Heidi Li FeldmanRemember: just because you fully anticipated the awful, experiencing it is different. Fear, anger, disgust: all will come for us repeatedly as Republican Fascism takes hold. 1/
It will be easier to take action if you know you will have to do in the grip of powerful unpleasant emotions. 2/
Get in the habit of doing something, even something small, to help yourself and others even when your emotions threaten to overwhelm you. They will be less likely to freeze you if you do. Try it right now. 3/
Write a letter to your local paper expressing your opposition to Republican Fascism, in just one or two sentences. Or look up your local food bank and gather a few items to take there over the next couple of days. Maybe sign up fo a shift to sort or accept donations. 4/
If you don’t belong already to your town or county library, go online and find out how to get a library card. Maybe you will borrow hard copies of books, maybe you will borrow ebooks through their app. Some libraries lend baking pans and puzzles. Get in the habit of using community resources. 5/
Look into teaching English to residents in your area who want to learn it. Or into teaching adult literacy. Even if you aren’t ready to do such things, create a file with information on how to get involved. When you are more ready, you will be able start more easily. 6/
We are in new, dangerous circumstances. We need new activities and habits. I will keep sharing ideas about relatively modest things to do to prove to yourself and others that you are not rolling over for Republican Fascism. This is how we will find and know the people who will not surrender - not to fear, complacency, anger, or cynicism nor to the Fascists themselves. 7/7
Callisto@heidilifeldman What's your advice to folx who've been putting all our time and energy (and money) into Democratic campaigns? Is electoralism dead? Or is there a point to keeping on with 2025 because the municipalities and townships will either be the brownshirts' first line of offense, or important allies in resistance?
@callisto It is critical to engage with Democratic campaigns at the state and local levels. Even more important, show up at local government meetings - town council, school board, zoning board, county board of supervisor meetings. Bring a book or magazine for the dull parts. Don’t feel obligated to speak, but speak if you have something to ask or say. Do not cede any governmental sphere.
@heidilifeldman That makes me feel better ... and suggests directions for next year. Thank you.
mizblueprint@callisto @heidilifeldman
I second the advice about local government. Most of the services and infrastructure we receive are provided by City and County government and local school boards. Candidates do not knock doors or mail to registered voters who do not vote. Getting even a handful of non-voters engaged would be a major achievement. There is a leadership "ladder", and being elected or appointed locally helps prepare for higher office.
I second the advice about local government. Most of the services and infrastructure we receive are provided by City and County government and local school boards. Candidates do not knock doors or mail to registered voters who do not vote. Getting even a handful of non-voters engaged would be a major achievement. There is a leadership "ladder", and being elected or appointed locally helps prepare for higher office.
Suzanne Painter@heidilifeldman I wrote a note thanking neighbors I had never met for putting up their Harris/Walz sign. They came over to thank me for the note and say how much it meant to them. Now I have new friends!
EllenJS@heidilifeldman
Regular libraries are great, and so is a “Library of Things”. Your town may well have one. Another community activity you can do with the help of your library — they often have free passes — is go to a museum. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_things
Regular libraries are great, and so is a “Library of Things”. Your town may well have one. Another community activity you can do with the help of your library — they often have free passes — is go to a museum. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_things
@EllenJS And if your town doesn’t have a library of things yet, talk to your librarians and see if they want help starting one. Or start one yourself.
Sue is Writing Solarpunk 🌞🌱@heidilifeldman I'm very much on board with local action of all the kinds you're discussing.
I think you would also like this, which I just read, and is very much in line with what I'm thinking about moving forward: https://organizingmythoughts.org/collective-survival-adaption-and-direct-action/
Nazani@heidilifeldman
Until a couple of years ago, my local library still had VHS tapes. So glad I got to see Rene Auberjonois as George Washington, & hear masked Shatner in the chorus of Oedipus Rex.
Until a couple of years ago, my local library still had VHS tapes. So glad I got to see Rene Auberjonois as George Washington, & hear masked Shatner in the chorus of Oedipus Rex.