The introvert’s guide to fighting for democracy

Six ways to protect democracy — without attending a protest

If you’re reading this, you’re concerned about our democracy’s slide into authoritarianism — and you want to do something about it. Wahoo! You’ve taken the first and most difficult step: committing to action.

Now come the fun parts.

I want to be really clear on a couple things to start out. First, there is no one-size-fits-all best way to exercise your First Amendment rights of speech and association. Every successful social movement has employed a wide variety of tactics and repeatedly adjusted to respond to facts on the ground. Opt for action over agonizing about optimal tactics.

Second, be realistic. We are all busy. Reflect on the commitments you can actually sustain with room to grow. It is far better to regularly move the ball forward on a smaller effort than to dive into and never complete an ambitious one.

Third, be unique! You have unique talents, skills, and passions. Let those guide your advocacy. Focus on projects that bring you joy, things you actually look forward to engaging with week after week. Lean into the comparative skills and expertise you bring to the movement.

Read more: How *you* can protect democracy.

With all that in mind, here’s a short list of six ways everyone can protect democracy — even (especially) if going to a protest or some other more public form of engagement isn’t for you.

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1. Check in with your local library

Local libraries are the backbone of an informed democratic citizenry, and they provide crucial resources for underserved communities. But their funding is under attack by the administration, which has cut critical funds nationwide.

So, give the library in your neighborhood a call. See how they are doing in relation to funding cuts and if there are ways you can support them. Do they take book donations? Need volunteers? See if there are teach-in or reading groups you can join — or even lead. Offer to help curate pro-democracy reading lists for various ages. Many libraries are open to suggestions for books to add to the collection — here are some recommendations from our team.

2. Fill the gaps left by government programs

Taking care of one another is essential movement building. Check in on your food pantry and community kitchen — many of which have faced funding cuts — to see how you can help.

Does your community have a migrant solidarity network? They often have introvert-friendly ways to support migrant communities being targeted by the administration, e.g., sharing housing and job listings, moving furniture, and preparing meals for folks in transition.

Pro tip: Fundraising need not entail nightmares about asking strangers for money! From virtual bake sales to bingo boards, with a little creativity you can raise money for a good cause from home.

3. Be a committed praise-giver

When you see someone taking a stand for democracy, commit to offering positive feedback. It’s human nature — when we get validation from others, we’re more likely to continue that behavior. Recognizing each other’s advocacy can push back against the feelings of isolation and helplessness that benefit authoritarians.

Whether it’s an email to an elected official who stood up or a quick “Thank you!” to an influencer you follow who takes a stand they wouldn’t normally — be the positive reinforcement you want to see in the world.

4. Support your neighbors and friends who may be more ‘out there’

Offer to make signs, banners, t-shirts, handouts for people going to protests. Help with transportation. Provide water, snacks, sunscreen, or masks. Make sure your community knows their rights and has protest plans. Be available as people’s point of contact in case of emergency, and check in to make sure folks get home safely.

Beyond protests, pay attention to the different ways authoritarianism impacts the people in your life. Check in on your friends who may be affected by funding cuts, National Guard deployments, or militarized immigration enforcement.

5. Virtual organizing is still organizing

Engaging in our democracy doesn’t require knocking on doors — or even phonebanking. Many organizations now rely on textbanking to share resources, information, and ideas — Mobilize is a helpful online platform to find projects looking for this kind of help.

You can also do this on your own, outside of a formal organization. Use neighborhood listservs or online groups — not to spam with sad news stories, but to share specific meet-ups or actions that people can take (e.g., “our local council meeting is next Tuesday,” “we’re making signs for a protest tomorrow,” or “here’s an interesting article on how funding cuts may affect our library – anyone interested in checking in with them?”). Start a digital Banned Book Club. Really, it’s as easy as texting your friends “what are we gonna do about this?”

6. Use the power of your purse thoughtfully

Look at where you’re spending your money (and your time) — which companies are profiting from your spending? How are they reacting to the administration’s authoritarian power grabs? Can you change your spending or scrolling habits? That might mean joining a consumer boycott of a major retailer engaged in anticipatory obedience at the expense of core democratic rights, leaving social media platforms run by administration allies, or changing your settings so that those platforms can’t collect your data for advertising purposes.

As important as it is to withhold your hard-earned dollars from anti-democratic actors, it’s even more important to use them to support your community. Shop local — go to your local farmers market, art fair, or corner store. Small local businesses are often cornerstones of communities and are being disproportionately affected by the administration’s inconsistent, unilaterally implemented economic policy and militarized immigration enforcement.

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As I’m sure is clear, no one action on its own can stop the authoritarians in their tracks. But it takes all of us — millions of small acts in defense of our democracy and communities — to confront the harms of authoritarianism, educate others on the threat, and pave the way to a more democratic future.

Read more: Filling sandbags.

You can do your part just as you are. It doesn’t take expertise or experience. You can do it in your bathrobe, on the couch, from your phone — wherever you are, however you’re comfortable — as long as you do something.