Debate rages over how to handle conservative relatives. We propose to take a page from the queer Coming Out! movement: don’t hide who you are, but do set boundaries to protect yourself.
Even when we can’t change MAGA minds, we can shift public discourse.
The holiday season is descending fast. Plan now to de-commercialize your holidays. Have a family meeting to discuss ways you can shift away from flashy events and gifts, toward meaningful memories.
Holiday Planning Find Out How »
Splurge on a convenience that will free up time or energy for resistance work. If you always burn the rice, get a rice cooker and call your Senator whenever you use it. Or hire someone to help with chores, if you can afford to. Many people will need cash side-gigs.
Invest in Resilience Find Out How »
The constant demands to do something are as relentless as DNC fundraising texts…it’s easy to burn out. Remember: no one can do everything. What matters is that we all do something.
If there’s a resistance task you feel pressured to do, but are really dreading, give yourself a pass.
Excuse Yourself Find Out How »
Overwhelmed by To Do lists? Feel stuck, like you’re spinning your wheels, or not doing enough? Take stock of what you’ve done or taken steps toward by making a DID list.
The food industry is one of the few not utterly monopolized in America. As prices and cuts drive food insecurity, small restaurants will struggle. They are the first budget item most families cut.
To the extent your budget allows, shift spending from national chains to local ones.
Reward Restaurants Find Out How »
Winter brings cozy weather for tea and reading. Order a couple of history or how-to books that will fuel your resistance, and make time to read them, or listen to audio books while you clean.
If it’s been a while, read anything at all. Get back in the habit of training your mind to stick with a topic for more than a few minutes.
Get a t-shirt, jewelry, lanyard, pin, button, sticker…something that lets people know where you stand. I recently complimented a rainbow-flag peeking out from a doctor’s busy lanyard. She was so pleased and said she wasn’t sure anyone noticed. I assured her anyone who needs the reassurance, notices.
Normalize progressive messages! Flood the zone with symbols of the resistance. Make it cool to dissent!
Go to a museum. Visit a park. Ride the bus. If we don’t use public resources, they look expendable. When we appreciate them, we stand up for them. Pay admission, or check your city for “public access” dates. (In Seattle, that’s the first Thursday of each month.)
