vision for where we go next. Vance’s message is hopeful at its heart, even as it acknowledges the daunting challenges that lie ahead. She is the constitutional law professor you never knew you needed, explaining the legal context and the political history—and why the rule of the law still matters. At the same time, she empowers the reader to do something, both as individuals and collectively. Consider this the birth of a countermovement to Project 2025, a rallying cry for citizen engagement to combat the second Trump administration and save American democracy.

Join us as we share key takeaways and make space for connection and conversation about how this work relates to the threats facing democracy today and how we can be a part of making positive change.

This is a great opportunity to meet like-minded community members, learn together, and share ideas for real-world action. Bring a friend! While we encourage you to read the book, you are always welcome to attend for the discussion.

* Support our local Fort Collins bookstore, Old Firehouse Books —mention this book club when purchasing the book from them to receive a 20% discount.