Every day, hundreds of family members, friends, and Contrarian readers reach out to ask what they can do to stop Trump and turn the tide against autocracy. We can help
I am proud to be able to say that I do not buy anything from any of the companies, or use their services, listed in the above link. The last one was Amazon and I quit them the same time I cancelled my subscription to The Washington Post.
In just a few minutes I will be leaving for my first town hall in the Arkansas congressional district 2 to the US house of representatives. Although republicons French Hill, senators Boozeman and Cotton have been invited, I am willing to bet none of them will show up.
Thank you! I am so tired of all the sideline commentary, and I’ve been looking for ways to take action. We need to talk not so much and act much, much more!
A really terrific list of dozens of things anyone can do. I liked especially number 15, “share love and joy, widely, loudly and proudly.” Even I can do that! Onward and upward. We have to prevail. Thank you.
I appreciate this content. It’s absolutely chocked full of action items, and outrage at this regime needs turned into action by each of us. So many ways are articulated here, and it took HARD WORK to put together, I’m sure! THANK YOU for doing it. It’s a great resource and I’m restacking so it gets as much attention as possible.
I urge folks if they are part of a faith community to gather with a few like-minded friends and stand up in public for the moral and civilized values we need so desperately. Divisiveness is weakening our democracy, tho many traditions uphold loving our neighbors-- radical! In Sacramento, Buddhists and Christians are holding a modest weekly "Vigil for Kindness and Democracy" at rush hour, and the enthusiastic response of drivers show how many seek affirmation of what is good. And- the joy is contagious when we stand FOR what is right!
After watching a small but vocal MAGA group do a weekly demo in front of our town hall for years, a Kindness and Democracy group chose another day and did what you describe. A couple of the MAGA men drove by and saw it, stopped, and tried to take it over, but were kindly ushered aside, and there's been nothing but encouragement since then.
Janet, it's been an ad hoc type of energy among some of us in Buddhist Peace Fellowsahip. We got in touch with likely friends -- I had a good list of over 100 friends -- we encouraged signs like "Honk to thank Immigrants",; "Choose Honesty"; "Try Compassion", "We Welcome Refugees"; a banner with a long powerful quote from MLK Jr; Standing for US Farmers, USAID, US as one human family; Protect Medicaid, Social Security, SNAP", etc. We asked folks to express what they are FOR, rather than protesting at this event. Then waved and smiled at all the rush hour drivers, who seemed happy about seeing goodness affirmed.
I can't seem to paste or upload the flier here. What we noticed was, standing up with friendly people -sometimes 10 (cold rain), sometimes 30-40 -- there was a contagious friendliness and exuberance -- interfaith happy hour!? Now I realize drivers must have taken in that happy atmosphere, a shock nowadays?! and were honking enthusiastically as a way to come together with us. That is -- we all want connection, interbeing is our true nature. We're suffering because this govt wants division and chaos. So - we connected! Also I sent out a little note, plus flier, each week, to the mailing list, and contacted a variety of faith groups to invite them. The power of kindness does not depend on big numbers and media coverage (none came) .Vigilers gathered in a circle at the end of each vigil (5) and consistently said this was joyful and energizing. And pedestrians sometimes joined us!
I guess I am the link, although we had an organizing cttee of 5; you could try to DM me via FB messenger if you want more info. I invite everyone to let go of measuring success by numbers at big events -- thank heavens younger folks are organizing those! -- unless you have the energy and team ready to pitch in. Just stand up for the good in a visible spot, with a couple friends if possible!
Thank you, Jan! The article is wonderful, but too wordy. It needs to be synthesized down to the one sentence like you did, with links that expand on the specific action.
On the positive side, this is a very thorough list of possible activism. On the minus side, I feel as if it's preaching to the choir. Can the writers/editors circulate at least some of these suggestions in more conservative venues for those who voted for the current executive and legislative personnel only to recoil at what the results have been?
The concrete suggestions and links are the most helpful part of this list. Most? of us don’t know how to get started with becoming involved. Thank you!
And, we have to fight on all fronts, including the arts, and including recognizing vital feelings that this crisis is generating. Here's my contribution to that:
Glanced at this, very good, thank you. As you've said, pick one or two that especially resonate. To your 15th point: yes, never underestimate your recreational activities, or trying something new, that helps you relax, enjoy life, and stay engaged. Take a break when we need to! Not check out: I'm talking balance here.
I'm glad you added DEI to the list. I'm guessing this is a majority-White audience. If that's the case, trust me when I say we (yes, I'm White) need to do a LOT more listening to people in the Black community (which I've lived in for over 30 years). There is much to learn - and apply.
Kind of marrying the two points, I've done a deep dive into the old Negro Leagues as a lifelong baseball fan. Ya think there is nothing of this story to be applied to these times? I beg to differ.
I am going to the Hands Off event at the California State Capitol on April 5. I am 77 years old and refust to grieve our democracy - I plan to help take it back. We must be seen to be heard so if you are able, let go of fear and show-up.
I am proud to be able to say that I do not buy anything from any of the companies, or use their services, listed in the above link. The last one was Amazon and I quit them the same time I cancelled my subscription to The Washington Post.
In just a few minutes I will be leaving for my first town hall in the Arkansas congressional district 2 to the US house of representatives. Although republicons French Hill, senators Boozeman and Cotton have been invited, I am willing to bet none of them will show up.
Thank you! I am so tired of all the sideline commentary, and I’ve been looking for ways to take action. We need to talk not so much and act much, much more!
A really terrific list of dozens of things anyone can do. I liked especially number 15, “share love and joy, widely, loudly and proudly.” Even I can do that! Onward and upward. We have to prevail. Thank you.
I appreciate this content. It’s absolutely chocked full of action items, and outrage at this regime needs turned into action by each of us. So many ways are articulated here, and it took HARD WORK to put together, I’m sure! THANK YOU for doing it. It’s a great resource and I’m restacking so it gets as much attention as possible.
You can contact Federal agencies via web contact forms, same with SCOTUS. Let them know what you think.
I urge folks if they are part of a faith community to gather with a few like-minded friends and stand up in public for the moral and civilized values we need so desperately. Divisiveness is weakening our democracy, tho many traditions uphold loving our neighbors-- radical! In Sacramento, Buddhists and Christians are holding a modest weekly "Vigil for Kindness and Democracy" at rush hour, and the enthusiastic response of drivers show how many seek affirmation of what is good. And- the joy is contagious when we stand FOR what is right!
After watching a small but vocal MAGA group do a weekly demo in front of our town hall for years, a Kindness and Democracy group chose another day and did what you describe. A couple of the MAGA men drove by and saw it, stopped, and tried to take it over, but were kindly ushered aside, and there's been nothing but encouragement since then.
Do you have a link to information about the vigil for kindness? If so, please share it!
Janet, it's been an ad hoc type of energy among some of us in Buddhist Peace Fellowsahip. We got in touch with likely friends -- I had a good list of over 100 friends -- we encouraged signs like "Honk to thank Immigrants",; "Choose Honesty"; "Try Compassion", "We Welcome Refugees"; a banner with a long powerful quote from MLK Jr; Standing for US Farmers, USAID, US as one human family; Protect Medicaid, Social Security, SNAP", etc. We asked folks to express what they are FOR, rather than protesting at this event. Then waved and smiled at all the rush hour drivers, who seemed happy about seeing goodness affirmed.
I can't seem to paste or upload the flier here. What we noticed was, standing up with friendly people -sometimes 10 (cold rain), sometimes 30-40 -- there was a contagious friendliness and exuberance -- interfaith happy hour!? Now I realize drivers must have taken in that happy atmosphere, a shock nowadays?! and were honking enthusiastically as a way to come together with us. That is -- we all want connection, interbeing is our true nature. We're suffering because this govt wants division and chaos. So - we connected! Also I sent out a little note, plus flier, each week, to the mailing list, and contacted a variety of faith groups to invite them. The power of kindness does not depend on big numbers and media coverage (none came) .Vigilers gathered in a circle at the end of each vigil (5) and consistently said this was joyful and energizing. And pedestrians sometimes joined us!
I guess I am the link, although we had an organizing cttee of 5; you could try to DM me via FB messenger if you want more info. I invite everyone to let go of measuring success by numbers at big events -- thank heavens younger folks are organizing those! -- unless you have the energy and team ready to pitch in. Just stand up for the good in a visible spot, with a couple friends if possible!
This article inspired me so much I created some graphics to share the 15 ways, and posted them on my Substack (comments don't seem to let me share images). It's my attempt to practice Way #7: https://jansgephardt.substack.com/p/fifteen-ways-to-defend-democracy
Thank you, Jan! The article is wonderful, but too wordy. It needs to be synthesized down to the one sentence like you did, with links that expand on the specific action.
Engage!
On the positive side, this is a very thorough list of possible activism. On the minus side, I feel as if it's preaching to the choir. Can the writers/editors circulate at least some of these suggestions in more conservative venues for those who voted for the current executive and legislative personnel only to recoil at what the results have been?
I can suggest one to conservative venues for those who voted for the current executive and legislative personnel.
How would you like for your country to retain its democracy and freedom for all??
Thank you all so much!
The concrete suggestions and links are the most helpful part of this list. Most? of us don’t know how to get started with becoming involved. Thank you!
This is a great list. The most comprehensive I've seen.
Tx u 4 this!!!
Great resource! Exactly what I proposed to Jen.😄
And, we have to fight on all fronts, including the arts, and including recognizing vital feelings that this crisis is generating. Here's my contribution to that:
To the tune of My Country 'Tis of Thee
Country Was to Thee
Sweet Land of Liberty
Now that is gone.
With all their hypocrisy
And their tidal wave of lies
It's hard to live our lives
From every mountain side
Let the truth spring free
With all those tyrants here
Their sycophants appear
And rush to coldly tread
O'r our brave patriots dead
And call them losers
Let tyrants have a their fit
It’s time they call it quits
Those boys are done
.
When will our land be bright
With freedom's holy light
Take back our land today
Our hearts know the way
.
Lyrics by Earl James
Copyright 2025
Glanced at this, very good, thank you. As you've said, pick one or two that especially resonate. To your 15th point: yes, never underestimate your recreational activities, or trying something new, that helps you relax, enjoy life, and stay engaged. Take a break when we need to! Not check out: I'm talking balance here.
I'm glad you added DEI to the list. I'm guessing this is a majority-White audience. If that's the case, trust me when I say we (yes, I'm White) need to do a LOT more listening to people in the Black community (which I've lived in for over 30 years). There is much to learn - and apply.
Kind of marrying the two points, I've done a deep dive into the old Negro Leagues as a lifelong baseball fan. Ya think there is nothing of this story to be applied to these times? I beg to differ.
I am going to the Hands Off event at the California State Capitol on April 5. I am 77 years old and refust to grieve our democracy - I plan to help take it back. We must be seen to be heard so if you are able, let go of fear and show-up.