Important note: This online discussion of the movie Activized does not include a viewing of the movie.  Before joining in on this event with us, watch Activized (36 minutes) at your convenience.  Details for separate online access to both – first the movie and then this discussion – appear below.

Activized follows a handful of ordinary Americans who have surprised themselves by becoming political activists. The subjects of this film are passionate newcomers to the political arena; people who never saw themselves as rabble-rousers or trouble-makers. But something in the past three years inspired each of them to step up, put themselves on the front lines, and make a decision to defend American values and democratic institutions they believe are under threat.

The half dozen characters in this film are everyday people, not politicians or celebrities. Some are young — one is 17 — others are middle-aged. They come from various backgrounds and regions. By interweaving their personal stories against the backdrop of their chosen causes – gun violence prevention, immigration rights, voting rights – this film explores the motivations, successes and failures, sacrifices, and most of all the contributions of this small sample of Americans who are practicing what has been labeled “constructive patriotism.”