After sharing fearful messages of terrifying news. After walking and relaxing at the end of the day. More terrifying news. Fear is a very powerful thing and is shared more than its opposite. Hope.
Stop watching cable news. Stop reading Twitter. Stop doom-scrolling at all costs. Stop media that makes you feel despair. Despair is an enemy to progress. It diminishes motivation. It sucks your energy away.
Are we living in scary times? Yes. Does staring at scary things, worrying over them, and repeating them to others, make you more able to control them? No.
Get Involved!
Yes, there is value in understanding the threats that are coming at us. But here’s the thing, we can fix this. Getting involved and bolstering our democracy is imperative. You can:
- Vote. This is the most basic way to make your voice heard in the political process. Make sure you are registered to vote and that you vote in every election. Then help others to register to vote.
- Volunteer for a campaign or cause. There are many organizations that are working to make a difference in the world. You can volunteer your time to help them achieve their goals.
- Donate to a cause or candidate. Your financial support can help to make a difference.
- Attend rallies and protests. This is a great way to show your support for a cause and to connect with other people who share your beliefs.
- Call or email your elected officials. Let them know what you think about the issues that are important to you.
- Sign petitions. Petitions are a way to show your support for a cause and to urge your elected officials to take action.
- Run for office yourself. If you are passionate about making a difference, you can run for office and represent your community.
No matter how you choose to get involved, your voice matters. By taking action, you can help to create a more just and equitable world.
More Tips for Getting Involved:
- Do your research. Before you get involved in any political activity, it’s important to do your research and learn about the issues involved. This will help you to make informed decisions and to be an effective advocate.
- Be respectful. Even if you disagree with someone’s views, it’s important to be respectful. Remember that everyone has the right to their own opinion.
- Be persistent. Change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and effort to make a difference. Don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately.
- Have fun! Getting involved in political activism can be a lot of fun. It’s a great way to meet new people, learn new things, and make a difference in the world.
It’s easy to share fear without offering solutions. It’s bad for your mental health and for our democracy.
Know when to turn the TV off. Know when to stop plowing through Twitter feeds and sharing bad news. Know when to stop doom-scrolling social media. Prioritize your mental health.
Find the sources that are offering solutions. Your well-being will improve. And by your extension of that, your friends, your family, and ultimately your country will too.
Online Resources
There are many online resources that can help you get involved in political activism. Here are a few examples:
- Change.org is a website that allows you to create and sign petitions on a variety of issues.
- MoveOn.org is a progressive advocacy group that provides information and resources on how to get involved in politics.
- ActBlue is a website that allows you to donate to progressive candidates and causes.
- Indivisible is a grassroots organization that helps people get involved in local politics.
- Vote.org is a website that provides information on how to register to vote and how to vote in elections.
- Ballotpedia is a website that provides information on candidates and ballot measures.
- Sunlight Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes transparency in government.
- OpenSecrets.org is a non-profit organization that tracks money in politics.
- Public Citizen is a non-profit organization that advocates for consumer protection and government accountability.
- Swing Left is a grassroots organization that is powered by volunteers.
- The Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) is a progressive political action committee (PAC) associated with the progressive movement.
These are just a few examples of the many online resources that can help you get involved in political activism.
These organizations are all working to advance progressive causes, and they continue to play an important role in the political landscape.
By taking advantage of these resources, you can make your voice heard and help to create a more just and equitable world. And spread hope!