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Community Toolkit:

Growing a Stronger Democracy in the Face of Authoritarian Threat

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A Living Guide to Resistance, Renewal, and Reimagining

WHY THIS TOOLKIT? We are living in a defining chapter of American history. In the face of rising authoritarianism, disinformation, voter suppression, and political violence, we are called to do more than defend the democracy we’ve inherited. We are called to co-create one that is stronger, more inclusive, and more just than ever before. This toolkit draws from the most effective resistance movements in history—from India to Poland to the Civil Rights Movement—to offer practical, soul-rooted actions that can guide local groups, civic leaders, and everyday people in turning the tide.
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CORE PRINCIPLES

1. Every voice matters.

2. Democracy must be active, not passive.

3. Local action leads to national transformation.

4. Nonviolence is powerful.

5. Hope is a strategy.

STRATEGIC ACTION AREAS

Civic Education & Storytelling

Start local "Democracy Circles" to educate communities on voting rights, the Constitution, and disinformation. * Create zines, podcasts, or community events to reclaim the narrative. * Use social media to amplify real stories of people impacted by democratic erosion.

Voter Registration & Mobilization

Host year-round registration events. * Focus on underrepresented groups: youth, Black, Indigenous, low-income communities. * Pair voter drives with community meals, concerts, or wellness fairs.

Election Protection

Train and volunteer as poll workers and election monitors. * Support orgs fighting voter suppression. * Create local election integrity taskforces.

Countering Disinformation

Host "media literacy nights" or workshops. * Launch social media campaigns to fact-check viral lies. * Support platforms and publications doing independent investigative journalism.

Coalition Building & Deep Canvassing

Form alliances across race, class, faith, and political lines around shared democratic values. * Use deep listening and story-based dialogue to break down polarization. * Lift up relational organizing over transactional outreach.

Democratic Reform Advocacy

Organize around issues like ranked-choice voting, ending the Electoral College, and campaign finance reform. * Host teach-ins and art actions about gerrymandering and redistricting.

Mass Mobilization & Peaceful Protests

Plan nonviolent direct actions in response to anti-democratic laws or election interference. * Train communities in de-escalation and legal rights. * Collaborate with artists to make protest creative, inclusive, and hopeful.

Cultural Resilience & Joyful Resistance 

Host events that include music, dance, food, storytelling, and spiritual reflection. * Celebrate democratic wins, no matter how small. * Use ritual and art to sustain energy and meaning in the long haul.

Holding Elected Officials Accountable

Organize coordinated call/email days. * Attend town halls and ask pointed, public questions. * Run or support local candidates committed to democracy.

Tending Inner Democracy

Encourage regular self-reflection and community care. * Offer spiritual, emotional, or mental health support. * Promote sustainable activism that avoids burnout.

Quickstart Action Checklist

[ ] Host a community teach-in or Democracy Circle.

[ ] Register 50 new voters in your neighborhood. 

[ ] Sign up as a poll worker. 

[ ] Launch a disinformation awareness campaign.

[ ] Plan a creative protest or visibility action.

[ ] Hold a cultural celebration of democracy.

[ ] Write to your elected officials demanding voting protections.

[ ] Practice inner resilience through journaling or meditation.

For a deeper dive into creating A New Patriotism check out the book!

Resources

Protect Democracy – https://protectdemocracy.org

Brennan Center for Justice – https://brennancenter.org

Indivisible Guide – https://indivisible.org

Movement Voter Project - https://movement.vote

Fair Fight Action – https://fairfight.com

FINAL WORD

You are not alone.

 

Across this country, people are rising to say: "we will not go backward. We will forge a democracy rooted in love, truth, and justice.

 

Print it. Share it. Remix it. Add your own rituals, symbols, and community wisdom. This toolkit is a seed.

 

The future is ours to grow.

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