We will take that lying down!
Daunted by the stream of discriminatory Executive Orders and alarming news coverage of what’s happening in the government?
Want to be an advocate, but worried you don’t follow politics closely enough to contribute in a meaningful way?
Want to be the kind of person who takes action against the current administration, but feeling too alone or unprotected to make a difference?
Look, I get it. In recent weeks, I’ve been overwhelmed by political news and its impact on my job, education, civil rights, and loved ones. Recent events have been even harder on those already facing multiple forms of discrimination.
We see government entities cut programs, freeze funding, erase history and remove resources without nearly enough fuss. What could we possibly do as individuals?
I haven’t managed to finish a full article in weeks, so I’m writing as someone very much still fighting off the political doom fog clouding my brain. Trauma history, chronic illness, and queer identity have left me feeling more jumpy and activated than usual, too. I’m absolutely here to validate your experience and instinct to dissociate.
We listen and we don’t judge… But then we bust one another out of this functional freeze mode and start kicking some bigoted ass!
Not ready to dive into activism headfirst? Dip a cheeky toe in by contacting your representatives.
Hey, I see those eyes glazing over. It sounds like it’s going to be complicated, but do not panic.
I’m going to show you exactly how to email them, and it’s only going to take like 4 clicks from whatever device you’re holding.
I know so many of us have hit that wall. That completely burnt-out, “I couldn’t possibly affect this situation, so I’m tuning out of politics” mindset.
Unfortunately, it’s exactly the isolated, numbed-out state they want us in right now. It’s hard to have the bandwidth to function at all, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take little steps to contribute to something we believe in.
The ACLU made it simple for us on their website. They put together a super easy autosaved form with scripts you can use to send to your reps on civil rights issues.
That’s it! No writing assignment. No researching who your representatives are. No mustering the spoons to call someone on the phone. The ACLU will make sure your voice reaches the right place.
Letters and faxes are an extremely effective way of communicating with your elected officials. Many legislators believe that a letter represents not only the position of the writer but also many other constituents who did not take the time to write.
Even if you don’t believe it’ll make a huge difference, shouldn’t we want to say we did something?
You can take action while protecting your peace. You don’t have to know every detail about everything happening to make an impact.
Anyone can do this. Everyone should do this.
Take (accessible) action. Get involved and show your support for civil liberties at the state and national level.