I put together this as a primer for anyone looking to get involved but overwhelmed by the prospect of doing the grassroots level research themselves. If you aren’t sure how to get started in U.S. politics and activism in this new (unexpected) era, read on…
- Autocracy: Rules for Survival (Masha Gessen) – If you have not read this yet, start here. Masha Gessen is a Russian American Journalist and she’s 110% on point. She’s written extensively about Putin’s rise to power in Russia. Reading this list is essential. She’s also on twitter, @mashagessen.
- One of my favourite resources right now is the “OH CRAP! WHAT NOW?! Survival Guide” and its Digital Security section. Take a look there before you begin, and protect yourself if necessary. Bookmark it for the future; even if it feels paranoid now, when you later feel like you need to protect your digital footprint it may already be too late. Other important sections to review right now:
- The Legal System and You – especially important information for immigrants and DREAM kids, Queer families, and trans folks who haven’t finished name change paperwork yet.
- Self Defense – includes links to ACLU recommended cop watch apps designed to record during an arrest, and basics on possessing other self defense weapons in the U.S.A.
- Money – key information on tax prep and freelancing filing. Also has interesting (scary) info on currency and where to keep money right now if NAFTA is terminated in January.
- There are a few primers floating around out there in cyberland that include basics for activism within the system, which is where we have to start initially in hopes of reigning in the early power grabs (aka, the completely unacceptable cabinet picks, and I’m sure we’ll see more surprises come January). My two preferred ones are:
- The Rudimentary Guide to Action for Democracy and Human Rights: A Direct Response to the Incoming Trump Administration (via google docs), which includes a primer for activism for “couch potatoes” and lists out various actions to take, organized by issue; and,
- The “We’re his Problem Now” Calling Sheet (via google docs), a calling-script focused document divided into sections for weekly (updated) calls to action, calling scripts, contact info for party leaders and senators, representative contact info, and various tips and strategies.
If you have recommendations for other resources to list or review, let me know here or on twitter @apentopaper. Note I’m only interested in resources to share with like minded folks that do not require named login, not secret or private Facebook groups (see above re: Digital Security concerns regarding Facebook and other named social media).