I’ve been lurking Free, I had an idea in November to start a daily post “Do One Thing Today” with a directed action for my friends/family. I did for a couple weeks…
And then I discovered you!
What you do is amazing.
Thank you for your work and dedication. Instead of duplicating I have become a paid member and will do my best to follow through, and lift up your efforts.
So overwhelming, but… if every day, we ALL do even Just One Thing… it has to make a difference. It. Has. To.
And it will make a BIG difference for you -- it's empowering to have your say even when you don't get your way. And sometimes we WILL get our way if we keep going. Jessica's pointers on what to do and what to say to our elected officials makes doing that one thing as easy as it can possibly be. Cheers to you!
And you can do one more really simple thing that is very effective. (Ok, so it's actually 2 things.)
You can send this list out to all your friends and family, each day, or once a week. I do it once, midweek, and then on Sundays I send out the Extra, Extra so they get lots of good news to keep them motivated. And I ask them to pass it on to others they know who could use the good news. Quite of few of them have subscribed to CWCW and do one or more things each day.
It is amazing how little effort it takes to germinate those little seeds and sprout them into something full grown and beautiful!
Thanks for this. I used a modified version of your script on my brand new senator, Angela Alsobrooks. I said I expected her to vote, not just no, but HELL NO.
Called my senators to protest the nominations of Hegseth, Tabbard, and Patel! I so appreciate these helpful scripts -- makes it so easy and it takes less than 5 minutes.
Read a recent article about how a plaque honoring Capitol police officers who protected the Capitol building and our legislators from the Trump insurrectionists on 1/6/21 is being held up by the architect of the Capitol. The plaque was approved by the Senate and should have been installed by May 2024. So that Trump and his allies don’t get away with further “sanewashing” of the events of 1/6/2021, let’s start a letter writing campaign to our elected Representatives and Mike Johnson urging them to follow through on installing the plaque. Officers involved on 1/6/21 deserve it.
Thanks Jessica, for your efforts. FYI: Our FL Senator Rubio's website no longer has his email address. When I called 202-224-3041, the mailbox was full. Will keep trying.
I'm in Texas, so I feel your pain. I write and call anyway, even knowing that (for example), Ted Cruz could not care any less about my opinion. But if enough people call to let him know we don't want what he's selling - that's going to worry him, right? I like the idea of a worried Ted Cruz. And we're communicating with staffers, many of them quite young. They might not be 100% in the deep end of the crazy pool yet. Maybe our opposing viewpoints can be their swim floaties back to dry land.
Same here. I cringe every time I have to call Andy Biggs‘s office but I often speak with young staffers as well and they probably hardly ever hear opposition so it’s a healthy endeavor! I can’t believe I live in AZCD5 —so gerrymandered.
Phone call texts converted to e-messages and posted to each of my Blue Senators. Resistbot dispatched. “Water bucket” filled and “wood stove” supplied…. Thank you.
The other day I wrote to Sen. Susan Collins, (I am one of her constituents, but not a supporter) quoting Robert Hubbell, about the 4 abominating nominees of Trump - Gabbord, Ramaswamy, Hegseth, and RFK, Jr. - the last one being an embarrassment to his family! While I requested a response, I don't expect one. I also reminded her of her comment that she hoped Trump had learned his lesson. Give me a break! This was lame.
Thank you for being such a committed spokesperson for the other 48%.
I did an edit of George Lakoff’s list of New Year’s Resolutions for my newsletter (but it’s still too long):
Avoid helpless/hopeless talk. Note: Vent, of course, but do not succumb to the notion that hope is lost, because it isn’t. Try to remember to ask: what am I going to do about this?
Actively remind yourself to sympathize/empathize - imagine what life is like for those that the authoritarians are demonizing and cruelly manipulating and marginalizing. This is motivating.
Focus on what matters most, and stay on task. [Note: This requires refusing to be distracted by the guaranteed chaos and provocation. This likely means limiting your intake of social and other media that does not advance actions to take or useful information.]
Stay involved: Attend protests and meetings. Donate to organizations doing crucial pro-democracy work. Participate in your city council, school board, or neighborhood association. Support local candidates, companies, and initiatives that prioritize democratic values.
Work on enhancing strong relationships with neighbors, friends, and coworkers. Connecting beyond political differences strengthens the fabric of your community.
Be a net positive on the net:
Avoid clickbait traps that monetize your outrage; block them
Subscribe to and read legitimate information sources
Make a habit of fact-checking before sharing memes, texts, or stories.
Don’t spread false things even if they are funny
Share positive messages about things that stand FOR something
Do your part to insist on accountability, by writing letters, signing petitions, and participating in boycotts when possible and necessary.
Connect with and engage young people you know or encounter. Talk about current events and the climate crisis. Point them to information and opportunities for activism. Instill hope in them - things can be better.
Don’t focus on Trump personally, don’t obsess on his constant stream of his ridiculous statements; doing so boosts his every utterance and works in his favor.
Don’t argue with Trump supporters UNLESS you see very quickly that they are open to hearing things that are not in agreement with him. Otherwise, the chance of making any headway in their thinking is virtually zero, like what you would expect for a member of a cult. Altering what a Trump supporter thinks will require more direct contact than you will typically have or be willing to dedicate to it.
Pay attention to events that expose powerful would-be oligarchs who want a government that is tailored to their need to become ever richer. Elon Musk is a prime example. Jeff Bezos and others who are currying favor with Trump already are others. Talk about them.
Study past movements for democracy and justice to understand what works and what doesn't.
Support literature, music, and art. Buy tickets, buy art. Buy books and read (or listen) to them! They are crucial to a functioning democracy.
Take care of your health with the basics: Get plenty of sleep. Drink lots of water. Exercise.
Celebrate victories, no matter how small.
I added:
Don’t be intimidated by how damned long this list is. Take your time.
I tried to take action by sending the letter you have in this issue to President Biden, and my senators and representative however, we flipped our district from Red to Blue!! but you have listed the representative who lost her election rather than our newly installed representative Janelle Bynum from Oregon. Can this be fixed, please? Thanks!!!
Great post. Full of positive as well as necessary info and to-do’s. ResistBot is now back in my contact list and I’m sending my first message of support to my amazing congressmen. Hope to attend the talk on DOE too. Thank you!!
I texted SIGN PMVUCL to 50409, but got back a message saying "That doesn't look like a link or federal bill number. What did I do wrong? I also tried earlier to follow the instructions to write my own letter, but when I texted "Congress" to 50409, it replied "NEW: Now I can write the letter for you! You only have to provide a news article about your issue and your position on it. Want to try it?" So, I'm stuck. BTW, I did successfully send the previous message "SIGN PPRWSV". Has anyone else had this problem with PMVUCL or gotten these messages?
I tried and it worked. Tomorrow I'll try to get a letter I draft or adapt to work using your instructions again. Thanks for what you're doing -- it's great!
I’ve been lurking Free, I had an idea in November to start a daily post “Do One Thing Today” with a directed action for my friends/family. I did for a couple weeks…
And then I discovered you!
What you do is amazing.
Thank you for your work and dedication. Instead of duplicating I have become a paid member and will do my best to follow through, and lift up your efforts.
So overwhelming, but… if every day, we ALL do even Just One Thing… it has to make a difference. It. Has. To.
Agreed. It has to and it will. So glad you're here. Thanks!
And it will make a BIG difference for you -- it's empowering to have your say even when you don't get your way. And sometimes we WILL get our way if we keep going. Jessica's pointers on what to do and what to say to our elected officials makes doing that one thing as easy as it can possibly be. Cheers to you!
Right on, Jan!
And you can do one more really simple thing that is very effective. (Ok, so it's actually 2 things.)
You can send this list out to all your friends and family, each day, or once a week. I do it once, midweek, and then on Sundays I send out the Extra, Extra so they get lots of good news to keep them motivated. And I ask them to pass it on to others they know who could use the good news. Quite of few of them have subscribed to CWCW and do one or more things each day.
It is amazing how little effort it takes to germinate those little seeds and sprout them into something full grown and beautiful!
Thanks for this. I used a modified version of your script on my brand new senator, Angela Alsobrooks. I said I expected her to vote, not just no, but HELL NO.
Amazing! Thank you!
Called my senators to protest the nominations of Hegseth, Tabbard, and Patel! I so appreciate these helpful scripts -- makes it so easy and it takes less than 5 minutes.
Thank you, Jan!
Read a recent article about how a plaque honoring Capitol police officers who protected the Capitol building and our legislators from the Trump insurrectionists on 1/6/21 is being held up by the architect of the Capitol. The plaque was approved by the Senate and should have been installed by May 2024. So that Trump and his allies don’t get away with further “sanewashing” of the events of 1/6/2021, let’s start a letter writing campaign to our elected Representatives and Mike Johnson urging them to follow through on installing the plaque. Officers involved on 1/6/21 deserve it.
Cathy Teegardin
On it! Thanks!
Thanks Jessica, for your efforts. FYI: Our FL Senator Rubio's website no longer has his email address. When I called 202-224-3041, the mailbox was full. Will keep trying.
Bill Welsch, Punta Gorda, FL
Ah, yes, I see that. Annoying!
I called his office closest to me & left a voice mail - had it save in my phone, but see now the website doesn't list locations anymore.
When you encourage us to write to our Senators, it always saddens me. I am from Ohio...
So, what can I do on that count??
You can still write them! It's more important than ever to keep pressuring GOP senators.
I'm in Texas, so I feel your pain. I write and call anyway, even knowing that (for example), Ted Cruz could not care any less about my opinion. But if enough people call to let him know we don't want what he's selling - that's going to worry him, right? I like the idea of a worried Ted Cruz. And we're communicating with staffers, many of them quite young. They might not be 100% in the deep end of the crazy pool yet. Maybe our opposing viewpoints can be their swim floaties back to dry land.
I agree, Virginia!
Let them hear from you! I know it sucks.
Your friend in North Carolina.
Same here. I cringe every time I have to call Andy Biggs‘s office but I often speak with young staffers as well and they probably hardly ever hear opposition so it’s a healthy endeavor! I can’t believe I live in AZCD5 —so gerrymandered.
Phone call texts converted to e-messages and posted to each of my Blue Senators. Resistbot dispatched. “Water bucket” filled and “wood stove” supplied…. Thank you.
Love it, Emily. Thank you!
The other day I wrote to Sen. Susan Collins, (I am one of her constituents, but not a supporter) quoting Robert Hubbell, about the 4 abominating nominees of Trump - Gabbord, Ramaswamy, Hegseth, and RFK, Jr. - the last one being an embarrassment to his family! While I requested a response, I don't expect one. I also reminded her of her comment that she hoped Trump had learned his lesson. Give me a break! This was lame.
Thank you for being such a committed spokesperson for the other 48%.
You're very welcome, Lee! Thank you!
I did an edit of George Lakoff’s list of New Year’s Resolutions for my newsletter (but it’s still too long):
Avoid helpless/hopeless talk. Note: Vent, of course, but do not succumb to the notion that hope is lost, because it isn’t. Try to remember to ask: what am I going to do about this?
Actively remind yourself to sympathize/empathize - imagine what life is like for those that the authoritarians are demonizing and cruelly manipulating and marginalizing. This is motivating.
Focus on what matters most, and stay on task. [Note: This requires refusing to be distracted by the guaranteed chaos and provocation. This likely means limiting your intake of social and other media that does not advance actions to take or useful information.]
Stay involved: Attend protests and meetings. Donate to organizations doing crucial pro-democracy work. Participate in your city council, school board, or neighborhood association. Support local candidates, companies, and initiatives that prioritize democratic values.
Work on enhancing strong relationships with neighbors, friends, and coworkers. Connecting beyond political differences strengthens the fabric of your community.
Be a net positive on the net:
Avoid clickbait traps that monetize your outrage; block them
Subscribe to and read legitimate information sources
Make a habit of fact-checking before sharing memes, texts, or stories.
Don’t spread false things even if they are funny
Share positive messages about things that stand FOR something
Do your part to insist on accountability, by writing letters, signing petitions, and participating in boycotts when possible and necessary.
Connect with and engage young people you know or encounter. Talk about current events and the climate crisis. Point them to information and opportunities for activism. Instill hope in them - things can be better.
Don’t focus on Trump personally, don’t obsess on his constant stream of his ridiculous statements; doing so boosts his every utterance and works in his favor.
Don’t argue with Trump supporters UNLESS you see very quickly that they are open to hearing things that are not in agreement with him. Otherwise, the chance of making any headway in their thinking is virtually zero, like what you would expect for a member of a cult. Altering what a Trump supporter thinks will require more direct contact than you will typically have or be willing to dedicate to it.
Pay attention to events that expose powerful would-be oligarchs who want a government that is tailored to their need to become ever richer. Elon Musk is a prime example. Jeff Bezos and others who are currying favor with Trump already are others. Talk about them.
Study past movements for democracy and justice to understand what works and what doesn't.
Support literature, music, and art. Buy tickets, buy art. Buy books and read (or listen) to them! They are crucial to a functioning democracy.
Take care of your health with the basics: Get plenty of sleep. Drink lots of water. Exercise.
Celebrate victories, no matter how small.
I added:
Don’t be intimidated by how damned long this list is. Take your time.
I tried to take action by sending the letter you have in this issue to President Biden, and my senators and representative however, we flipped our district from Red to Blue!! but you have listed the representative who lost her election rather than our newly installed representative Janelle Bynum from Oregon. Can this be fixed, please? Thanks!!!
Hmm that's a problem on Climate Hawks Vote's part, not mine, alas.
I’ll let them know. Thanks!!
needs better answer
Welcome back, Jess! Thank you so much for your amazing work! The scripts are so helpful. I sometimes copy/paste the phone scripts to use on Resistbot.
That's an excellent approach. Thanks, Theodora!
Why leave out peoplesmarch.com, Jess?
I will publicize it tomorrow!
Thank you, Jess!
Great post. Full of positive as well as necessary info and to-do’s. ResistBot is now back in my contact list and I’m sending my first message of support to my amazing congressmen. Hope to attend the talk on DOE too. Thank you!!
Excellent! Thanks!
Done and TY!
I texted SIGN PMVUCL to 50409, but got back a message saying "That doesn't look like a link or federal bill number. What did I do wrong? I also tried earlier to follow the instructions to write my own letter, but when I texted "Congress" to 50409, it replied "NEW: Now I can write the letter for you! You only have to provide a news article about your issue and your position on it. Want to try it?" So, I'm stuck. BTW, I did successfully send the previous message "SIGN PPRWSV". Has anyone else had this problem with PMVUCL or gotten these messages?
I'm a brand new user and don't want to give up!
Hmmm that is odd. It should have worked. Will you try again and see if it was just a momentary blip?
I tried and it worked. Tomorrow I'll try to get a letter I draft or adapt to work using your instructions again. Thanks for what you're doing -- it's great!
Why aren’t you promoting the upcoming protests? We need #s.
I will tomorrow.
I know u are working your tail off. Thank you!