If you are a fully functioning human being living in the United States of America in 2025, YOU SHOULD BE feeling all of this and more. That means you still have compassion, empathy, intelligence… and a working soul. Congratulations!
TIME TO HARNESS THE POWER OF THESE EMOTIONS INTO ACTION!
Complaining about, hiding from, and denying the serious threats that we are facing will not fix the current and emerging disasters. I know that sometimes we need to do these things to survive and take care of our day to day responsibilities. We are all human with flaws, fears and frailties. However, action is needed now. Immediate actions at all levels, and you too can contribute no matter your personality type or skill set.
What Can You and I Do?
Protest
I recently participated in a protest rally in Redmond, Washington. I was happy to be among about 300 other people marching peacefully with some very creative signs protesting the actions and policies being implemented in the U.S.A. by the Trump Administration. However, I was also disappointed that there were not 300 thousand or more people.
While it is true that simply protesting the policies and actions of any leader is not enough to make the changes we want and need, protesting in a group of like minded people, does provide benefits. Protesting with other people allows the formation of human connections, networking, affirmation that you are not alone, and can at times send a clear message to those in power that they are in fact, being watched.
CLICK HERE TO READ Six Reasons Why Protest is So Important for Democracy
Remember your right to protest is protected by the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. However, there are some rules to follow and some limitations. CLICK HERE to LEARN MORE before you head out into the streets.
Boycott
Billionaire Bandits do not need anymore of our money. Big money has always had unfair control over policy making in the U.S.A. The nation was set up to protect a small group of landed/wealthy white males. That group now feels threatened by progress toward making the nation a place of “liberty and justice for all.” So here we are with the white, wealthy males now trashing all that progress that has been achieved over so many decades and at great cost for many people. While the Equal Rights Amendment was never formally ratified in the U.S.A., there was progress toward a better future for women when compared with 100 years ago. Spotty progress against racism is now being trashed. Ultimately, Trumpism is all about money, money, money, and the power that mega-money brings to those who control it.
CLICK HERE & LEARN about why billionaires are dangerous and why we need to boycott them and stop allowing them to suck up even more unearned wealth from the public coffers and from immoral business practices. The substack Boycott Billionaires by “Sparky Von Plinsky,” is a great way to keep up on the shenanigans of the Billionaire Bandits and what you can do to boycott them. Hit them where it hurts. They are racing to see who can become the first trillionaire. Musk is in the lead. Let us stop this dangerous foolish worship of the rich and instead hold them accountable for all the harm they are causing.
Communicate
I am an extreme introvert, and hate making phone calls. However, I do write a lot of e-mails and letters when I see policies being implemented that are unjust, cruel, create suffering, waste our precious resources (natural resources, financial treasure and our troops…) or are designed to enrich the rich at the expense of the rest of us.
With no regard for the political affiliation of the person with whom I am communicating, I am polite, but firm in my writing. Always, I vent on the page the first day and then leave the writing for a day or two and come back to clean up any bad language, and make my points clearer. If you want someone to listen to you, you must come across as rational, thoughtful, and clearly address the issue at hand without digressions into other issues. Be clear and concise. Be positive. Instead of stating what you do not want, focus on what you do want. Instead of ranting about how corrupt or immoral a policy is, state clearly what you do support and what you specifically want the person you are communicating with to do about the issue. DO NOT make personal attacks. Your voice will be dismissed and the person being attacked will simply further entrench themselves in their position and beliefs. There is an excellent chapter on how to effectively communicate in the book Democracy in Retrograde.
Volunteer
There are many opportunities to volunteer your time and skills to a cause you believe in. From the local PTA, animal shelter, homeless advocacy group, or senior care facility, to national non-profits and advocacy groups. First do an honest self assessment to answer the following questions:
- What am I passionate about? What issues are of importance to me and the people I care about?
- What skills or knowledge do have that I want to use?
- How much time and/or money can I contribute to the cause?
For example, I am not comfortable making phone calls, but I can stuff envelopes, write letters, or man an information booth to speak with people one-on-one.
There are web portals where you can search for volunteer opportunities. Volunteer Match at https://www.volunteermatch.org/ is one such resource. Another is Idealist.org at https://www.idealist.org/en where you can find not only volunteer options, but also paid jobs with various non-profit organizations.
Recommended Reading
In today’s political climate, it’s hard not to get discouraged. Isolated, doom scrolling, lacking a sense of purpose or community…it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the dire state of American democracy and do nothing, because why try when the odds are never in our favor?
This book reframes the idea and purpose of civic engagement as a form of self-care: an assertion of one’s values and self-respect. This book is not just about voting, but about claiming your singular place in your country and community with very specific ideas on how each of us can contribute to making the U.S.A a better place for all people.
A book of inspiration and integrity, Soul of a Citizen is an antidote to the twin scourges of modern life–powerlessness and cynicism. In his evocative style, Paul Loeb tells moving stories of ordinary Americans who have found unexpected fulfillment in social involvement. Through their example and Loeb’s own wise and powerful lessons, we are compelled to move from passivity to participation.
Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul
Social justice work can be raised voices and raised fists. Not everyone is able to make their voice heard in this manner. For those of us who don’t feel comfortable battling in the trenches, there are other ways to participate in the social justice movement. If you are highly sensitive, highly emotional, empathic, or introverted YOU ARE NEEDED for your special gifts! This book shows us how we can contribute to creating a more peaceful and just nation and world, while being our true selves and without burning out.
NOTE: Before setting out on your activist adventures, whether in person on the street and in the halls of power, or on–line, via phone, email, or regular mail, consider your vulnerability to blow-back or direct retribution. Secure your phones and all electronic devices. Know who you can trust and set up a system to call them if you need assistance.