Wondering how to help?
Being a concerned citizen who cares about your community is the first step. Translating that concern into actions that can effect change is the very definition of activism.
Things you can do with minimal effort:
There are lots of things that average citizens can do to help that might feel pretty tame—but are just as important as “spicier” actions.
Vote!!!
Volunteer for and/or donate to pro-democracy, pro-rule of law candidates.
Join a community-building organization, such as a service organization (examples: Lions clubs, Rotary Club) or civics organization (examples: League of Women Voters; local political party chapters).
If you are a lawyer, volunteer to work pro bono with one of the groups filing lawsuits. If not, donate to one of them.
Support a boycott.
Support local small businesses that support your community.
Sign petitions.
Attend town halls.
Donate to a group or cause.
Support friends/family who are protesting.
Call your elected representative’s office. The 5calls.org website and app make this super easy, even if you can’t imagine what you’d say.
Write a letter to the editor of your local paper.
Post your concerns on social media to educate your community.
Have a conversation about issues that matter to you with loved ones of a different political view.
next level: protesting
When some people hear the word “activist,” they envision someone standing on a street corner with a sign, screaming their head off, or perhaps getting dragged away by police during a sit in.
In truth, though, you don’t have to do anything that dramatic. (But if that appeals to you, have at it!)
Speak at a town hall.
March in a rally or protest.
help make protest signs and placards
Put up flyers
Share information about protests
Engage in civil disobedience, such as participating in a sit in, which could risk arrest.
Boycotts
Boycotting companies that support facism is really important. Supporting local and national businesses that support community and democracy is equally important! You can find businesses to boycott here.
Why Protests are important
The court of public opinion remains a vital front in the war against autocracy, not only because it reflects defiance of the bully autocrats but because it builds political momentum for elections happening this year.
Public, peaceful gatherings—whether at town halls or other venues—that protest a government of, by, and for oligarchs make a difference. Taking action to preserve our democracy makes a difference. Marches and town halls also stiffen the spine of Democrats, fuel support for their races this year or in 2026, convey to other voters that capitulation is not an option, and engage previously inactive voters.
Labour unions
Labor unions have been front and center in the legal fight to rein in Trump, protect government employees, defend government funding from illegal impoundment, and defend collective bargaining rights. They are just as critical in the court of law as they are in the court of public opinion.
If your workplace is not unionized, consider an organizing campaign with fellow workers. (You can get basic information directly from the Department of Labor website). In any event, do not cross picket lines, and use your consumer buying power to support law-abiding employers.
