What a great week it’s been introducing my new book to our nation’s capital. Although election stress is evident across the United States, people who work in policy, political journalism, and campaigns may be feeling it even more acutely than most. I hope bringing Facing the Fracture “inside the beltway” will offer a helpful resource […]
3…2…1…book launch!
My first book was published in August 2020. The height of a pandemic is not the ideal time to gather with people to celebrate a book release, so back then, friends and family joined me on Zoom for a virtual birthday/book party. Four years later, I was excited to give Facing the Fracture a proper […]
Recording the Audiobook for Facing the Fracture
I arrive at the studio ready to go. Having narrated the audiobook of my first book, I had learned a thing or two. I know to wear soft clothing and avoid jangly jewelry. I am equipped with throat lozenges and tea. And I am well rested — this will take a lot of energy. This […]
Facing the Fracture – the backstory
To be honest, I had no idea I was going to write another book about political conflict. When my first book, Beyond Your Bubble, received a flurry of attention in 2020, I didn’t think anyone would care what I had to say after election day. But political polarization continued to ramp up, with our country […]
Public Libraries Can Help Bridge the Political Divide
Growing up in Charlottesville, Virginia, the Gordon Avenue public library was a few blocks from my elementary school. Some days, rather than taking the bus home, I would hang out at the library until my parents could pick me up. I perused the shelves, discovering books and authors, and settling into a comfy chair to […]
2023 Year in Review
I don’t usually make New Years resolutions, but I broke with tradition to identify 3 goals for 2023: 1) buy a hairdryer, 2) listen to a lot of Taylor Swift, and 3) write the next book. Although I accomplished the first two by the end of January 2023, it took me until December to complete […]
Reflecting on Democracy
Last month, I spent a weekend as a facilitator for the Chautauqua Forum on Democracy. Chautauqua has a reputation for quality speakers, and they did not disappoint! David Blight recounted a history of democracy from Athens to today, connecting Frederick Douglass’ writings to current challenges. Perspectives on free speech, political engagement, and dissent were offered […]
A Quarter Century of Dr. Tania Israel
August 1998 I received my doctoral degree in August 1998, a quarter of a century ago! I’ve been reflecting on the past 25 years of my career and appreciating the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to my field and beyond. Here are some of the highlights… Dr. Tania Israel Quarter Century Reflections 25 presentations I […]
A Week of Bridging Divides
People ask me how I can be so optimistic about bridging the political divide. Well, let me tell you about a week I had recently… Tuesday: I Zoom into a meeting of an anti-racist learning circle who read my book, Beyond Your Bubble. Their insights about the importance of listening and non-defensiveness are so encouraging, […]
My Bisexual Agenda for Bi Visibility Week
It’s Bi Visibility Week! Bisexuals are the largest segment of the LGBTQ community, yet we are largely invisible. This is a week to bring attention to this large and growing population (15% of Gen Z adults identify as bisexual!). The week leads up to Celebrate Bisexual Day on September 23. Here’s my agenda for Bi […]