How I Do My Part, in no particular order:

(a list to provide ideas, and remind myself of all the actions I’m taking when I feel small or powerless)

1. Donating monthly to the ACLU.

2. Buying and downloading banned books.

There are SO MANY challenged/banned book options, so I’ve focused personally on classics and LGBTQ content/authors. Some of them are available online, but most I’ve been ordering from Bookshop.org to support local indie bookstores.

3. Stocking up (reasonably) on shelf-stable food and household needs,

to prepare for spikes in prices and disruptions in supply chains.

4. Sharing inspirational and informational social media posts.

In college, I often wouldn’t get engagement on social media posts, but people would tell me in private how they appreciated those posts/how helpful they were. I’m holding on to that memory now.

You can find me on Facebook (link to my personal profile – follow to see public posts), BlueSky, Threads, and Instagram (most content is in my stories).

I’ve also changed my default audience to Public for easy sharing.

5. Staying informed without spiraling.

If the headlines start to drown you, focus on specific topics you care about and sources you trust. Some days I can’t handle all the news, but I always read Heather Cox Richardson’s daily posts. Find her on Facebook or her Substack (free and paid options). Substack can send you her posts directly to your email.

6. Continuing to lead my LGBTQ writers group.

I started a small group last fall, and I’m persisting as planned. You can translate this in your life into some form of in-person community, whether that’s a writers group, book group, knitting club, church community, study group — wherever you are needed and can find likeminded support.

7. Monitoring local developments firsthand.

I’ve been reading and following developments on Indiana House and Senate bills – focusing on LGBTQ impacts, because I as one person can’t handle all the issues all the time.

8. Signing petitions.

You can find petitions for causes you care about on the Action Network and the ACLU’s website.

9. Printing out the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

The Whitehouse website took down these vital American documents, so it’s wise to keep your own hard copy on hand and a digital file on your device(s).

10. Contacting representatives.

I haven’t directly contacted anyone yet, only signed on to group letters. I’ve been swamped doing all of the others above. But this is next on my list. You can look up your elected representatives on this page.