THU Feb 1 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm | FREE
Every year the US Department of Arts and Culture (usdac.us/psotu) launches People’s State of the Union. Last year, Jacksonville had a major turnout throughout the city. Don’t miss out this year! The Story Circle at Yellow House will be thoughtfully facilitated by USDAC volunteers and will include light refreshments and a related art experience. It is free, but you must register as space is limited!
What is a People’s State of the Union Story Circle?
In January of most years, the President delivers a State of the Union Address highlighting the past year and suggesting priorities for the coming year. It’s a broadcast from one to many. But democracy is a conversation, not a monologue. Understanding the state of our union takes We the People reflecting in our own communities on our challenges and opportunities locally, nationally, and globally.
People’s State of the Union is an invitation to supplement the President’s stories by coming together in our own homes, schools, houses of worship, and community organizations to share our own take on the state of our union. Thousands of people in more than 350 communities have taken part over the last three years.
The People’s State of the Union has two main parts: Story Circles across the nation, and a collaboratively composed Poetic Address to the Nation. Each Story Circle is facilitated by a trained leader, who will inspire a safe space for sharing and will gather stories to share to a national online portal where they can be shared and browsed. Then—inspired by these stories—an invited group of writers collaboratively composes the Poetic Address to the Nation, performed and broadcast live.