Dear followers,
Last week, at our Wyoming Rising open meeting, people filled the room and voiced strong concerns about the direction of our state and federal governments. The discussion turned to thinking about the wins we can point to and how to keep moving things in a better direction. We identified several good things that are happening in our communities:
Good things ARE happening.
- People are beginning to talk to each other, learning how to diffuse anger, and find common ground.
- Our communities are sharing resources through food drives and donations.
- State and local legislators have come to Cody to conduct town halls and listening sessions.
- The public lands sale proposal by Utah’s Senator Lee met a huge resistance. People from across the political spectrum joined voices in loud opposition and he withdrew the proposal.
- Groups are organizing to get out the vote, teachers are helping 17-18-year-old students to register.
- People are meeting in groups like Wyoming Rising to talk and to find ways to protect our communities and our values.
“Activism disconnected from pleasure becomes merely mechanical; it’s a grim duty that drains the soul.”
Our facilitator then introduced us to four ways to resist in the face of an authoritarian government. Because it’s overwhelming to fight on all fronts, it’s useful to choose one path, the one that resonates with you most. Political activism must include pleasure, or at least working within one’s comfort zone, if we are to maintain energy for the long haul. So, we invite you to think about these four paths. Which path would bring you the most satisfaction at this moment? Which feels most comfortable and do-able?
We invite you to choose a path and find others who are working in the same spaces. Join them. Organize activities and discussions. This work is going to take a while.
The 4 Paths of Resistance: Protect, Defend, Disrupt, Build.
Good Resources :
An inspirational quote: Emma Goldman (1869-1940) was a charismatic activist whose writing and speeches had a big impact on leftist politics in the first half of the 20th century. She championed a kind of activism that celebrated beauty and joy. She once said, “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be in your revolution.”
It’s going to take all of us working towards the kind of world we want to live in, if we are going to make positive, lasting change. But we can, and should.
Please share your thoughts