I know you’re worried. You’re worried about the kiddos in your life—babies, nieces, nephews, and young people. What kind of world are they growing up in?
You have loved ones who risk being directly targeted by the incoming administration because of who they love, where they’re from, or what they look like. Meanwhile, the ever-narrowing access to reproductive and abortion care is unfathomable.
Above it all is the awareness that the planet on which we all depend is growing more extreme by the year. You are smart. You connect all the seemingly random dots. The picture you draw isn’t just scary, it offends your values and the vision you have of how the world should be.
Nearly a decade ago, I felt similarly. I started writing a little newsletter that gave worried people practical ways to channel that anxiety. It’s been going continuously since 2016 when Trump won the first time around and reaches over 40,000 Americans. Together, we complete about 10,000 actions or democracy, planet, and people each year.
But plans change. Times change.
If you weren’t around for the first iteration, we’re striving for bigger outcomes to address this new presidency. Three things, specifically:
- To nurture changemakers
- To provide actions that slow the progression of authoritarianism
- To give direct aid to communities impacted by authoritarianism
Just as many are saying right now: we are not going to yield a single inch without a fight.
Our publication will be even more robust, timely, and topical, including a variety of new actions:
- Collaborations with grassroots organizations
- Local and state-level actions
- Independent journalism
- Expert/guest interviews
- In-person activism
- Artistic expression
- Virtual and digital activism
- Supporting legal defense funds
- Strategic divesting
Why do all this? Because worry is what keeps you from being engaged. Since the beginning, we’ve found that when each of us does a small amount in community, we help bring about the vision we share for the future.
If you’re interested in being part of our effort,
- Subscribe to our publication: americansofconscience.com
- Become an AoCC volunteer.
- Give a small amount each month to support our work
At this stage, I won’t tell you not to worry, because that’s a tall order. But I will tell you that joining something, doing something, or supporting something breaks the illusion that you’re alone. You aren’t.
That first action (and every one that follows) brings you in to the warm circle of people who care the same way you do. And together, we can do anything.
Warmly,
Jennifer Hofmann
Executive and Creative Director
AmericansofConscience.com
I am glad your plan is to beef up and go forward—for us all. it is an antidote for anxiety and despair. Perhaps the most immediate thing is to support engagement and fight apathy.
That’s what we think too, Pamela! At this point, Americans are all over the map–from fighting mad to shell shocked–and that’s normal and okay. Some are ready to jump in NOW (or have already) and others are gearing up. All of those responses are appropriate and natural, and we honor them all. What I know from the last eight years is that when the first responders start to wear down, the next wave that’s been gearing up will be right behind them, ready to step up and contribute.
Thank you for your inspiration. Have a joyous Thanksgiving! I refuse to forfeit a single hour of my life to fear of Agent Orange and his posse. I am thankful for all you do!