1st Meeting: Antifascist Book Club Leader Guide

Welcome to the first meeting of your Antifascist Book Club! This guide will help you lead a meaningful discussion on the foundations of fascism, drawing from Task Force Butler’s What is Fascism? guide and John Lewis's final op-ed. Use the discussion prompts and action steps to build a strong foundation for future meetings.

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The PDF version includes extended discussion prompts, deeper analysis of key themes, and additional resources for continuing the conversation.

Purpose of This Meeting

This inaugural session establishes the intellectual foundation for your book club. It introduces members to core theoretical and historical perspectives on fascism and highlights the importance of studying authoritarian movements.

Objectives of This Meeting

• Define the scope and purpose of the Antifascist Book Club.

• Engage critically with What is Fascism? and John Lewis’s final op-ed.

• Situate fascism within historical and contemporary contexts.

• Develop a framework for analyzing authoritarianism moving forward.

1. Welcome & Introductions (10-15 min)

• Introduce yourself and your interest in antifascist scholarship.

• Establish group norms for constructive discourse (e.g., active listening, evidence-based discussion).

2. Why Are We Here? (10 min)

• Outline the intellectual and activist aims of the book club.

• Briefly introduce On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder as the next reading.

3. Critical Engagement with "What is Fascism?" and John Lewis’s Final Op-Ed (20-30 min)

Key Discussion Areas:

• Definitional Clarity: What are the essential characteristics of fascism?

• Historical Development: How has fascism evolved over time?

• Contemporary Manifestations: In what ways do authoritarian movements persist today?

Guiding Questions:

• Which aspects of the What is Fascism? guide challenged or expanded your perspective?

• How does John Lewis’s call to “stand up for what you truly believe” resonate with your vision for this book club?

4. Establishing Group Expectations (10 min)

• Reiterate the club’s commitment to sustained, critical engagement.

• Discuss ongoing dialogue options, such as online forums or follow-up readings.

5. Conclusion & Next Steps (5-10 min)

• Confirm the next meeting's topic: On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder.

• Encourage members to reflect on today’s discussion and prepare for the next session.

Continue the Journey

• Go to the 2nd Meeting Guide

• Return to the Leader Guides Index

📥 Download the PDF version(Placeholder)

For more resources, visit the main Antifascist Book Club page.

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