Courage in a Time of Fear: Indivisible Akron & Akron Democracy Defenders Joint Meeting

**Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Program starts promptly at 6 p.m.** # September Monthly Meeting ## Presented by Akron Democracy Defenders and Indivisible Akron Join us for a grounded, honest conversation about what it means to stay courageous and principled when the world feels intimidating. This September, we’re hosting a panel of psychologically minded speakers and professionals who can help us unpack how fear is used, how to recognize real risks versus scare tactics, and how ordinary people can still act with integrity — even when dissent feels dangerous. Inspired by "[On Courage: How to Be a Dissident in an Age of Fear](https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/on-courage-to-be-a-dissident-in-americas-age-of-fear_julia-angwin_ami-fields-meyer/57113822/#edition=74408321&idiq=86836582)," this discussion will explore: * How fear is weaponized and how to tell what’s real * How to stay grounded when labels like “domestic terrorist” are thrown around * Quiet forms of resistance and behind‑the‑scenes activism * How to act with courage even when you feel afraid This will be a supportive, community‑centered conversation — not a lecture — and a chance to connect with others who are navigating the same climate of fear and uncertainty. Meet the moderator and our panelists: **Rose Phelps, MS, LMFT (Ret.)** Our moderator, Rose, is a retired marriage and family therapist who integrated clinical and political work throughout her career, including extensive group therapy with trauma survivors. Her activism began in the feminist and anti‑Vietnam War movements, and her specialization in trauma recovery inspired the concept for this panel. **Sally Iannone, MSSA, LISW** Sally is a licensed independent social worker with more than 40 years of psychotherapy and coaching experience in NE Ohio. A “child of the 60s,” her early involvement in civil‑rights and antiwar movements shaped her lifelong commitment to social justice. She holds degrees in political science, sociology, and social work from Case West