I love this question. Because I spent my career as a researcher and writer, in the fall of 2024 I decided to start a free Substack that would identify downballot progressive candidates who could most benefit from individual campaign contributions. When Trump was elected, I expanded the scope to profile nonprofit organizations that were working to push back against the anti-democratic forces at work. My husband and I personally donate to all of the candidates and causes that I write about. Writing Democracy in the Balance has been my therapy during these absurd times. https://melyndawilcox.substack.com/
I second the advice to volunteer. There's nothing like giving your neighbors (and I mean that word in the broadest sense) the space to tell you how they're feeling about the state of things while you chat on their front porch. Looking each other straight in the face and tackling politics is way different than shooting comments back and forth among strangers online. You will apply your fingers gently to the pulse of your community, and you'll have the support of seasoned campaigners as you do so.
The friends I made in a local Buttigieg campaign group still connect through a weekly email. And what I learned from volunteering on that campaign really came in handy when my neighbors and I realized we had to get involved in the city council election in order to ensure problems in our neighborhood finally got addressed.
Consider this volunteer opportunity an essential part of your civic education. And have fun!
I love this question. Because I spent my career as a researcher and writer, in the fall of 2024 I decided to start a free Substack that would identify downballot progressive candidates who could most benefit from individual campaign contributions. When Trump was elected, I expanded the scope to profile nonprofit organizations that were working to push back against the anti-democratic forces at work. My husband and I personally donate to all of the candidates and causes that I write about. Writing Democracy in the Balance has been my therapy during these absurd times. https://melyndawilcox.substack.com/
I second the advice to volunteer. There's nothing like giving your neighbors (and I mean that word in the broadest sense) the space to tell you how they're feeling about the state of things while you chat on their front porch. Looking each other straight in the face and tackling politics is way different than shooting comments back and forth among strangers online. You will apply your fingers gently to the pulse of your community, and you'll have the support of seasoned campaigners as you do so.
The friends I made in a local Buttigieg campaign group still connect through a weekly email. And what I learned from volunteering on that campaign really came in handy when my neighbors and I realized we had to get involved in the city council election in order to ensure problems in our neighborhood finally got addressed.
Consider this volunteer opportunity an essential part of your civic education. And have fun!