Democracy is a lifestyle:
Trump is a symptom of the corruption, institutional failure, and indifference that we can no longer tolerate.
Here's a running list of things to consider doing to navigate America’s democracy crisis:
Get a Guide. Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story by Martin Luther King Jr. is an essential guide to self-management, managing others, and building teams. This inspirational case study of resistance, written by a young MLK after successfully leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott, shows how smart organization took on the authoritarianism of the Jim Crow South. Never forget that MLK was considered a radical in his day even though there’s nothing radical about demanding human rights and dignity. Today, the same remains true: it’s not “radical” or “socialist” to demand that corporations stop polluting for profits and to call for an end to tax breaks, like for sending jobs overseas, that worsen the income inequality crisis. To help communicate these urgent issues, another essential guide is The ALL NEW Don't Think of an Elephant!: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate by George Lakoff.
Mantra for when you're scared: Love. Repeat it over and over in your head, including when you’re in a tense situation in public or using your voice.
Have faith in a higher power: whatever that may be for you. Have faith in your inner light. You are not alone. Ideas, like democracy, are powerful, and cannot be killed.
Commit to staying human: this isn’t the time to blame and rip each other apart. You can do that privately with people you trust, if that makes you feel better. Be committed to unity and collective safety. Stay human.
Know your rights: The ACLU provides a comprehensive resource.
Check in on the people who are most vulnerable: even a simple text message to let them know that you’re here and you’re thinking of them.
Know how to protect those who are most vulnerable: Start an ICE Watch Neighborhood Program: Teen Vogue shows you how and here’s what to do if you see ICE in your area.
Ignore harassment and get away. You can also call 9/11 if it feels safe to do so.
Help others get away from harassment. Film what's happening if you are unable to help them get to safety. Know the 5 Ds of Bystander Intervention: Read and save this important guide by Right to Be.
Be aware of corporate surveillance. Your cellphone and Alexa are listening devices. WhatsApp and Signal are not foolproof. Communicate about sensitive topics in writing then burn the paper, flush the ashes, as one example.
Join a local mutual aid society to help the most vulnerable. That local community is also the eyes and ears of an early warning system. Here’s how to get involved with mutual aid where you live.
The Holocaust began with mass deportation. Project immigrants: Start an ICE watch neighborhood program. Here’s what to do if you see ICE in your area. Know how to support trans people.
Trans people have always existed. Help keep them safe: Planned Parenthood has a great guide.
Abortion is healthcare: Support Planned Parenthouse.
Smash the oligarchy: Organize with the Working Families Party. Start one where you live. It’s a values-based alternative to the Democratic Party that’s not divisive but constructive.
Fight global warming: Here’s a guide of how to help the collective work of addressing our man-made climate emergency.
Be careful what you put in writing anywhere. Don't make any threats, even if it’s a joke.
Be committed to nonviolence: we are outgunned. We must establish a culture of nonviolence as it will also help expose anyone calling for violence as a potential regime plant (a.k.a. provacateurs). Read MLK’s memoir Stride Toward Freedom on nonviolent resistance.
Create a "go bag": passports and other IDs, glass bottled water, masks, solar-powered phone charger and cable, protein bars, medicines.
Get your papers in order: Passports. Tax returns. Keep clean records. Have a lawyer you trust on speed dial.
Keep a journal: record the history of today, of what’s happening. Believe your eyes and ears–that’s the best antidote to gaslighting. Break the spell of hypernormalization all around us by taking Gaslit Nation’s Reject Hypernormalization Survey here.
Buy physical books, not just audio or digital books, that preserve America’s history, including of the Trump years.
Local elections still matter: Your local elections, wherever you live, are your buffer against this. Organize, run for office, create independent media focused on where you live. Amanda Litman’s book Run for Something shows you how and so does her organization. States Project and Sister District both help you organize in the states.
Start or join a union: Our interview with Starbucks Union organizer Jasmine Leli tells you how. Listen or read the transcript here!
Own your voice: Build your own media that speaks out against cruelty, especially rape culture.
End terrorism in America. Gun violence, white supremacy, and the targeting of immigrant communities must stop. Support groups like Moms Demand Action and the Southern Poverty Law Center in their efforts to protect vulnerable communities and combat hate.
Launch ballot initiatives and laws. Katie Fahey turned a Facebook post into a movement that ended gerrymandering in Michigan. Build grassroots coalitions to pass laws that matter to you—just like Andrea’s mom did to pass California's child car seat law, with no political experience. (Listen to her story here!) If they can, so can you.
Monitor public health: In the years ahead, monitor your food and water intake, due to rolled regulations. Grow what you can. Cut down on meat products. Follow Food Safety News.
Protect Childhood: For children and grandchildren, give them the best childhood ever, full of wonder and nature. Hold space for them to live in a Trump-free bubble for as long as possible. For older kids who already understand what's happening, remind them that their voices matter.
Create art. Art is not just self-expression—it sparks change. From the EuroMaidan revolution to Yeonmi Park’s healing through literature, art challenges oppression. Artists and storytellers lead social movements, and we need them now more than ever.
Brace for impact: Don't cope by pretending it won't be so bad. Those around you may be coping by staying optimistic. Accept reality now so that you can be strong for others later.
Just in case, have a safehouse: if you need to lay low for awhile, have a safe place to go in another state or abroad.
Protect your mental hygiene: Cut off people you can't 100% trust. Red flags are a matter of when, not if. Build your resilience circle. Block the charismatic grifters who told you both parties are the same or not to vote.
Lastly, read widely. Understanding how we got here and how we can move forward is key. Check out our Reading Guide for books that have helped us think critically about the challenges of the 21st century.
This is not a comprehensive list of suggestions on how you can create a more progressive America and stop entrenched corruption. There are many paths you can take, and we encourage you to think for yourselves and work together. There is no one solution. Whether you’re in a blue state or red state, these ideas apply to you — do not take any of the freedoms you have left for granted. Never underestimate the power of hard work.