Courage is being afraid but going on anyhow.
We must recognize the resisters, the courageous who are fighting back.
-Dan Rather

In the 1970s, my mother taught a program in schools called Dolls for Democracy. At its peak, the program featured 2,000 ‘doll ladies’ teaching important civic lessons around the country to grade-school children. Naturally as a child I didn’t realize how fragile democracy truly is. Until recently I took it Democracy for granted…

Over the past week, I’ve had several conversations in which people expressed a common feeling—helplessness about our new administration. We specifically discussed what people in 1930s Germany could have done to prevent the rise of the brutal authoritarian regime that led to World War II, a conflict that claimed an estimated 70 to 85 million lives! Now, we face a pressing question: How can we shift the pendulum back toward democracy and keep the administration in check?

This question led me to research the challenges we face today and, more importantly, identify actionable steps to protect our democracy from the rapid rise of this authoritarianism. Let’s stay informed, engaged, and committed to ensuring history does not repeat itself.

Some Context

Swiss sociologist and mental health advocate Jennifer Walter wrote about what is happening: 
As a sociologist, I need to tell you: Your overwhelm is the goal. 

1. The flood of 200+ executive orders in the first days exemplifies Naomi Klein’s *shock doctrine* – using chaos and crisis to push through radical changes while people are too disoriented to effectively resist. 

2. Media theorist McLuhan stated that when humans face information overload, they become passive and disengaged. The rapid-fire executive orders create a cognitive bottleneck, making it nearly impossible for citizens and media to thoroughly analyze any single policy. 

3. Agenda-setting theory: When multiple major policies compete for attention simultaneously, it fragments public discourse. Traditional media can’t keep up with the pace, leading to superficial coverage. The result? Weakened democratic oversight and reduced public engagement. 

What Now? 

1. Set boundaries
Pick 2–3 key issues you deeply care about and focus your attention there. You can’t track everything—that’s by design. Impact comes from sustained focus, not scattered awareness. 

2. Use aggregators & experts 
Find trusted analysts who do the heavy lifting of synthesis. Look for those explaining patterns, not just events. 

3. Remember: Feeling overwhelmed is the point.
When you recognize this, you regain some power. Take breaks. Process. This is a marathon. 

4. Practice going slow
Wait 48 hours before reacting to new policies. The urgent clouds the important. Initial reporting often misses context. 

5. Build community 
Share the cognitive load. Different people track different issues. Network intelligence beats individual overload. 

Remember: They want you scattered. Your focus is resistance and PROTEST

Here’s ideas for your signs for the protest:

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Actionable Steps – How to Protect Democracy

Vote in every election
Support pro-democracy candidates at all levels. 

Call out attacks on democracy
Do not ignore threats to voting rights, judicial independence, or press freedom. 

Stay informed & challenge disinformation
Counter lies with facts and support reliable journalism. 

Engage in local activism
Attend town halls, support grassroots organizations, and advocate for policies that strengthen democratic institutions. 

Pressure elected officials 
Demand accountability from representatives, regardless of party. 

Defend the rights of all citizens 
Speak out against discrimination and policies that target marginalized groups. 

Resist authoritarian tactics 
Push back against efforts to delegitimize elections, suppress dissent, or consolidate executive power. 

Encourage political participation 
Talk to friends and family, help others register to vote, and educate people on the importance of democracy. 

By learning from history, we can recognize warning signs and take action before democracy is lost. The key is vigilance, participation, education, and an unwavering commitment to democratic principles. 

What else can we do? 

If you’re looking to support organizations that work to protect democracy, civil liberties, and human rights, here are some key groups (in addition to the ACLU):

Voting Rights & Election Integrity

• Brennan Center for Justice – Focuses on voting rights, campaign finance reform, and fair courts.
• Fair Fight Action – Founded by Stacey Abrams, fights voter suppression.
• Common Cause – Advocates for fair elections, government transparency, and accountability.
• League of Women Voters – Promotes voter participation and fair redistricting.

Civil Rights & Liberties

• Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) – Monitors extremist groups and fights for racial justice.
• NAACP Legal Defense Fund – Focuses on racial justice, voting rights, and civil rights litigation.
• Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) – Protects digital rights and fights against government overreach.