1,000 small acts of resistance
January 4, 2025 7:01 PM
I am looking for concrete, simple, and effective ways I can fight back against whatever hell Donald Trump plans on inflicting starting in three weeks. But how?
I've tried doing research but it seems like most organizations just ask for money. I'll throw $20 at this here and there, but I don't have that much money to throw at the problem, and frankly that's not how I want to fight this anyway.
I've been thinking that I'd like to do one simple thing a month, like spend a couple hours a month calling or writing a letter or just doing something. I am articulate, a good writer, and very convincing, so I would hope I can have some impact? I know it may not sound like much, but I work in a helping profession that takes up a lot of my energy, I have ADHD, and I'm basically always tired/spent when I'm not working. So that's what I have the energy for right now. What I'd really like is a collection of resources and small steps we can take to try and stop this guy, but where? Again, everything I look at just asks for money. I'd love a list that we can draw from that really explains what to do. I'd also love some resource that quickly and easily connects you to your local representative and gives you a quick script on what to say/write to them, along with their contact information. Also, I'll call if I need to, but I really prefer writing.
I know that these resources exist, but they don't seem very centralized. It seems like if you search the issue resources come up, but even that feels very reactionary and I want to be proactive.
I'm also open to other ways of resisting. The only ones I can think of are money, which I don't have much of, and calling/writing to your congressman. Do they even get your letters? I would say my biggest issues are immigrant rights, economic issues, especially supporting children/overall communities effected by the cycles of poverty/trauma/violence, the climate, and women's issues.
I am located in New York State--NOT NYC but the state.
Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks!
I've tried doing research but it seems like most organizations just ask for money. I'll throw $20 at this here and there, but I don't have that much money to throw at the problem, and frankly that's not how I want to fight this anyway.
I've been thinking that I'd like to do one simple thing a month, like spend a couple hours a month calling or writing a letter or just doing something. I am articulate, a good writer, and very convincing, so I would hope I can have some impact? I know it may not sound like much, but I work in a helping profession that takes up a lot of my energy, I have ADHD, and I'm basically always tired/spent when I'm not working. So that's what I have the energy for right now. What I'd really like is a collection of resources and small steps we can take to try and stop this guy, but where? Again, everything I look at just asks for money. I'd love a list that we can draw from that really explains what to do. I'd also love some resource that quickly and easily connects you to your local representative and gives you a quick script on what to say/write to them, along with their contact information. Also, I'll call if I need to, but I really prefer writing.
I know that these resources exist, but they don't seem very centralized. It seems like if you search the issue resources come up, but even that feels very reactionary and I want to be proactive.
I'm also open to other ways of resisting. The only ones I can think of are money, which I don't have much of, and calling/writing to your congressman. Do they even get your letters? I would say my biggest issues are immigrant rights, economic issues, especially supporting children/overall communities effected by the cycles of poverty/trauma/violence, the climate, and women's issues.
I am located in New York State--NOT NYC but the state.
Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks!
I would strongly recommend getting involved in *local* politics. Help out on campaigns, especially the down-ballot ones. 2025 is an “off year” (meaning non-presidential), but many places have mayoral, council/alderman, state legislature, school board etc elections this year, and primaries are in June, so it’s not to soon to start. You can find out who is running by following the filings at your local and state election office. They should also inform you when the filing deadline is, after that, you’ll know for sure who is running in your area. If you feel REALLY inspired, run for office! It’s an education, I promise (ask me how I know). Our reps I DC don’t just spring up - they come from the local trenches, so the more you can do to influence your local politicians, the better the future looks. Also, local/state government has a much much bigger impact on our day-to-day lives.
Further, become an educated voter, if you’re not already. Go to the debates/forums/campaign events and find out about who is running for office. These kinds of events can be *really* eye-opening, especially in smaller communities.
Thank you!
posted by dbmcd at 7:33 PM on January 4
Further, become an educated voter, if you’re not already. Go to the debates/forums/campaign events and find out about who is running for office. These kinds of events can be *really* eye-opening, especially in smaller communities.
Thank you!
posted by dbmcd at 7:33 PM on January 4
Sorry, I promise I won't threadsit but one more thing. I forgot to add that on the local front, I've checked the website for volunteer opportunities for my local Democratic party multiple times but there's nothing yet. I guess because we just finished an election? I'd love to find a local group/organization that's rallying against Trump/doing local work in general, but I haven't had much luck at all yet so far.
I do not have the time or energy to run for office right now.
posted by Amy93 at 7:50 PM on January 4
I do not have the time or energy to run for office right now.
posted by Amy93 at 7:50 PM on January 4
Check out the Americans of Conscience checklist for simple steps you can take each week.
And for climate focus, take a look at Climate Changemakers. Each week there is a virtual Hour of Action you can attend where you co-work to drive climate policy behind the scenes. You'll learn all about letter writing and how to craft your message along with others doing the same thing! The same skills you learn there can also be transferred to other issues you care about.
posted by oxisos at 7:51 PM on January 4
And for climate focus, take a look at Climate Changemakers. Each week there is a virtual Hour of Action you can attend where you co-work to drive climate policy behind the scenes. You'll learn all about letter writing and how to craft your message along with others doing the same thing! The same skills you learn there can also be transferred to other issues you care about.
posted by oxisos at 7:51 PM on January 4
Local Democratic Party politics imo ain’t it. It’s very hard to sit with but the dems have shown themselves not up to the task of taking on the fascist right. “Resistance” today looks like unions, mutual aid groups and direct action. I’d look for local anarchist groups or other political groups that do direct service — this can be relatively mainstream ie the Working Families Party which both engages with mainstream politics and does a range of other organizing and more direct service stuff.
I’d love if the Democratic Party had any vision and was also doing this stuff, but in my experience they do not. They want you every 4 years to help them get elected and that’s it.
posted by wemayfreeze at 8:14 PM on January 4
I’d love if the Democratic Party had any vision and was also doing this stuff, but in my experience they do not. They want you every 4 years to help them get elected and that’s it.
posted by wemayfreeze at 8:14 PM on January 4
If you are articulate, a good writer, passionate about causes, and very convincing, have you looked into grant writing?
Researching grants that are available to various groups and then successfully writing the grant application is a surprisingly rare skill, so volunteering your time as a grant writer to local/state/national causes is extremely valuable.
A relative of mine does grant writing as part of their official education-related job, and they also volunteer some of their excellent grant writing skills for various charitable organizations. It is a very welcome contribution to just about any official charitable group.
posted by erst at 8:23 PM on January 4
Researching grants that are available to various groups and then successfully writing the grant application is a surprisingly rare skill, so volunteering your time as a grant writer to local/state/national causes is extremely valuable.
A relative of mine does grant writing as part of their official education-related job, and they also volunteer some of their excellent grant writing skills for various charitable organizations. It is a very welcome contribution to just about any official charitable group.
posted by erst at 8:23 PM on January 4
If you are looking to resist something he might do, I think you will ultimately be very unsatisfied with the opportunities to resist. I would try to find a specific issue and find a volunteer opportunity to either support the targeted group or to work to change the change.
I think if you just work for the democrat party (or if you are part of the other 50% and work for the Republican party) you will be very dissatisfied with how they deploy your time and efforts. If you keep it hyper local or if you keep it to a very micro issue, you will find that your efforts will mean more to those you support than a general "F DJT."
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:25 PM on January 4
I think if you just work for the democrat party (or if you are part of the other 50% and work for the Republican party) you will be very dissatisfied with how they deploy your time and efforts. If you keep it hyper local or if you keep it to a very micro issue, you will find that your efforts will mean more to those you support than a general "F DJT."
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:25 PM on January 4
“Resistance” today looks like unions, mutual aid groups and direct action
Strong agree. Upstate NY has an active and well-regarded chapter of the Socialist Rifle Association. (They also do things like Stop the Bleed training and other local organizing and are generally a welcome respite from Dem politics.)
posted by supercres at 8:29 PM on January 4
Strong agree. Upstate NY has an active and well-regarded chapter of the Socialist Rifle Association. (They also do things like Stop the Bleed training and other local organizing and are generally a welcome respite from Dem politics.)
posted by supercres at 8:29 PM on January 4
Mutual aid is where it’s at. We have to move on to siege resistance tactics, because right now the prevailing push from conservatives is to isolate us from each other and starve us out. Sometimes literally!
Anyway since you’re in New York State I don’t have specific recommendations but I suggest looking for food pantries, community kitchens, time banks, and literacy advocacy groups. Also local cleanup crews for green spaces and bodies of water. Spend your energy making connections and establishing yourself as someone other people can reach out to. The Democratic Party is simply not interested in doing this work - there are probably a lot of democrats who are doing it, but it’s not because of their party affiliation.
And, if you have any acquaintances or distant relations who have tipped from reasonable to cruel in whatever conservative direction in the past decade or so, keep some of that energy for staying in contact with them, to the level that you are personally able. It’s been shown time and time again that the only broadly effective way of getting through to bigots is repeated offerings to reach out, not putting up with their bullshit but being willing to allow for mistakes and not burning bridges. In no way do I mean that you have to keep in contact with abusive family or anything like that, but if you have the opportunity to be welcoming to someone who feels isolated, take it. People like a neighbor with a republican lawn sign, a mom who has questions about vaccines, teens with religious upbringings and lots of judgmental baseless ideas, old school roommates who got really libertarian after graduation - if you can maintain a light relationship with these kinds of people, they will have to reconcile liking you with their bigotry, and if just one of them changes their viewpoints that’s an enormous win for all of us. Obviously this is really hard and draining and there is no guidebook. But it’s some of the most valuable work we can do, in my opinion.
posted by Mizu at 9:19 PM on January 4
Anyway since you’re in New York State I don’t have specific recommendations but I suggest looking for food pantries, community kitchens, time banks, and literacy advocacy groups. Also local cleanup crews for green spaces and bodies of water. Spend your energy making connections and establishing yourself as someone other people can reach out to. The Democratic Party is simply not interested in doing this work - there are probably a lot of democrats who are doing it, but it’s not because of their party affiliation.
And, if you have any acquaintances or distant relations who have tipped from reasonable to cruel in whatever conservative direction in the past decade or so, keep some of that energy for staying in contact with them, to the level that you are personally able. It’s been shown time and time again that the only broadly effective way of getting through to bigots is repeated offerings to reach out, not putting up with their bullshit but being willing to allow for mistakes and not burning bridges. In no way do I mean that you have to keep in contact with abusive family or anything like that, but if you have the opportunity to be welcoming to someone who feels isolated, take it. People like a neighbor with a republican lawn sign, a mom who has questions about vaccines, teens with religious upbringings and lots of judgmental baseless ideas, old school roommates who got really libertarian after graduation - if you can maintain a light relationship with these kinds of people, they will have to reconcile liking you with their bigotry, and if just one of them changes their viewpoints that’s an enormous win for all of us. Obviously this is really hard and draining and there is no guidebook. But it’s some of the most valuable work we can do, in my opinion.
posted by Mizu at 9:19 PM on January 4
Also suggesting union activity, whether this means getting involved in your workplace's existing union, starting one if you are not unionized (time-consuming and difficult but also heroic), or offering support for other local unions (teachers, nurses, hotel workers, baristas) during strikes.
Another thought is to choose one or two issues (healthcare, climate, housing, etc) that matter the most to you, or feel the most urgent and personal. This will help you focus your effort and time so you don't feel overwhelmed. Then look up what existing organizations are working on the issue (for housing this could be tenant's groups, for healthcare, the organizations that are attempting to pass state single payer, and so on) and start attending meetings or volunteering with them. Joining the infrastructure of an existing grassroots group of concerned citizens can be more effective than starting from scratch as an individual.
Mutual aid is nice in the sense that it helps meet people's immediate needs, but keep in mind it doesn't change policy the ways that groups who pressure lawmakers, or unionized workers who withhold labor, can. I give people in my community a little money each month but my free time is spent on campaigns to change bad local laws.
posted by cboggs at 10:11 PM on January 4
Another thought is to choose one or two issues (healthcare, climate, housing, etc) that matter the most to you, or feel the most urgent and personal. This will help you focus your effort and time so you don't feel overwhelmed. Then look up what existing organizations are working on the issue (for housing this could be tenant's groups, for healthcare, the organizations that are attempting to pass state single payer, and so on) and start attending meetings or volunteering with them. Joining the infrastructure of an existing grassroots group of concerned citizens can be more effective than starting from scratch as an individual.
Mutual aid is nice in the sense that it helps meet people's immediate needs, but keep in mind it doesn't change policy the ways that groups who pressure lawmakers, or unionized workers who withhold labor, can. I give people in my community a little money each month but my free time is spent on campaigns to change bad local laws.
posted by cboggs at 10:11 PM on January 4
This article 10 ways to be prepared and grounded now that Trump has won might be worth reading.
posted by TheophileEscargot at 12:10 AM on January 5
posted by TheophileEscargot at 12:10 AM on January 5
Please check out indivisible.org. They will give you concrete actions you can do. There may be a group local to you. (They will also ask you for money but they aren't relentless about it, and you don't have to give.)
posted by evilmomlady at 4:00 AM on January 5
posted by evilmomlady at 4:00 AM on January 5
Sideways answer but the best thing you can do is take excellent care of yourself. Be strong, eat colorful foods, enjoy nature and friendships, watch funny tv, get a cat, discover new music and do the things that allow you to relax and enjoy your life.
Be sure to live without the yoke of yuck.
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 4:28 AM on January 5
Be sure to live without the yoke of yuck.
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 4:28 AM on January 5
I am articulate, a good writer, and very convincing,
I'd say: find a group working with immigrants. Tell them you have good English writing skills and can help people with paperwork for an hour a week. Even people whose conversational English is good often have problems writing a formal email or a personal statement for an application.
Local politics-- contrary to some, I think this is a good idea. Rather than checking the Democratic Party site, however, I would absolutely get to know the candidates themselves. The most progressive ones may not be Democrats, and even those that are may not have support from the party machine, so your support could make a material difference.
New York is full of Republicans who run as Democrats, and by supporting progressive candidates you could help counteract that. Find their site or social media page, drop them a message and see what response you get.
posted by Pallas Athena at 5:45 AM on January 5
I'd say: find a group working with immigrants. Tell them you have good English writing skills and can help people with paperwork for an hour a week. Even people whose conversational English is good often have problems writing a formal email or a personal statement for an application.
Local politics-- contrary to some, I think this is a good idea. Rather than checking the Democratic Party site, however, I would absolutely get to know the candidates themselves. The most progressive ones may not be Democrats, and even those that are may not have support from the party machine, so your support could make a material difference.
New York is full of Republicans who run as Democrats, and by supporting progressive candidates you could help counteract that. Find their site or social media page, drop them a message and see what response you get.
posted by Pallas Athena at 5:45 AM on January 5
There are likely outcomes that will bring a fair number of families of trans children to smaller towns in New York State — families who are looking to get away from restrictive laws further west and south, but who can’t afford to move to a big city. I’m not aware of a specific organization aimed at helping those families in your state, but there will certainly be one (and may be one already). If you are able to host people temporarily while they get on their feet, or contribute resources to people who are doing that hosting, you will be doing a great kindness to people in need at very little risk to yourself. At least in rural New England where I live, the actual organizing happens on Telegram and Signal groups, but requests for assistance show up on queer and trans Facebook groups and local mailing lists, so watch those for opportunities to get involved.
posted by Birds, snakes, and aeroplanes at 6:29 AM on January 5
posted by Birds, snakes, and aeroplanes at 6:29 AM on January 5
I work with my local Dems, am chair of a small regional Dem group. The Democrats don't get how severe things are. They have not fully or effectively grasped social media. They do not have a well-defined and articulated brand and message. They are complacent. But they are an existing critical structure. My work for the next year or so is to identify and encourage local candidates for school boards, town councils, state legislature. Because the GOPers are already there, and that's where a lot of their work is. My school board is going to be fighting book bans for the forseeable future. It's not the best option, but it's a critical task to not elect more GOPers. The GOP is utterly corrupt, has accepted racism, school shootings, the loss of women's rights, oligarchy, and authoritarianism to win elections and gain corporate donations.
I just helped form a regional Indivisible group where we had a small group of activists. Indivisible has a good structure and network, they were really helpful and welcoming. We're doing letters to legislators and will do lobbying and whatever action is useful as our state legislature gears up. You can get a lot done with state and local legislators.
There are groups helping immigrants in my state; I will give them whatever support I can.
Be visible. if I had a nickel for every Dem who said they were nervous about putting a sticker on their car or a sign in their yard/ window, I could buy at least an fancy coffee. The US is being dragged to the right, the Extreme Right is ruthless, has an agenda, is well organized and well-funded. It all matters. Go to the People's March nearest you on Jan 18. It's not to late to host a march. Who are the effective activists where you are? Join and support those groups.
posted by theora55 at 6:31 AM on January 5
I just helped form a regional Indivisible group where we had a small group of activists. Indivisible has a good structure and network, they were really helpful and welcoming. We're doing letters to legislators and will do lobbying and whatever action is useful as our state legislature gears up. You can get a lot done with state and local legislators.
There are groups helping immigrants in my state; I will give them whatever support I can.
Be visible. if I had a nickel for every Dem who said they were nervous about putting a sticker on their car or a sign in their yard/ window, I could buy at least an fancy coffee. The US is being dragged to the right, the Extreme Right is ruthless, has an agenda, is well organized and well-funded. It all matters. Go to the People's March nearest you on Jan 18. It's not to late to host a march. Who are the effective activists where you are? Join and support those groups.
posted by theora55 at 6:31 AM on January 5
1. Seconding union activity. In my area, there is a small action that can be taken for a local union almost every day. For instance, recently a unionized bookstore asked everyone to go in a buy a book while wearing black to show their support. I don't think this is the place to get into why strong progressive unions are so effective against conservative politics, but Jane McAlevey's book A Collective Bargain covers it well.
2. Seconding local elections, but as you noted, campaigns haven't really started in most areas yet. If you are interested in school board especially, I suggest finding your local teachers union and following them on social media or getting on their newsletter. Then you will find out about school board campaigns early on.
3. Since you mention good writing skills, consider submitting op eds and letters to the editor for topics that interest you. You mention having ADHD, so it helps to break it into smaller tasks. "This week I will pick a topic that will still be relevant in a few more weeks. Next week, I will research facts and stats about this topic. The next week, I will create an outline. The next week I wil write it, then the last week I will submit it."
posted by tofu_crouton at 7:57 AM on January 5
2. Seconding local elections, but as you noted, campaigns haven't really started in most areas yet. If you are interested in school board especially, I suggest finding your local teachers union and following them on social media or getting on their newsletter. Then you will find out about school board campaigns early on.
3. Since you mention good writing skills, consider submitting op eds and letters to the editor for topics that interest you. You mention having ADHD, so it helps to break it into smaller tasks. "This week I will pick a topic that will still be relevant in a few more weeks. Next week, I will research facts and stats about this topic. The next week, I will create an outline. The next week I wil write it, then the last week I will submit it."
posted by tofu_crouton at 7:57 AM on January 5
In addition to any of the excellent suggestions above, I think a small act of resistance we all can do is try to live our best, kindest life despite whatever might happen in Washington. Just the act of not giving in to hopelessness or defeat, or becoming constantly bitter or angry, and helping others in small ways when/if we can is something we all can do if we don't have any spoons for the bigger things.
posted by Glinn at 8:04 AM on January 5
posted by Glinn at 8:04 AM on January 5
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https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1OSWxykA1WHOi0vTPLAJDaCeVhR3uSfh7PhlCj4t4yT0/mobilebasic
Since a lot of those need collaboration, 5calls.org may be more what you’re looking for right now. You can find your legislator, it has a list of topics they’re focusing on, and it gives you scripts.
Re calling vs writing your Congressperson. Rep Lauren Underwood made a point on a call a few years back that always stuck with me. She encouraged people to call, saying that conservatives who feel passionately will be calling about EVERYTHING. She said It doesn’t matter if you know your rep or senator is rock solid in the same camp as you. It’s a big help when they can go up there and say “ I heard from this number of constituents who encouraged me to vote this way”
posted by jacy at 7:21 PM on January 4