11/12/24
I had my biweekly heart-to-heart with my shrink today, and certainly the election has done wonders for his job security!
He’s a smart guy, a PhD, and knows a lot about human neurobiology and behavioral science. He pointed out that anxiety and depression is rooted in fear, and that in general we fear two things. We obviously fear getting killed or maimed (real concerns with a professional criminal running the government), but we are at least as afraid of being isolated. Our adaptations are group adaptations, our reliance on and facility with social connections are what makes us the most successful organism to evolve on this planet. We all need our peeps to feel secure and to accomplish anything big.
In other words, he confirmed my first suggestion for effective resistance to fascism: band together. Find your people, introduce yourself, and put your shoulder to the wheel. Everyone has some talent, experience, and time they can offer. This will confirm that you’re not alone, and it will make you formidable (plus you’ll meet a lot of cool folks, and that can’t be bad).
Below are a couple places to get started. Notice I’m sticking with just a couple. That’s because, on Googling “Progressive Non-Profits” a list two miles long came up. They’re probably ALL worth investigating, and you should find your community where you can. That said, I’m focusing on a few that I know and that do important work. Since I’m here in Central PA, I’m linking to my local branches, but these are national organizations with local chapters everywhere. Find yours and go to a gathering.
PS: These aren’t legal defense organizations. They’re important too, and we’ll get to them, but first build a community.
PPS: If you’re reading this on social media, the links will be in the comments section.
Indivisible.org: “We’re a grassroots movement of thousands of local Indivisible groups with a mission to elect progressive leaders, rebuild our democracy, and defeat the Trump agenda.” Formed by mostly former legislative staffers in the wake of the 2016 election, they’re smart and effective. There’s local chapters everywhere.
The Central PA affiliates include Cumberland Valley Rising
https://cumberlandvalleyrising.org/
And Capital Region Stands Up
https://pastandsup.org/capital-region/
The Democratic Party: Needs no introduction, and if you’re not pissed off at them at the moment, there’s probably something wrong with you. That said, while we sorely need more options in this country than two parties, the reality is this is what we have. In my opinion, this is not the time to bury the donkey and go third party. We all have to make up our own minds, but that’s where I came down. The party needs fresh blood and it needs fixin…help fix it!
My own county committee is based in Carlisle and there are smaller offshoots in many communities (check social media). I’ve also linked to the Dauphin County and the State Chapter.
https://cumberlandcountydems.com/
Common Defense: “The largest grassroots membership organization of progressive veterans standing up for our communities against the rising tide of racism, hate, and violence.” If you’re a vet, please take a look at these folks!
There’s a million more, but that’s enough for now. Find your community and band together!
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