Right now, it may be easy to feel paralyzed by the deep political harm coming from the White House, but that’s exactly how they want us to feel. I want you to know that each day there is something you can do.

The power has and will always lie with the people. We can sustain one another and take care of one another. Together, we can meet this moment.

Here are five things you can do right now to protect yourself and your community:

Know your rights: The Trump administration is relying on fear and abuse of power. Whether you come from an immigrant family or you’re a federal civil servant who has lost your job—you have rights under U.S. law and the Constitution. ACLU Massachusetts is a good place to start. For federal workers who have witnessed wrongdoing by Trump, DOGE, or any admin official, you are protected from whistleblower retaliation under US law. Find out more at Civil Service Strong.
Lean into mutual aid: At this moment, we must take care of our neighbors. Mutual aid is a collective form of community care that has existed for generations. Everyone has a role to play. I pick up a microphone and a lawmaker’s pen every day. Some people pick up a paint brush, or a hammer, or a spatula. Some people are going to lead the revolution. Some people are going to pack a lunch or vaseline an elbow for the people leading the revolution. We all have gifts and talents we can use to care for one another.
Build your beloved community: The people in power are trying to divide us so that we can’t resist. The small number of billionaires who control most of our country’s wealth want us to stay exactly where we are. Dr. King taught us that our beloved community is an antidote to cruelty and chaos, so we must grow our movement centered in love and righteous indignation. We must fight for our neighbors and our loved ones. We must dig deep and begin the process of healing at the local level, on our block, in the group chat, in our faith house, and around our own dinner table.
Take care of yourself: I know people are overwhelmed and may feel discouraged or hopeless. Joy itself is an act of resistance and self-care is essential. If we’re going to fight back against the rolling back of civil rights and the threat to our democracy and our planet, we can’t let ourselves get burnt out. While the Trump Administration intentionally “floods the zone,” set boundaries with social media and media consumption. Take a walk with a friend, pray, rest or meditate. Make and keep your primary care appointments. Prioritizing our physical and mental health is essential.
Stay engaged and informed: Organizing is our most powerful tool, and that’s been on display these past few weeks. I’ve joined with colleagues and activists at rallies outside federal agencies to conduct Congressional oversight and to protest Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s unlawful takeover of our federal agencies. Similar protests are taking place across the country—get involved and stay engaged. If you choose to protest, follow best practices in terms of preparedness and legal protections.

It’s been a little over a month since Trump took office. This fight for our communities, our loved ones, our babies, our schools, and our democracy is a marathon, not a sprint.

I’m not losing hope, and I know you won’t either. Will you make a commitment to fighting for our communities by signing on?

YES, I'M IN

Onward,

Ayanna