By TGP Copywriter, Holly Ellis
The fight for freedom, justice, fairness, and full access to our society has been going on since before our country existed. Activists we learned about in history books, from the people of the Native American resistance to the Underground Railroad, to the Seneca Falls Convention for women’s suffrage, to the Civil Rights movement and beyond, plus infinite grassroots efforts in communities across our nation, paved the way for the battles we face today. If you're new to the fight, it can be difficult to know where to start or how to cope, especially with the intentional chaos that has reigned in just the first week of a new presidency.
As promised in Project 2025, Americans have witnessed a blitz of anti-trans executive orders, spending freezes for federal agencies and grant-funded programs, two Republican bills proposing a nationwide abortion ban, dismantling of DEI at the federal level, federal employee “buyouts,” a proposed repeal of the income tax, plans for a Guantanamo “migrant detention facility,” and much more—and this is just the beginning. However, history has taught us that the more we are on edge, afraid, and overwhelmed, the easier it will be to enact stealth policies that are even worse than what we’re seeing on the surface. No matter how much things go off the rails, we must try to stay calm and rational, rally our own troops, and fight. If you’re struggling to find a starting point, read on to see how you can be part of the movement against fascism and toward a renewed–and ultimately, stronger–democracy.
REMEMBER—AND DRAW WISDOM FROM—THOSE WHO HAVE ENDURED
Oppression, marginalization, and the threat of political violence are only new to some of us in the United States. African Americans, Native Americans, people in the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, immigrants, religious minorities, and many others have spent generations fighting to exist in a world with cruel and unjust leaders. Consider their sacrifices, listen to their stories and guidance, and realize that it is now time for those of us who have experienced relative privilege to leave our comfort zones, take risks, and secure our democracy. Whether you start by joining an organization like Indivisible, contributing to local or national legal defense funds protecting people and rights, or simply regularly communicating with your elected officials, your voice is an important part of resisting unjust and oppressive forces.
FIND OR STRENGTHEN YOUR COMMUNITY
There is power and resilience in numbers. Identify the kinds of people you can trust and rely on who share your values and priorities. Ideally, these people are geographically close, but you can also find support and assistance from distant contacts. The goal is to cultivate a network of people you can count on no matter how tough things get, and who are as committed to preserving our democracy as you are. If you are already part of a local community like this, now is the time to invest in and strengthen it. This fight will require all of us.
DIVIDE AND CONQUER
Can’t keep track of 200 executive orders plus an onslaught of bills from Project 2025-supporting Republicans? It’s too much for one person to process, so share the burden with your community so you can all stay informed. The same holds for any needs the members of your community may have as things deteriorate, from as basic as food, water, and shelter to medical care, legal assistance, political advocacy, resource referral, emergency supplies, or just moral support. Tap into one another’s strengths so you can have a functioning mini-society if—or when—shit hits the fan. You can also use your time, treasure, and talent to contribute to the greater movement, whether its gardening, community organizing, volunteering with a nonprofit, or simply contributing financially to a cause. Find local and nationwide opportunities at Mobilize, Amnesty USA, Idealist, or even your local Democratic Club.
PREPARE FOR INCONVENIENCE, IF NOT CATASTROPHE
Whether it’s economic devastation, a natural disaster, another pandemic, or a simple power or water outage from a storm, we are all vulnerable to disruptions in our utilities and food supply. Work on basic preparations like stashing at least a weekend’s worth of potable water and canned or freeze-dried foods in your pantry, having a survival blanket and first aid kit on hand, and, if you can afford it, getting crucial vaccines and stocking up in advance on any prescriptions that are necessary for your survival or functioning. You can start by picking up an extra can of food or two every time you shop, and, if possible, saving a few dollars every week to put toward additional supplies like a portable generator, air conditioner, or camping equipment. Lists like this one from a county government can help you create a foundational stockpile for a range of emergency scenarios.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND DON’T COMPLY IN ADVANCE
Another intentional side effect of political chaos is making people feel like they have lost their autonomy. Even the scariest orders can be fought in court, protested, disobeyed, or ultimately rescinded with a strategic and powerful response. First, know your rights and think about the resources or support you might need if you are put in a position where they are compromised. Next, if you are in a safe and relatively stable living situation, don’t make things easy for the would-be oppressors. Spend money locally or at politically favorable corporations instead of those that have emboldened this administration. Maliciously comply with orders impacting your workplace or life. Demonstrate resistance wherever you can and at any level that is feasible—whether that’s deleting Amazon and Facebook or protesting in front of the White House. For marginalized communities, preserving your personal safety, or that of your family, is a crucial priority, and there may be some community members more willing and able to take bigger risks. Lean on them and provide whatever support you can to the greater movement.
The immediate future may look bleak, but if we stay focused, strategic, and informed, we have more power than we think. Take a break, grieve the current state of our nation for a moment, but resist the urge to disengage long-term—there are like-minded people across this nation who need your partnership to move forward and bring justice, reason, and humanity to our society and political system.