Four easy ways to take action during a fascist, capitalist apocalypse
Things to *do* if you are in the mood for doing
Look, I’m just one little human. I’m not a politician, I’m not particularly “powerful” (except in my own head), and I’m also not a seasoned community organizer/activist.
But I need to do something, even if it’s the dumbest, tiniest thing. I can’t sit here just wringing my hands, reposting stuff on my stories, and having fearful conversations with people in my cozy echo chamber on repeat. The truth is, I don’t really have a backup plan for childcare if I get thrown in jail so more extreme forms of protest don’t seem...responsible right now. Or within my reach.
Teenage Juniper would go balls to the walls in radical rebellion, fueled by rage and injustice. Oh, the energy of youth!!! Almost 40 Juniper feels a) tired and b) like she has something to lose. So here’s what I’m doing, and it’s mostly really easy:
CHOOSING HOW I GET MY NEWS:
Limiting where I get my news. I want to stay informed, but traditional channels and social media are overwhelming. Confusion + too much information is paralyzing.
So I did some research into a trustworthy news source that will help me stay updated in a manageable way. I’m currently subscribed to Tangled’s newsletter, and they describe themselves as “We're a non-partisan politics newsletter that gives you a 360-degree view on the news. No spin. No clickbait. Opinions from the left, right, and center so you can decide.” They send out newsletters 1-2x a week. It’s perfect.
BOYCOTTING:
Boycotts spearheaded by The People’s Union on February 28 (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, gas stations + fast food) and March 7-14 (Amazon). Do not spend any of your COIN on those DAYS do you HEAR?!
We are currently operating under an oligarchy where the gap between “us” and “them” is DISGUSTING. Someone who’s worked their whole lives to save up a million for retirement is a tiny little crumb compared to the giant, steaming loaves of wealth that Elon, Bezos, Zuckerberg, and Trump devour on a daily basis.
This is small, yes. Do I know this People’s Union guy? No. haha. Do I trust him? Also no. I repeat, I don’t know him.
BUT!!! His social media organizing efforts have gained traction, tons of conversation and chatter online, and been picked up by news outlets. Do I think that if MILLIONS of us who are AGAINST this current administration stop spending on February 28 and March 7-14, everything will change? Probably not. BUT BUT BUT!!! 1) It might change something. You never know. It might be one domino that tips the whole thing over. 2) If we can organize economically, we have power. If we can organize economically, we have power. If money = power, and WE CAN ACTUALLY ORGANIZE OURSELVES to decide when to give or take power, then THAT’S SOMETHING. I DON’T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT IT IS, BUT IT’S SOMETHING.
Besides, what do you have to lose from NOT participating? A few bucks, maybe or an inconvenience. One of the biggest reasons why I am boycotting is because I’m curious how much power we (the little tiny humans without much power on our own) can control in our own hands through a seemingly small decision.
GETTING MY VOICE ON THE RECORD THROUGH 5CALLS:
When it comes to all the mothereffing sh*t Trump is doing in office:
Hosting 5calls parties (online or IRL or by yourself) makes it EASY, especially for those of us who have phone-phobia, know that we oppose what’s going on, but get tongue tied and feel like we need to know waht to say.
5calls helps you to choose issues you care about and make your voice heard - with a quick synopsis of the issue at hand and a HANDY DANDY SCRIPT YOU CAN USE!!! You can put in your zip code and they will also tailor issues to your area.
Why? Calling your political reps is the best way to make your voice heard - much more effective than liking a facebook post, reposting a story, or sending a letter (does anyone do that anymore?! Actually, I know people do that.)
Anyhoo, political staff tally calls on specific issues right away.
I used to intern at an assemblymember’s office. The bullet right above is true. A staff member would tally different voters’ calls about different issues and submit it daily or weekly in a report to the assemblymember.
I plan on hosting some 5calls parties locally or online to get a bunch of people together and on the phones. It’s one of those things that “easy” to do, but for some reason, never gets done. And community, solidarity, and sensing the NUMBER of people we have on “our side” matters.
Currently, approximately 5,200,000 calls have been made because of 5calls. Can you imagine if every single person who voted against Trump made 5 calls? HOW GREAT WOULD IT BE IF WE FLOODED EVERY SINGLE POLITICAL REP’S PHONE LINES?!?!??!
CREATING + NURTURING LIFE:
The apocalypse HAS BEEN HAPPENING DUDES. None of this is new. It’s just more transparent than it’s ever been before.
So in the interest of longevity, and making a future worth fighting for: don’t forget to nourish life where you’re planted. Take care of your people. Make lavish, sweet love. Do your art and put it out there.
Personally, I’m concerned about food supply chains, shitty agricultural practices and a future where our earth’s resources are running dry. So I’m pruning the apple tree in my front yard. And I’m learning how grow tomatoes + radishes + zucchini in the spring.
What are you doing during this fasicst, capitalist apocalypse? Share tips, resources, organizations, or ideas below! The more the merrier.