Our Summer of Action

Y’all…it’s been quite the experience since November 5th, hasn’t it? Like many of you, I’m rather new to activism and being the “opposition”. I dove in head-first back in October, and have stumbled my way into things that work for me.  

This is No Time to Stay Silent

I get it. You might lose customers or clients. You might jeopardize your employment. Alienate your friends and neighbors…not to mention your family. But here’s the thing: Staying silent will only make things worse.  We and others are losing rights and, in many cases, harming our own welfare. 

If it appears we think things are ok, others will think that too. 

THINGS ARE NOT OKAY. 

​This summer is crucial because there is a big, not so beautiful, bill containing more power for the administration and less opportunity for citizens and courts to react.  This administration wants it to pass by July 4th.

So What Can One Person Do?

Quite a bit, actually.

By speaking up, you help ensure that others speak up. Safety in numbers, right? SPEAK UP. We’re literally at a juncture where this summer may be your last chance to do so without risking imprisonment or worse.

Oh wait…that’s already started happening here, hasn’t it? 

We all have energy and time constraints, so as you take a look at the action items below, understand this is a menu for you to sample from. Feel your way around, see what’s going to work for you. Find ONE action item you can start engaging with.

​Think of something that’s not listed? Perfect! Do that (and then come back and share with us). 

Part of resisting and demonstrating, I’ve discovered, is taking your discomfort and using it instead of allowing it to immobilize you.

Do Not Let Your Fears Silence You

That’s exactly what this administration is hoping for. Instead, use that nervous energy to:

• Use 5Calls.org to tell your Members of Congress your thoughts on how they’re voting on legislation designed to strip freedom and oppress Americans.
• Use Resist.bot for the same thing, this time as letters, faxes, and emails.
• BREATHE. Move your body.
• Find a like-minded friend IRL or online to commiserate with.
• Seek our your local progressive or democrats clubs. Attend one of their meetings or events.
• Support your local library; shop independent booksellers like Bookshop.org
• Shop local, shop small; follow national boycotts when you can.
• Educate yourself on how marginalized communities are being targeted:
  • Immigrants
  • Non-white
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Disabled
• Check out national movements like 50501.org or NoKings.org. 
• Use Mobilize.us to join actions and classes.
• Spend time outside - fresh air and sunshine. Can’t do that? Try a sun lamp.
• Limit your time on aggressive social platforms.
• Read on activism and resistance. Every idea may not be a fit, but it’ll inspire you to get creative and committed to action. A couple books I found helpful:
  • Let This Book Radicalize You, Mariame Kaba & Kelly Hayes 
    
  • Binding Chaos, Heather Marsh
• Listen/watch resistance podcasts. There are so many to choose from! Find a voice that resonates with you, and hit that subscribe button:
  • Chop Wood, Carry Water
  • The Daily Beans
  • Letters from an American
• Craft/make art.
• Share what you learn with others.
• Stay JOYFUL however you can do it.

Any one of these things is literally a step in raising your voice. You can cultivate a way of speaking out that suits where you are in your activism journey. This is just an overview; we’ll dive deeper into different action items at our Monthly Action Meetings (2nd Tuesdays of the Month - next one is June 10, 2025) and future posts.

Most of us have never been here before; let’s make sure we all get through this together. As I find more resources, I’ll share with the class.

What have you discovered that helps you push back on frustration and despair? I’d love to hear about it below…. 

Gaer Ferrinson

SHE/HER/HERS

Gaer (pronounced "YAIR") is the Communications Director for the Erath County Democratic Party. She has over 30 years of administrative, marketing, and communications experience.