Feelings of overwhelm and hopelessness are real right now. We’re facing an authoritarian regime that’s hellbent on dismantling our rights. But that doesn’t mean we’re helpless. There are ways we can take action to help combat authoritarianism and the fear it spreads.
We’ve put together some practical things we all can do to get loud, get active, and support causes we believe in. Trump and his MAGA cult want us to feel paralyzed and powerless, so let’s show them how powerful we really are.
Get loud
Your voice, your name, and your story have power; all it takes to harness that power is sharing them. Here are some simple ways you can make yourself heard.
Sign a petition
We regularly create petitions to Congress and specific people in government urging them to listen to the will of the people on key issues. Adding your name is a great way to contribute to these efforts. Whether it’s a general call to reject a bill or a nominee, or a specific petition to an individual urging them to act, our petitions get into the hands of those who need to see them and can bring about real change through collective action.
Call Congress
Want to be even more direct with your activism? You can call members of Congress and tell them exactly how you feel about the issues. Hearing directly from constituents is one of the best ways to remind your representatives that they work for the people and the people should have a say in how they govern.
Congress maintains a list of all its members and their contact information. Find your representative or senators and let them know you’re watching, listening, and caring about the issues.
Tell your story
Your personal story can have a huge impact. Sharing a bit of yourself can help put a personal face to a key issue and show that real people are impacted by decisions in government. We’ve created a portal for you to share your personal story with us so we can make sure it’s heard by people in power. Together, we can create change through the power of personal testimony.
Speak out on social media
Social media is the new public square, and it’s a place where your voice can make a difference. Getting in the conversations that are happening online is an important way to stay on top of the news and ensure you’re contributing to the dialog.
We’ve reinvested in the social media landscape to help keep you up-to-the-minute on key happenings in politics and show you how you can resist online. Follow us to stay current and join the momentum we’re building online.
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Get active
To the extent that we’re each able, getting out and attending in-person events can have a huge impact. There are plenty of options depending on what you want to accomplish and what you have access to.
Protest
Protests are one of the best ways to show an administration that the people are united in their opposition. The recent nationwide Hands Off protests are a perfect example. Attending a nationwide protest allows you to join with like-minded individuals to form a group more impressive than the sum of its parts.
Attend town halls and other local events
Your members of Congress need to hear from you, and one of the most direct ways you can make your voice heard is by attending a town hall in your local area. Town halls are an opportunity for you to capture the attention of your representatives – and media – and join with others to show you care about the issues, understand the issues, and demand action from elected officials.
This holds true for local elected officials as well. Whether it’s your local city council, school board, or any other event open to the public, attend and speak up. Defending democracy is about being present and being active, so get out there and make the elected officials who work for the people listen to the people.
Attend online events and trainings
If you can’t make it out to an in-person event, you can find a wide variety of events, trainings, and more online. Visit our Mobilize feed to see what events are happening and learn how you can join in.
Show your support for vulnerable communities
We each have opportunities in our own lives to show our support for groups of people who have been marginalized. . Maybe it’s calling out an offensive joke, providing support for someone online, or just being there for someone facing the brunt of the attacks from this administration. When the opportunities arise, it’s up to each of us to show up for others, no matter how difficult it can seem, and do the right thing for those who are being marginalized.
Start a discussion group
Getting together with friends and family can be a fantastic opportunity to discuss the news, issues that are important to you and your community, and what you can do to drive positive change. You can share articles and videos along with questions to spark conversation. Social media groups, chat groups, or regular in-person conversations can help you and your community stay on top of the issues and talking points. As an example, we’ve put together a set of discussion questions around our White Christian Nationalism Explained video that can help spur conversation and help you and your community better combat the threat of white Christian nationalism.
Watch the video Start the discussion
Support causes you believe in
People For the American Way is one of many organizations working to defend our precious democracy from the existential threat of Donald Trump and his MAGA movement. And we need your help to do it. Supporting causes like People For can be one of the many ways you express your activism and show people what you believe in.
Become a member of People For the American Way
The simplest way to support People For is by becoming a member. With your membership, you’ll receive regular communication from us with opportunities to sign petitions, take actions, and much more. Our members are on the front lines of the fight to protect democracy, and you can join us today.
Make a donation
A one-time or recurring donation can help support our work defending democracy. We rely on donations from generous people like you to fund our efforts and ensure we’re continually able to push for change at the highest levels.
Express your resistance with a T-shirt (or other merch)
Getting ready for a protest event, town hall, or just a weekend with friends? We’ve got exciting merchandise that lets you put your values front and center. Find your new favorite piece and ensure everyone knows that you believe in democracy and that you’re willing to fight to protect it.
Find joy where you can
Authoritarianism attempts to dash our hopes and leave us living in constant states of fear and stress. We can’t let the fascists defeat us. Finding joy where you can is one of the most vital and necessary things you can do to combat the current reign of authoritarianism.
That could mean spending more time with like-minded friends, taking some moments out of your day to rest and regain your fighting spirit, or reminding yourself that you cannot pour from an empty glass. We all need to hold on to whatever joy we can find these days to remind us what we’re fighting for. It’s not just democracy on the line; it’s all the things a thriving democracy can and should deliver -- things like peace of mind, hope for the future, and a better life for everyone. Give yourself the grace to appreciate what you have and enjoy the moments you can. That’s something we can’t afford to let authoritarianism take away.
