ARCPDX Book Club - July 2025

**VIRTUAL ONLY THIS MONTH** 📚 This month, we look forward to discussing the first half of "The Viral Underclass," by Steven Thrasher, with you! 📖 The Viral Underclass explores how social inequalities, particularly in the US, create a "viral underclass" disproportionately vulnerable to and affected by infectious diseases like HIV and COVID-19. It will also examine how factors like racism, classism, and ableism create pathways for certain groups to be more susceptible to infection and experience more severe consequences. 📕 Whether you're a seasoned activist or a curious newcomer, all are welcome to join the Animal Rights Collective Portland (ARCPDX) Book Club! 🙏 Thank you to Takara for leading and Northwest Animal RIghts Network (NARN), Veggies Do It Better Events, and Northwest VEG for co-hosting. 🗓 Tuesday, July 29th **Discussing Act 1 & 2** ⏰ 6-7:45pm 💻 Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7654622343 📕 Books are suggested and voted on by the group. Our goal is to read books that challenge norms, inspire empathy, reflect the diverse voices and perspectives within the vegan and social justice movements, and ignite conversations about animal rights, environmental sustainability, social equity, and more. 📲 In between meetings, we encourage you to chat about the books via Slack! Join the ARCPDX Slack workspace: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFIcsJ79mLHyRD8t1ogNv9X66Ct3-kvQX3KSxnE6kJ_Lnq4A/viewform?usp=sf_link 📚 If you are already on our Slack, join the #book-club channel How to join a channel: https://slack.com/help/articles/205239967-Join-a-channel ❓Reach out to Takara Rahalski with any questions. 🤝 By attending this event, you are agreeing to the Animal Rights Collective Portland Meeting/Event Community Guidelines: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10gu2vfndaJW58nt4LJeGx6qsZJcEXTYEqcn8wPGDBCI/edit