What would feel even worse than waking up to another Trump presidency on Nov. 6?
Regretting that you personally did not do enough to prevent it.
A:
Q:
Well then, do something!
Nearly all of my friends are horrified by the very real prospect of a second Trump presidency and/or further expansion of the MAGA power base in congress.
But many are unsure of how to best contribute to the critical effort to prevent either nightmare.
I’ve created the “Well then, do something!” handbook in an attempt to make it as easy as possible for even the busiest among us to play a role in preserving democracy as we’ve known it and defending against its most significant threat in our lifetimes...if not since its very inception.
In the next five minutes you’ll discover at least one — and maybe more — ways you can stop worrying and start working to help prevent an unthinkable second Trump presidency.
“How can I make a difference from home?”
The simplest way to make a contribution is to write letters or postcards encouraging folks to vote. I have attended excellent, databased presentations demonstrating a meaningful lift in voter turnout attributed to letter campaigns. With even national elections being decided by only a few thousand votes in battleground states, effort of this sort make a difference. The following page has links to literally everything you need to start writing. Without moving from the desk at which you are likely reading this, you can put the wheels in motion. By dedicating just one hour a week, you could write as many as 500 letters (a template is provided...you only actually handwrite one paragraph) between now and Nov. 1. Or start with more modest ambitions...the important thing is to start!
Desktop Activism in 4 Easy Steps
Register on Vote Forward (votefwd.org)
Download and print 20 letter templates
Order envelopes @ 5 cents each
Amazon.com : #10 Envelopes Letter Size Self Seal, Business
White Security Tinted Peel and Seal, 500 Pack Windowless, Legal Size Regular Plain Envelopes 4-1/8 x 9-1/2 Inches - 24
LB Envelops : Office Products
Order stamps @ 66 cents each
Amazon.com: Forever Stamps Book of 20 Self-Stick awareness vinyl for USPS First Class Letter (20 Stamps) : Office Products
Upon their delivery at your front door, you’ll have everything you need to start writing. If you do nothing else (except vote of course), do this...it matters.
“I’m able and would like to donate financially, but I want to be certain that I’m doing so in a smart and effective way.”
I attended a seminar by Jessica Craven, whose “Chop Wood, Carry Water” newsletter is excellent. She explained how to donate effectively and avoid scams (ie phone spam). She recommended two platforms as being especially strategic; they’re linked below. And she provided data demonstrating that a contribution to either can make a difference at the national level, even when allocated to a down-ballot race.
The States Project Movement Voter Project
Finally, as an admirer of Adam Kinzinger, I’ve donated to “Country First,” his org dedicated largely to defeating Trump. Country First | Join the Movement (country1st.com)
“I want to get out among others like me and do something
collectively.”
Letter writing events. There are plenty in your area, often accompanied by wine, coffee or other refreshments.
Phone and text banking events. Same as above.
Door-to-door canvassing. Some folks fear unpleasant confrontation with residents but I’ve always found this to be a very satisfying experience, particularly since the address lists provided consist entirely of “likely Democratic voters” who just need a nudge to help ensure they actually show up on election day.
You can find opportunities near you for all three activities at www.mobilize.us. In five minutes, you can be signed up and ready to go.
Continued on next page...
If you’re a SoCal local…
I’m hosting two, large letter-writing events in my backyard this summer (one in July, one in August). Both will feature a taco truck and live music (not me...if that helps convince you). We’ll provide everything except the wrist that does the actual writing...that’s you. Think of it as a big party at which your hand does all the dancing. Dates tbd. If you’re on this mailing list, you’ll be on the invite lists for those, too.
But PLEASE don’t forgo other forms of engagement simply because you plan to come for tacos. Someone is sure to ask, however innocently, “What else have you done to avert the collapse of our democracy and election of a dangerous demagogue?” and you will be mortified and ashamed if you say “Oh, nothing” as you gorge yourself at the trough of civic indifference.
“I’d like
to personally
host
a
letter-writing event, but — heavens — how do I go about it?!”
It’s actually really, really simple and offers a great way to socialize, commiserate about — and derail — Trump’s lie-fueled government takeover quest at the same time. Everything you need is at this link. Vote Forward (votefwd.org)
If you’re still unsure or uneasy about how to proceed, email me and I’ll Zoom’splain it all for you, provide materials and / or even hold your hand through the entire process.
“I
want to stay informed, but don’t have much time.”
Four newsletters below offer streamlined info and countless ways in which you can engage. They’re free, but I subscribe to the pay version when offered as these folks put in a lot of work.
Swing Left San Gabriel Valley
Send email request to donna-jaffee-8797@swingleftgroup.org
Jessica Craven
Subscribe to Chop Wood, Carry Water (substack.com)
Rob Hubbell
Today's Edition Newsletter | Robert B. Hubbell | Substack
Josh Marshall
TPM: Talking Points Memo - Breaking News and Analysis
“Is there anything else I can do?”
Yes! I’m involved in a film festival, the goal of which is creation and dissemination of short-form (< 2 mins) video rebuttals to Trump lies and misinformation. Because so many people (sadly, but a subject for another day) rely on social media video for news, we seek to proliferate compelling content countering Trump and MAGA blather.
If you know ANYONE (including yourself, pros and amateurs are welcome!) who might want to create a video, PLEASE share the link below with them. By the way, there are cash prizes for the winning entries!
The One Dem Minute Film Festival – BECAUSE THE CLOCK IS TICKING FOR OUR DEMOCRACY
