Become an Upstander

A good deed a day keeps tyrants at bay

Become an Upstander!

TAKE ACTION!

Work to get out the vote (GOTV) in swing states and districts. Even if you cannot vote, you can still help GOTV!

• Join Indivisible to defend voting rights, and protect the midterm elections from sabotage.

• Help counter the 6-3 Supreme Court decision that gutted voting rights.

A good deed a day keeps fascists at bay

NOTE: As ever, this site is a work in progress. — The Sign Lady

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I’ve been carrying this sign on my backpack wherever I go for more than a year now. Although it says I’m protesting for the sake of my grandchildren, the truth is, I’ve turned into a walking billboard because I don’t want anyone to have to live in a fascist America (including me). While responses to my sign-carrying are nearly always positive here in blue Seattle, many people say to me something like, “I hate what’s happening, but I don’t know what I can do about it” — hence this little website, based on a short “Mr E’s histories” YouTube video, “Inaction strengthens the regime,” that I saw some months ago. (Click here for a summary or click the red link below to watch.)

Watch: Inaction strengthens the regime

“Upstanding” makes a difference!

If you don’t like what is happening in America right now, but aren’t sure what you can do about it, this site will give you some ideas and provide some links to organizations that are working to defend our constitutionally guaranteed rights and to protect people whom the Trump administration is targeting right now (e.g., people of color, immigrants regardless of legal status, non-hetero individuals, etc.).

You don’t have to march; you don’t have to give money (but thank you if you can and do). However, if you want to protect yourself and your friends and family and neighbors, you do have to do something! Remaining on the sidelines, staying “neutral,” helps the evildoers.

… And guess what, you may already be an Upstander! (Or “upstanding citizen,” if you prefer.) If you already are doing positive things to help build networks and community, if you’re already looking out for your neighbors in some way, thank you. Given the gravity of the current situation in our country, if you can possibly do more, now is the time to step up as much as possible.

Things you can do

Becoming an Upstander simply means doing something (more) to help build community, to help your neighbors, local groups and schools, and to build networks. Yes, showing up at rallies and marches, holding signs and going to demonstrations are all important, but so is (for example) boycotting companies that aid and abet those who are undermining our country’s values and ideals.

You can find more details about what you can do here; below is a basic list of of things you can do to help:

  • Find and publicize good sources of truthful information
  • Write letters / emails to your legislators (thank or pressure them, as appropriate); tell them your stories
  • Call your lawmakers at all levels (see above)
  • Post accurate information on social media
  • Engage with people posting misinformation (truth matters!)
  • Tutor kids who are staying home because of ICE
  • If relevant in your state, become a poll worker
  • Help out at a food pantry or soup kitchen
  • Donate food to food banks and pantries
  • Teach a teenager a life skill
  • Organize collections of sanitary products for women’s shelters
  • Shop for someone afraid to leave their home
  • Volunteer with Meals on Wheels or other elder services
  • Escort people to medical and other appointments
  • Escort kids to/from school
  • Babysit for people who want to come to protests or who want to do volunteer work
  • Attend town halls
  • Participate in resistance training sessions
  • Participate in neighborhood cleanups

Organizations

Getting involved with organizations that have developed helpful actions and strategies is a great way to help push back against those in government who love Project 2025 more than they love the Constitution.

Most of the groups listed below and on the linked page have local chapters in most larger cities. Head over to their main websites to find the groups closest to you and learn about the kinds of work they do. Many are looking for volunteers; others make good use of your donations. (Only organizations with top ratings from Charity Navigator are included in this list.)

More groups will be added soon (and categorized) — be sure to check back!

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Why this site • The sign lady • What you can do • Organizations