#Grassroots Activism

[tlbodine]

So, Things Are Terrible and You Want to DO SOMETHING

The election is over and, ah...did not go well. While a lot of folks are doing a post mortem of the campaigns and trying to understand what happened with the vote and fighting over who shoulders the blame, we've gotta turn an eye toward the future and figure out, okay fam, where the fuck do we go from here.

I don't have all the answers on this, and I'm not an authority by any means, I'm just a horror author with a blog. But I've been thinking a lot about it and I wanted to share my thought process with others who might want to DO SOMETHING but feel they're spinning their wheels.

Buckle in. This will be a long one.

Step One: Understand the actual risks and stakes.

I think it is very easy to start panicking now about the worst possible case scenario -- jackbooted military busting into the door to disappear everyone who ever said something mean about Trump or bought a banned book or something -- and let fear turn into inaction.

I'm not saying things can't get that bad, and I'm not saying that it won't be absolutely terrifying right out the gate for some particularly at-risk groups -- but the distance between "now" and "V for Vendetta" is long and filled with a lot of intermediary steps. There will be so many opportunities to prevent the worst case scenario.

I say this because, if your mental image of "Bad Things Happening" is The Purge, it will be easy to wake up on inauguration day, look outside to see that the world is not on fire, think, hey, maybe things will be okay after all, and then completely disengage. Alternatively, you might feel so frozen with terror at the possibility of persecution that you do nothing. This is why people are saying: don't obey in advance.

It is essential for those of us with more privilege to use it to take care of those who are more vulnerable.

So. Who is most vulnerable? What does that vulnerability actually mean? What are the most likely risks of Trump's presidency? Here's a Guardian article that I think does a good job of summarizing some of the main issues. Go read that, then come back here.

Step Two: Take steps to protect yourself

You've gotta put your oxygen mask on first, right? So before you start getting involved in other causes, figure out what risks YOU are at, immediately, and do as much as you can to secure yourself. Some potential action steps depending on your circumstance may include:

Renewing your passport (helpful for leaving the country, but also for gender/name change purposes)

Getting vaccines / boosters

Securing birth control

Ensuring your necessary papers (birth certificates etc.) are where you have access to them.

Drawing up legal paperwork for spouses/partners (always a good idea, a helpful safety measure in case you lose marriage rights)

Bolstering your data privacy and online security. Here's a step-by-step guide I found that could help with that.

The specific steps you need to take here depend on what risks you, personally, face. You'll want to do some more research into this for your particular scenario.

No matter who you are, though, it's probably a good idea to start saving money and being a little more conservative with your spending and/or pay down debts to free up some cash. You don't know what kind of emergency may befall you, and having spare money for an emergency is never a bad idea.

There is a possibility that the cost of many things you rely on might go up, if Trump goes through with his tariffs plan. You will want to plan for that.

Food costs may also rise due to tariffs (we import a lot of food from Mexico and Latin America for example) as well as a loss of immigrant labor. There is also a possibility that food safety standards could fall due to overturning regulations. Now would be a good time to look into local food resources like farm share/CSA, community farms, etc., and to stock up on a few key staples like rice and beans.

Okay. Now that YOU are reasonably safe...what can you do to protect your community?

Step Three: Get Involved

Here is your mission: You need to stay engaged enough to know what's going on, without burning yourself out or exhausting yourself, and to take actual decisive actions instead of wasting your energy arguing on the internet.

Got that? Okay. Good. Here are some action steps:

Support independent journalism. Subscribe to local papers, donate to and watch public broadcast programming. I signed up for news from ProPublica, for example, as well as the news-roundup service What The Fuck Just Happened Today. The goal is to stay informed without falling down an endless rabbit hole of upsetting information.

Share news and resources with others in your circle. This can be a good use of social media. It's what I am doing right now!

If it is safe for you to do so, challenge and educate your friends/family members/neighbors/coworkers. Only if it is safe for you to do so. Do not put yourself at risk doing this. And do not waste your time arguing with people who are unlikely to change. But if you have well-meaning people in your life who you think could be won over, look for opportunities to do this - the right way. I've had some success with this, I will probably write a guide about it in the future. In the meantime, here's a good article that can help.

Join local grassroots activism groups. You'll have to do some work to decide what groups to join and which causes you want to support, because you cannot do everything. But there are tons of organizations taking direct action in all kinds of causes. Search "grassroots [cause] activists in [where you live]" to start finding things. Once you get involved in one group, you might meet people who can introduce you to other groups and causes. Yes, this means you will have to go outside and meet people. I'm sorry.

Join direct action groups. Same concept as above. You'll have to search in your area but once you know people it'll be easier to find more opportunities. Some of these groups may overlap. You might find direct action opportunities by engaging politically and vice versa. GO OUTSIDE AND TALK TO PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING THINGS TO HELP.

Get involved in local politics. Here are some quick tips. A lot of things are affected at the city level - stuff like book bans and bathroom bills are often battled first at local libraries and schools, and you can be part of those conversations! Sheriffs are elected and can have a big influence on local policing. Local elections affect how tax dollars are spent, how homeless populations are treated, and lots more. Don't snooze on local elections. Get involved and stay involved.

Look up your representatives. Get in the habit of calling, emailing, and writing letters. Figure out what legislature is being passed and then call your reps and harangue them about it - both to support bills you approve of and shoot down ones you don't. Sign petitions. Join email campaigns. Here's one you can go sign right now from the ACLU. See? Not that scary.

I think a lot of people figure that getting involved in politics doesn't matter or that it's all small potatoes but...man. The president is not god, no matter what he thinks. The sitting administration is not the sole power in the universe. There is an entire machine of government we can lean upon and act upon.

Finally, some general safety notes:

Some forms of direct action are not legal. Take steps to be safe if you choose to partake. Follow the lead of more seasoned activists for what forms of communication to use and so forth.

If you're not willing or able to put yourself at legal risk to act, you can help others by donating to bail funds and legal defense funds.

We've already seen this in some areas, and it will only get uglier - some bad actors are feeling emboldened by the change in regime and will misbehave. It's a good idea to learn some self-defense skills, in whatever way is comfortable to you, and brush up on some tenets of victimology that can help you stay safe. I'll write more about that in the future.

All right. That's all for now. It's by no means comprehensive...but should hopefully help you get started taking the next step. Stay safe out there.

[asshatproductions]

I believe in collective action more than anything, but I'm not sure when the narrative became "collective action will save us so there's no use in voting" when it could be "collective action will save us so we need to band together to vote in people who will support our actions"

[thepeopleinpower]

Stone me to death if I’m wrong I guess but I really feel like any privilege comes with the responsibility to distribute that privilege downward any way you can and not hoard it exclusively for your own benefit. but idk who am I to say

[jarofrebukepodcast]

"Folks in Jared’s life are showing concern about their recent absence and overall behavior. What kinds of messages do they leave? Will Jared call anyone back?"

We're officially returning! This episode will be live to the public on July 31st, though monthly supporters of $5 or more can listen to it NOW!

A HUGE thank you to all of our Patreon supporters for supporting us monthly as we continue to make this art. Also a huge thank you to the amazing people at Trans Justice Funding Project for helping fund our works this season!

IMAGE ID: a Patreon preview post including the text provided above.

[harriswalz4usabybr]

Speech Vice President Harris Gave at the Alabama State Capitol!

~BR~

[thotzumaki]

*UPDATED FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN*

All funds will be directly donated to the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights, a national network of activists and organizations dedicated to freedom, justice, and equality for the Palestinian people. USCPR provides resources and strategic support to the U.S.-based Palestine Solidarity Movement to bring about positive change in U.S. Policy and public opinion. They work with local organizers and activists, policymakers, movement leaders, media, and advocacy organizations to advance a rights-based, accountability and justice-oriented framework from the U.S. to Palestine. Learn more about USCPR here.

I started this campaign to raise funds for the people of Palestine who have been oppressed and under occupation for over 75 years. While fundraising is important during humanitarian crises and provides pivotal aid to those affected, it is CRUCIAL that we raise our voices to advocate for Palestine.

Silence and apathy are the beloved collaborators of genocide. While the majority of world leaders plug their ears and disregard the cries of desperation from Palestinians to be rescued, those of us fighting for justice have to scream louder. If Palestinian children have the courage to protest in the (illegally) occupied West Bank, we have no excuse to remain silent. To remain "neutral" is to side with the oppressor. I beg you to raise your voice and stand firmly against injustice on the behalf of the people of Palestine and all those living under oppression.

Simple but effective advocacy strategies:

Contact your representatives and government officials. Call them. Email them. Fax them. Write them letters and don't stop. Make sure they know your outrage at their complicity in genocide.

Keep talking about Palestine. Don't treat this like a trend. Thousands upon thousands of men, women and children are being massacred. Thousands are being driven from their homes with nowhere to seek refuge. Amplify Palestinian voices. While we mourn the dead, we have to fight like hell for the living.

Shutdown any and all hate speech you see. There is absolutely no place for antisemitism, Islamophobia or any kind of bigotry in the fight for justice. Continue to educate yourself and stay informed.

I'll emphasize this again: keep calling, emailing, faxing, and writing to your leaders. Use your voice to advocate for Palestine. Don't let them know a moment's peace.

Additional Resources:

Comprehensive Curriculum (aka Palestine 101)

Advocacy Tools

Contacting Congress (Part 1)

Contacting Congress (Part 2)

Contacting President Biden & VP Harris

[francescaswords]

Asking you all a Do Something Directory-related question or two

Hi!

So one of my non-writer roles is as head human of the Do Something Directory, which helps you find organisations that support causes you care about, and provides resources and advice on campaigning and activism.

We're growing and improving, but we need you to help us refine our plans. If you have 3-5 minutes, please consider taking part in this short Q&A about what you'd like to see from the Do Something Directory in 2024 and beyond.

Thank youuuuu

[mystically-mayhemic]

We have to stop looking for a hero to step in and make things right. It’s up to us as a collective to come together in community, to support each other and work together to turn this shit show around. None of us can be complacent, even if it merely means holding someone’s hand or cheering our support. Voting has gotten us nowhere. Grassroots action is what’s needed. This is coming from someone who protested the Vietnam war. That’s how old I am. We have to stop playing the game under their rules.

[firstoccupier]

Harnessing Technology for Democratic Change

By Cliff Potts, WPS News, Editor-in-ChiefBaybay City | January 7, 2025 A reply to We Are on Our Own by Marc Elias December 22, 2024 Hello Marc; The concerns outlined in your essay highlight the urgent challenges we face, yet it is also important to remember and emphasize the resiliency inherent within our system and its people. While the journey may seem daunting, history has shown us that…

[fiercemillennial]

From Blue to Purple: How My Political Compass Shifted

Ever feel like your political views shifted with life? Same. In this article, I’m breaking down how my beliefs evolved from blue to a bold new purple. It’s a journey worth taking. #FierceTrends #PoliticalJourney #IndependentThinking #NewsWithATwist #FierceMillennial

How have your political views changed over time? How evolving perspectives shaped my approach to justice, freedom, and real change. Is It Me, or Has Politics Changed? Do you ever feel like politics used to make sense, but now you’re stuck in a swirling vortex of confusion and contradiction? That’s me—stuck, spinning, and occasionally shouting at the news. Back in the day, I was a die-hard…

[sheilamurrey]

How Corporations Took Control: The Hidden Puppeteers of Society

It’s no secret that corporations have a stranglehold on our world, but what many don’t realize is just how deep this control goes. The influence of …How Corporations Took Control: The Hidden Puppeteers of Society

[aetherglade-reborn-rq]

We take our plurality berry fluffing sillyous right meow. On Gaia fr this time.

[thepeopleinpower]

Reminder that nothing happens in a vacuum and anything bad happening to humans could also happen to you or anyone you love. Even if it is happening on the other side of the world. Even if it is happening to people who don’t look like you. Even if you don’t understand their culture or beliefs. It still is proof that the rest of the world will not only let it happen, but will stand by and watch it happen. And that should legitimately be very scary to absolutely everyone.

[a-method-in-it]

I don't even fuckin' know man but here's how to community organize

*Disclaimer: This is based on my experience, which is mostly with unions; not all techniques will work for all types of community organizing.

You have to talk to people you don't know. In person. Yes, really. No, there's no shortcut or weird trick. Yes, it sucks and is awkward and at least one attempt will go badly and become one of those things that your brain reminds you of when you're trying to fall asleep. There's no help for it, so just accept it now. I'm sorry.

Pick AT MOST two things that you care about. You might have a burst of energy and want to do everything right now, but community organizing is a long game. Ideally pick one thing to care about for the purposes of organizing, maximum two.

Talk to people about those things. Maybe this means trying to talk to your coworkers to form a union (more on that here). Maybe you want to talk to your neighbors about providing support to homeless people in your neighborhood. Maybe you start to build support for making your church/temple/etc. a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants. Maybe you want to create a mutual aid group. Whatever it is, start having conversations.

You'll get better at it over time. I promise.

Focus on goals. Big picture issues can seem daunting. No individual can solve the housing crisis or fix our broken immigration system or restore reproductive rights. But a small, dedicated, organized group of people can provide material support to the unhoused, assist undocumented neighbors, or create a system for seeking reproductive care out of state. Think about concrete things that you can do. Those are the things that will get your neighbors involved.

Don't talk about ideology or politics. Like I said, what gets people invested is the shared goal. Don't turn off potential allies by throwing a whole lot of charged political rhetoric at them. Relatedly:

Forget ideological purity. One of the main reasons lefty orgs wind up being ineffective is because a lot of people have a lot of opinions about politics and then prioritize having correct politics over actually getting anything done. I have done (very effective) union organizing with people I do not get along with and stood side by side on a picket line with outright conservatives. It does not matter if Susie next door is a proud liberal with cringe opinions about The West Wing; if she is willing to show up every other Saturday to hand out sandwiches in the homeless encampment, she is your motherfucking comrade and you will respect her as such.

Think in networks. Your org might be small, but how can you work with other groups? How can you share resources? How can you make sure that the work everyone is doing is connected and coordinated, across causes. Related to this:

Look for allies, not enemies. There are somethings that shouldn't be tolerated in an org --- sexual harassment for one --- but mostly, you want to take advantage of any opportunity to bring someone in or work with another group. Focus on solving problems, reducing friction, and de-escalating conflict wherever possible.

Spread out leadership and responsibility. This can be a big one. Train as many people as possible on how to do all tasks (especially anything admin!!). Empower people to feel like they could fill in as necessary when leaders are out. Over time in any org, people will get burned out, will have health issues, will have kids, will move, etc. A strong community org does not rely on any one person or even any three people; it allows people to come and go over time because there's always someone to handle what needs doing.

It is neither a marathon nor a sprint but an eternal relay race. You will not solve everything, but you will make the world better. Maybe over time it will grow into something bigger; maybe it won't. But if you go in with the idea that you just need to give it your all until it's fixed, you will burn out very quickly. There is no end point when everything will be fine. There will always be work to be done to improve the world. Do it while it is yours to do. Rest when you need to rest. It is all any of us can do.

[treety-of-the-ents]

This is my homework for soon (I have medical shit to take care of). If I haven’t done this before the end of February, somebody remind me since I’ll be in recovery form surgery and it will be a good time to research.

A basic point of Solarpunk is it's focus on local communities. So, get to know your communities!

Local Politics

How does your local Govenment work? Who are the people involved in it?

What is the main political climate and view in your area?

What are the most active community organisations?

What are Grasrootmovements in your areas?

Are there known leftist organisations or communities?

Local Infrastrucure

Libraries and Archives

independent buisnesses like bakerys, bookstores etc

central community centres

Thrift stores

Nature preservation centres or organisations

Food kitchens

package-free and bulk stores

Local Newspapers

Bus lines and scedules

Bike repair shops

Queer Bars and Centres

Tailors and shoe repair shops

abandoned or empty buildings/ properites

Local History

How did people live in your area 50 Years ago? 100? 200? 500? What are their trades, culture, how did they get their food?

What is the geological and ecological history of your area? The quality of the soil? The availability of water? Local Plants?

What are some major historical events your area went through? How did they shape the peoples point of view?

What are the oldest buildings in Town? Research the architecture and building materials, as they commonly are localy sourced and help with sustainable building in your area!

These are just some ideas so please feel free to add!

[harriswalz4usabybr]

Speech Vice President Harris gave at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, AL!