Welcome to the Gaslit Nation Action
Donald Trump is not the cause of America's fascism crisis; he’s a symptom. He reflects a deeper disease: corruption, institutional failure, and widespread indifference. We can no longer afford to look away.
We’re in a moment that calls not just for outrage, but for action. Democracy isn’t a guarantee; democracy is a lifestyle. It’s how we live, how we show up, and how we care for each other. Below is a living list of ways to take care of yourself, protect the vulnerable, and help defend what’s left to build a new democracy for all.
A Guide for the Road Ahead
Read for courage and clarity.
Stride Toward Freedom by Martin Luther King Jr. is more than a memoir; it’s a blueprint for organizing under fascism. MLK was called “radical” in his time for simply demanding dignity and human rights. Remember: it’s not “radical” to want clean air, fair wages, and freedom from fear and poverty.
Mantras & Mindsets
When you're afraid, repeat: Love. Use it like armor in tense public spaces or difficult conversations.
Have faith in your higher power, in your inner light, in each other. You are not alone. Ideas like democracy cannot be killed.
Stay human. Anger is natural, but unity is essential. Save the venting for trusted spaces. Focus on protecting and connecting.
Protect Yourself and Others
Know your rights. The ACLU has a comprehensive guide.
Check in on vulnerable people. A text message can be a lifeline.
Know how to act if ICE is in your area. Learn from Teen Vogue’s guide and start a neighborhood watch.
Trans rights are human rights. The Human Rights Campaign has a guide on how to support trans people.
Abortion is healthcare. Support Planned Parenthood.
Practice bystander intervention. Learn the 5 Ds from Right to Be. Know how to de-escalate and record safely.
Beware of surveillance. Phones, apps, smart devices; they’re listening. For sensitive communication, go analog. Check out the Gaslit Nation Security Committee presentation on surveillance self-defense.
Build Community Power
Join a mutual aid network. Local solidarity saves lives and serves as an early warning system. Check out Global Giving’s guide on mutual aid.
Support unions. Start one or join one. Organizing your workplace is the frontline of our democracy. Listen to Gaslit Nation’s interview with union organizer Jasmine Leli on how to start a union.
Vote in local elections. State governments are our most direct path to resistance and reform. Get involved with organizations like Run for Something, States Project, and Sister District.
Launch or support ballot initiatives. Like Katie Fahey did in Michigan. Small actions make big impacts.
Organize for the Long Haul
Smash the oligarchy, not each other. Work with groups like the Working Families Party to create people-powered alternatives.
Fight the climate crisis. George Washington University provides a guide on realistic ways you can combat climate change today.
Practice food and product safety. Reduce meat, grow what you can, and stay informed via Food Safety News. Use apps like Yuka and Clearya. Good Housekeeping has a comprehensive guide on strong water filters for your home.
Create art. Art tells the truth. Culture moves people before policy does.
Be Prepared
Pack a go-bag. Make sure it has IDs, meds, water, masks, protein bars, chargers.
Get your documents in order. Passports, legal papers, and clean records. Have a lawyer you trust on speed dial.
Keep a journal. Record what’s happening. Believe your eyes and ears.
Buy physical books. Preserve history and ideas; don’t rely on tech platforms alone.
Have a safety plan. Know where you can go across town, state lines, or abroad if you need to.
Care for Your Mind
Protect your mental hygiene. Block grifters and defeatists. Build a circle of resilience.
Know your history. Read widely. Learn how we got here and how others fought back before us. Listen to the Gaslit Nation special How We Got Here. It took forty years for the far-right to hijack our democracy. We must plant seeds of change today, together.
Raise the next generation with hope. Shield young kids from the chaos as best you can. Empower older ones to believe in the power of their voice.
No one is coming to save us. Change isn’t about one politician. It’s about systems, values, and who we choose to be in the face of rising fascism. There’s no single solution, but there’s strength in numbers, in organizing, and in love.
Whether you live in a Republican hostage “red state” or “blue state,” these resources are for you. Don’t take your rights for granted. Practice democracy every day, including staying informed. And if you’re not American and you live abroad, the Trump virus can happen anywhere. No democracy is exceptional. Be vigilant and protect your community. That’s how we win. A better world is possible.
Thank you for staying in this fight with us.