I wrote a rough draft of this essay in 2017, and it had been languishing in a folder ever since. With the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I have felt the need to take action, but unsure of what. I have gone to many protests and felt nothing changed. Protests do have a place: they raise awareness and build solidarity. But sharing a meme on Facebook does not in and of itself bring change. This list below (not meant to be all inclusive) is concrete things that can be done to make a difference other than going to a protest.
Stay Informed With Good, Accurate News Sources
We all want to stay in our bubble, but change won’t be accomplished by spreading falsehoods and exaggerations. There are many news organizations that do fact checking and take time to interview opposing views. A headline that pushes buttons is the one that needs to be scrutinized. While this comes from Dungeons and Dragons, the Wizard’s Rule holds up: People believe what they want to believe, and what they are afraid to believe. Don’t share a meme or article with facts unless it is verified, and always check the source, as well as the date. Weak news is potentially as dangerous as fake news. On the show 1A, it was said that when we go to the supermarket we know the quality of reporting for all the magazines in the checkout aisle. On the internet, it is harder to know who the National Enquirer is.
Financially Support the Media You Depend On, and Donate to Non-Profits
We are so used to getting news for free off the internet it is hard to remember there is a cost to good reporting. One of the reasons for the demise of local media is that internet advertising pays less for the same amount of people as print. Good reporting takes time and money—to send reporters in the field, spend the time needed to collect as much information as possible, have good equipment, and support reporters with fact checking and editors. Non-profits can do a lot with a little, but think of how much more they can do with support behind them. Legal cases are very expensive.
Learn Your History
The rights that we enjoy today did not happen by accident. Many advances we take for granted—women’s suffrage, the end of segregation, and the minimum wage for starters were fought for over the course of years, sometimes generations. It is too much to know all of world history, so focus on one thread of history—it could be the formation of unions, the Civil Rights movement, or what else you feel passionate about. It will bring much needed perspective on what we have to lose, and what the process to bring them about was. The greatest weapon against ignorance is knowledge.
Listen
There is a long history of allies not listening to the people they are trying to help and making things worse for them. I have gotten cynical about ideology, and instead have decided what I care about whether an idea will work in real life. You can have conversations with people or conversations about people. A change the does not include the voice of the people who are going to be effected by it will inevitably cause harm, even if it was intended to do good.
Understand the Process
With the surge in national testing to rate schools, one subject being neglected is civics. The founding fathers intended the process of making laws to be slow, with a chance for people being effected to say their piece. Understand how a bill becomes a law, what the different committees are, and what checks and balances are in place (or threatened). Local government realistically has more control over people’s day to day lives that the Federal government, so learning what municipal boards do would also be valuable. Also understand the difference between an executive order and a law.
Contact Your Representative
If you agree with those who represent you, give them support and encouragement. If you don’t, tell them why you are opposed and what effect this will have on you or people you know. Do not send a form letter—while well meaning, those elected to government get stacks of them and can spot them easily. A good lawmaker will take time to speak with their constituents and honestly cares about the people they represent regardless of political affiliation. But approach them with respect, and do not use pure emotion in your arguments.
Vote
Don’t fall for the argument that the parties are both the same and a vote doesn’t matter. Show up. Even if the person you vote for doesn’t win, you know you did something.
Run for Office
Someone will be considered unelectable, until they win. While higher office campaigns can be very challenging and expensive, there are many posts on the local government or the school board. If you want your community to become a better place, take part in running it.