The huddle idea comes from the Women’s March in 2017. They said, “First we march, then we huddle.” The idea was to carry the energy of the march back to local communities and to create informal circles that would develop the concerns expressed in the protest.

We’ve borrowed the idea to create small, open conversational circles among neighbors, friends, work or schoolmates, artists, musicians, yoga or gym buddies, etc., in order to share thoughts and views and feelings about issues that concern our communities, our nation, and our globe.

The idea is that this is what democracy looks like, and that at this moment we need much, much more of it. It’s not only what democracy looks like, but it’s our conviction that local circles built on robust personal relationships spread throughout the community are the best defense against the hazard of authoritarianism, however novel the form it may take in today’s world.

Our premise is that if people actually converse with one another it builds a way of connecting and sustaining connection that we can rely on. Think of rhizomes as an example to model—we create nodes that send out crooked fingerlike stalks that spread, growing new roots and shoots. It’s a way build relationship to ensure our flourishing, not to say our survival.

What: Discussion About Democracy, aka “Huddle”

When: June 24, 2025, 5:30 to 7 pm

Where: Laite Memorial Beach,

Bay View Street, Camden

If you’re interested in exploring this Huddle

concept, email mmulhern2727@gmail.com or he31@verizon.net