Thirty years ago this month, I came out as a gay man. I was 19.

I was young, scared, and navigating a world that offered very few maps for where I was going. There was no marriage equality. There was no legal protection in most workplaces. There was an AIDS crisis that had already stolen too many of the people who should have been my guides and elders. And there was a federal government that, at best, ignored us — and at worst, treated our lives as a political inconvenience.

I came out anyway.

Not because it was easy. Not because I had it all figured out. But because something deep inside me knew that living a half-life — hiding, shrinking, performing a version of myself for the comfort of others — was not living at all.

Choosing to live fully, authentically, and out loud was the most important decision I have ever made.

It has shaped every relationship, every act of advocacy, every dollar I’ve given, every board I’ve joined, every post I’ve written. It is the foundation of everything I am.

And thirty years later, I am more certain than ever: the world needs you/us to be exactly who you are.

What These Thirty Years Have Taught Me

I have watched this community do the impossible. We have buried our dead and built movements in their memory. We have marched and lobbied and litigated and loved our way to victories that once seemed unimaginable — marriage equality, workplace protections, the slow but real expansion of visibility and dignity for LGBTQ+ people across this country.

And I have watched those victories be treated as permanent when they are not.

Civil rights are a depreciating asset if they aren’t maintained with wisdom and power. Every right we have won required someone — many someones — to stand up, show up, and refuse to be erased. That work does not end. It cannot end. Not while our own federal government is actively working to strip away the rights of LGBTQ+ people through executive orders, agency weaponization, and the deliberate erasure of our existence from public life.

Marriage was not the beginning, nor the end. For many in our community — our youth, our transgender siblings, BIPOC LGBTQ+ people, our elders — the fight for basic safety and dignity is more urgent today than it was when I came out thirty years ago.

We are not done. We are not even close to done.

To Those Still on the Journey

If you are reading this and you are still figuring out who you are — still in the closet, still afraid, still performing a version of yourself that doesn’t quite fit — I want to say something directly to you:

You are not alone. You are not broken. You are not too much or not enough.

The world you might be fearing is also full of people who will love you fiercely and completely for exactly who you are. I have lived that truth for thirty years, and I would stake everything on it.

I also won’t pretend it’s simple. Coming out is not a single moment — it’s a thousand moments, some joyful and some terrifying, spread across a lifetime. You get to choose your timing. You get to choose your people. You get to choose how and when and to whom you reveal yourself.

But I will tell you this: every step toward your authentic self is a step toward your actual life. And your actual life is worth living.

Resources for your journey:

• 🏳️‍🌈 The Trevor Project — crisis support and community for LGBTQ+ youth: thetrevorproject.org

• 💙 PFLAG — support for LGBTQ+ people and their families: pflag.org

• 🌈 It Gets Better Project — stories and hope from LGBTQ+ adults: itgetsbetter.org

• 📞 Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741 anytime, anywhere

Pride Is Not just a Party. It IS a Protest. It’s a Promise.

This Pride season, I want to ask something of you — whether you are out and proud, still on your journey, or a beloved ally standing with us.

Show up.

Not just to the parties. Not just to buy the rainbow-colored everything that floods store shelves every June — the t-shirts and tote bags and corporate floats from companies that will quietly roll back their LGBTQ+ commitments the moment the political winds shift.

Show up to Pride as an act of resistance. Because that is what it has always been.

When we gather together — joyfully, defiantly, visibly — we are saying to every lawmaker who wants to erase us, every executive order designed to push us back into the closet, every voice that has told someone they are less than: we are here. We have always been here. And we are not going anywhere.

Our joy is part of our protest. Our visibility is part of our fight.

This Pride, Here’s How to Show Up With Purpose

🏳️‍🌈 Attend Pride — In Person, Out Loud

Find a Pride event near you and go. Bring friends. Bring family. Bring your whole self. If you’re in San Diego, our Pride is one of the best in the country — and this year, showing up matters more than ever.

👉 San Diego Pride — sdpride.org
👉 Find a Pride event near you — interpride.org

💰 Redirect the Rainbow Dollars

Before you reach for the rainbow-branded merchandise from corporations that may not have our backs when it counts — consider redirecting some of those dollars to organizations that are in the trenches every single day:

• 🏳️‍🌈 Equality California — the frontline defense of LGBTQ+ rights in our state and a critical force in the national fight for a pro-equality Congress. When corporations pull back, EQCA is still there. When Washington attacks, EQCA fights back. This is where your dollars make a difference. 👉 eqca.org/donate

• 🏠 Your Local LGBT Community Center — community centers are often the first place someone goes when they’re figuring out who they are, when they need support, or when they simply need to be around their people. Find the center nearest you and support their work. 👉 Find your local LGBT center — CenterLink: lgbtcenters.org

• 🌈 The San Diego LGBT Community Center — for those of us here at home, the Center provides vital services, community, and support for LGBTQ+ San Diegans of all ages and backgrounds. 👉 thecentersd.org

• 💙 The Trevor Project — because our youth need to know they are loved and supported, especially right now. 👉 thetrevorproject.org/donate

• If these don’t speak to you, there are countless others…from the Human Rights Campaign to Lambda Legal to local community groups. Use our buddy google and find what speaks to you.

📣 Be Visible — On Purpose

Post your Pride photos. Share your story. Tell someone you love them exactly as they are. Visibility is not vanity — it is a lifeline for someone who hasn’t yet seen themselves reflected in the world.

Thirty Years, and I’d Do It All Again

I am a gay man. I’m an activist, a community builder, and a person who believes — with everything I have — that we are stronger together than we are apart.

Thirty years ago, I chose my authentic life. It has been complicated and joyful and hard and beautiful and worth every single moment.

We aren’t just celebrating how far we’ve come. We are working together until the work is done.

Happy Pride. 🧡

In solidarity and love,
Darrell

Forward Together.

P.S. — If this post moved you, share it with someone who needs to read it. You never know whose journey you might touch.

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Tomorrow, California votes. And I need every single one of you to show up.

I know you’re tired. I know the news has been relentless. I know it can feel like nothing we do is enough. But tomorrow is one of those days where your individual action — one person, one ballot, one vote — directly shapes the future of this country.

Here’s the truth: the road to taking back the House of Representatives runs directly through California. Thanks to Proposition 50, five newly redrawn competitive congressional districts give Democrats a genuine shot at flipping seats that were out of reach just a year ago. The math is simple — flip those seats, flip the House, restore the checks and balances that are the only real brake on authoritarianism.

But none of that happens without you. Tomorrow. June 2nd.

Part One: Why This Primary Decides November

Republicans currently hold the House by a razor-thin margin — 217 to 212. Democrats need to flip it. Without a Democratic House, there are no subpoenas, no investigations, no legislative brakes on the daily assault on our rights, our neighbors, and our democracy.

Primaries determine who advances to November. Weak turnout today means weaker candidates, less momentum, and less money when it counts most. Every vote tomorrow is an investment in November.

If you’ve been marching, donating, calling, and resisting — this is where all of that energy gets converted into actual power.

Show up. Tomorrow (if you haven’t voted already). June 2nd. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

Part Two: California — Here’s Who Gets My Vote

🗳️ Governor: Xavier Becerra

Vote Becerra. He has the endorsements of Equality California and Planned Parenthood — two organizations I trust with my community’s future — and he leads the polls heading into tomorrow. 910

Becerra has spent his career fighting for immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, reproductive rights, and working families. He knows how to fight Trump. He’s done it before as California’s Attorney General and as Biden’s HHS Secretary. He’ll do it again — this time from the Governor’s mansion.

⚠️ This is urgent: California’s top-two primary means the two highest vote-getters advance regardless of party. Trump-endorsed Republican Steve Hilton is polling in second place. If Democratic votes are split, we risk a November ballot with no Democrat at the top of the ticket. Vote Becerra.

🗳️ Congress, CA-48: Marni Von Wilpert

If you’re in San Diego’s newly redrawn 48th Congressional District, this one is personal to me. Marni Von Wilpert is a friend and one of the most qualified candidates running for Congress anywhere in this country.

Marni is a San Diego City Councilmember, former Peace Corps volunteer, former Deputy City Attorney, and lifelong San Diegan. She is running to flip CA-48 from Red to Blue after decades of Darrell Issa’s reign of bigotry and hatred — exactly the kind of race that decides who controls the House.

For more on my thoughts on this race click HERE! CA-48? Marni is your vote. 👉 marnivonwilpert.com.

🧭Your Voter Guides — Look Up Your Candidates Tonight

Don’t go to the polls without knowing your full ballot. These two guides have done the research for you:

🏳️‍🌈 Equality California — Full Endorsement List 100% pro-equality candidates up and down the ballot. Find your district, find your candidates. 👉 eqca.org/elections

🌸 Planned Parenthood California — 2026 Voter GuideEvery endorsed candidate committed to protecting reproductive freedom and healthcare access. 👉 plannedparenthoodaction.org/planned-parenthood-affiliates-california/voter-guide

How to Vote Tomorrow if you haven’t voted already — Everything You Need

🗺️ Find Your Polling Place

Enter your address to find your nearest vote center: 👉 California Secretary of State — Polling Place Locator 👉 vote.org/polling-place-locator

Vote centers are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you’re in line by 8 p.m., you have the right to vote. Stay in line.

📬 Still Have Your Mail-In Ballot?

Do NOT mail it today — due to recent USPS changes, ballots mailed on Election Day may not be postmarked in time. 6

Instead:

• Drop it at any official ballot drop box — open through 8 p.m. tomorrow

• Bring it to any vote center — they will accept it in person

• Go to a post office and request a same-day postmark

👉 Find your nearest drop box: California Ballot Drop Box Locator

📋 Not Sure If You’re Registered?

You can still register same-day at any vote center as a conditional voter. 👉 Check your registration at sos.ca.gov

📞 Need Help?

California voter hotline (available in 10 languages): 📱 (800) 345-8683

The Bottom Line

Civil rights are a depreciating asset if they aren’t maintained with wisdom and power. We aren’t just celebrating how far we’ve come — we are working together until the work is done.

Tomorrow is not the finish line. It’s the starting gun.

Vote Becerra. Vote Marni in CA-48. Vote Democratic down the ballot. Bring a friend. Bring coffee and a protein bar. Stay in line.

And then — don’t stop. Because November is coming.

Forward Together. 🧡

— Darrell

Friday night I went to a concert.

Not a protest. Not a town hall. Not a phone bank. A concert — the Curebound benefit show headlined by P!nk, raising money for cancer research. I went as a fan. I stayed as someone who needed, without knowing it, exactly what happened next.

Stop. Before You Read Another Word.

I’m going to ask you to do something unusual for a blog post.

Click this link. Listen to this song. Then come back.

👉 P!nk — Try (Official Lyric Video)

I’ll wait………

Ok? Listened? Now, let’s keep going.

Try

There I was, surrounded by 30,000+ people, singing at the absolute top of my lungs. And somewhere in the middle of belting out “You’ve gotta get up and try, try, try” — my shoulders dropped. My chest opened. My spirit, which had been carrying a lot lately, got a little lighter.

That’s the thing about Try. On the surface it’s a song about love and risk. But last night, in that crowd, it became something else entirely. It became an anthem for this exact moment in history.

“Where there is desire, there is gonna be a flame. Where there is a flame, someone’s bound to get burned. But just because it burns, doesn’t mean you’re gonna die. You’ve gotta get up and try, try, try.”

Whether you woke up fired up and ready to channel that energy into something good — or whether you woke up heavy, barely able to face the news — this song is for you. On the good days, it’s a rallying cry. On the hard days, it’s a gentle hand on your shoulder saying: just put one foot in front of the other. That’s enough. That counts.

Get up. Try.

Now This One. Don’t Skip It.

👉 P!nk — Fuckin’ Perfect (Official Video)

Seriously. Click it. Sing it. LOUD!

F*cking Perfect

I didn’t know I needed this song last night. But I did.

P!nk performed F*ckin’ Perfect and something cracked open in me — and from the sound of 30,000+ voices singing every word back to her, I wasn’t alone.

“Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood, Miss "Knowing it's all good” it didn't slow me down. Mistaken, always second guessing. Underestimated, look, I'm still around.”

Sound familiar? Because that’s us right now. All of us. Navigating a world that feels increasingly designed to make us feel small, wrong, not enough.

And for those of us with marginalized identities — LGBTQ+ people, people of color, immigrants, women, people with disabilities — it’s not just the noise in our own heads we’re fighting. It’s our own government, telling us daily, through policy and executive order and deliberate erasure, that we are less than. That we don’t belong. That we are not equal.

To which P!nk — and now I — say:

“Pretty, pretty please, don’t you ever, ever feel Like you’re less than fuckin’ perfect. Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel Like you’re nothing — you’re f*ckin’ perfect to me.”

You are not what they say you are. You are not the sum of their cruelty or their legislation or their executive orders. You are — we are — f*cking PERFECT! Every single one of us. As we are right now. And we are still here.

Why This Matters for Forward Together

I write this blog because I believe that moving from anxiety to purposeful action requires more than strategy and civic engagement. It requires that we take care of ourselves along the way. That we fill our cups. That we remember why we’re fighting — and that we are worth fighting for.

Last night, music did that for me. Thirty thousand strangers showing up for a great cause did that for me. P!nk, screaming into a microphone with everything she had, did that for me.

So this week, your action is simple — and it might be the most important one I’ve ever asked of you:

This Week’s Action: Sing It Loud

1. 🎵 Listen to Try — right here, right now. Let it move you. Let it remind you to get up.

2. 🎵 Listen to F*ckin’ Perfect — here. Sing every word. Mean it. Repeat it every day. Get every morning rockin’ with it.

3. Sing out loud — in your car, in your kitchen, in the shower. Let your body remember what your spirit knows: you are not broken. You are not beaten. You are not nothing.

4. 📲 Share this post with someone who needs to hear both songs today. You know who they are.

   Share

You are f*cking perfect. And, every moment, every day, we’ve gotta get up and TRY.

In solidarity, Pride, and with P!nk on repeat, Darrell

Forward Together. 🧡

P.S. — Curebound is doing extraordinary work funding cancer research. Last night, I made an extra donation. If you or someone in your life has been touched by cancer, consider joining me in supporting their mission at curebound.org. #F*ckCancer!

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Another year. Another trip around the sun - this being the 49th! Gasp! And if I’m being honest, this one has been a lot.

For all of us.

But here I am — still deeply grateful for this community that shows up for me and for each other in ways that take my breath away. Sunday is my birthday — and yes, it also happens to be Mother’s Day, so shoutout to all the mamas out there doing the most. 🧡

This year, I’m not doing a gift registry or asking for gifts of any sort. I’m asking for something more important: your backup.

The Ask Is Simple

I’ve launched a Facebook birthday fundraiser for Equality California — the organization I serve as a board member and believe in with my whole heart. Every dollar raised goes directly to EQCA’s critical work defending and advancing LGBTQ+ rights at a moment when those rights are under direct, daily attack.

And because I mean it — I’m matching every donation up to $3,000.

Your $25 becomes $50. Your $100 becomes $200. Your generosity, doubled.

👉 Donate here — and I’ll match it

Why EQCA. Why Now.

I know some of you may be thinking — California is already so progressive, do we really need this? Here’s the honest answer: progress is not a destination we’ve reached. It’s a standard we must defend every single day.

Right now, California is more than just our home — it is a bulwark. As the federal government increasingly targets the LGBTQ+ community — from weaponizing agencies against our healthcare to stripping away resources and recognition — EQCA is the architect of our state’s defense, building the legal and social firewalls that ensure our rights remain untouchable regardless of the political winds in Washington.

Marriage equality was only the beginning. For many in our community — our youth, our TGI siblings, BIPOC community members, and seniors — the fight for basic safety and dignity is more urgent than ever.

And here’s what many people don’t realize: supporting EQCA isn’t just about California. The road to a pro-equality House of Representatives runs directly through California’s new competitive congressional districts. Every dollar invested in EQCA is an investment in the national fight for 2026.

Our Strength Has Always Come From Each Other

As corporations that once touted their LGBTQ+ support retreat under political pressure, we are reminded of a fundamental truth: our real strength has never relied on corporate approval. It has always come from our community coming together when it matters most.

I serve on the EQCA board because I’ve seen firsthand that the work of keeping our community safe isn’t just about big headlines — it’s the constant, daily effort in the trenches that prevents our rights from being stripped away while we aren’t looking. When we band together, we are an unstoppable force. And right now, that force is needed more than ever.

Civil rights are a depreciating asset if they aren’t maintained with wisdom and power. We aren’t just celebrating how far we’ve come — we are working together until the work is done.

One More Thing: Join Me at the 2026 San Diego Equality Awards

I’m co-chairing the 2026 San Diego Equality Awards alongside Hon. Terra Lawson-Remer, Hon. Steve Padilla, Hon. Chris Ward, and my friend Brenda Aguirre. This year’s event honors Councilmember Jennifer Campbell with the Vanguard Leadership Award.

If you want to fund EQCA while showing up for our community in person — this is the event. Our collective joy when we come together is part of our resistance. Stand up, celebrate for a night and fund the good work. Your ticket or support will still be doubled by me as mentioned above!

👉 Get Tickets — 2026 San Diego Equality Awards

The Best Birthday Gift

Another trip around the sun. All I want is to know we’re in this together.

Donate. Share. Show up. I’ll match your dollars up to $3,000.

👉 Donate to my birthday fundraiser for Equality California

As we say at Equality California, Until the work is done!

Forward Together. 🧡

Darrell

May Day Strong is happening right now across the country. Workers, families, and democracy defenders are showing up together — in the streets, in their communities, and with their wallets firmly closed.

Show up to protest if you can but you don't need to march to participate. Just don't spend a cent today. That's it. Economic silence is a powerful statement — perhaps the only language those in power truly understand.

This is exactly how we build the power to defend democracy in 2026. One day. One action. One person at a time. Together we are anything but small.

Find your local action or learn more at indivisible.org 👇

Forward Together.

#MayDayStrong #ForwardTogether #fascism #democracy

Friends, it’s been a while. Let me explain.

If you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, the honest answer is: I needed to breathe. The weight of this moment—the relentlessness of the news cycle, the daily assaults on everything we hold dear, the emotional labor of bearing witness to so much cruelty—caught up with me. I took a step back not because I stopped caring, but because I care so deeply that I had to protect my capacity to keep going.

But something else happened during that pause. I made a decision that changed everything.

I took a new job. (gasp!)

I’ve joined The Movement Cooperative (TMC) to lead their development work as Senior Advisor—and I couldn’t be more energized about it. For those who don’t know TMC, they are the backbone infrastructure of the progressive movement: providing the data, tools, and technology that help organizations win elections, protect voting rights, and build lasting power. In a moment when authoritarianism isn’t just knocking at the door but has kicked it in, I decided the most meaningful thing I could do was go deeper—not retreat. This felt like the place to do that.

If you want to understand why this work matters so urgently right now, I'd point you to 's recent piece in The Connector*, 'Stuck With VANxiety.' Sifry—one of the sharpest observers of progressive movement technology—quotes TMC CEO Julia Barnes (my boss) directly: 'We're essentially trying to win a NASCAR race in a crank engine Studebaker while they're driving a top-of-the-line stock car built by and cheered on by GOP billionaires.'

That's the gap I've joined TMC to help close.

I haven’t left my business, LT Strategic Advisors, as our clients are also doing important things for the world, too, and lord knows we need all the good things right now.

So: I’m back. And I’m bringing everything I’ve learned, felt, and witnessed with me.

What We’ve Lived Through: A Reckoning

Let me be honest about what’s happened while I was catching my breath—because pretending otherwise would be a disservice to all of us who’ve been living it.

The past several months have been a masterclass in authoritarian escalation: DOGE’s wrecking ball gutting federal agencies that millions depend on. A president openly defying Supreme Court orders—including the ruling demanding the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man wrongly deported to El Salvador. ICE raids tearing families apart with no regard for due process or basic human dignity. Transgender Americans being legislated out of existence. Journalists targeted, protesters charged, universities threatened for allowing free speech. And tariff chaos hitting working families hardest while billionaires consolidate power.

And through all of it, the drumbeat of “king” language has grown louder—not as metaphor, but as aspiration.

This is the world I stepped back from briefly. This is the world I’m stepping back into—with purpose.

Two Actions. Right Now. This Week and Next.

I’m not here to overwhelm you. I’m here to focus you. Here are two concrete things you can do immediately:

1. Join Me at TMC’s Upcoming Webinar: Accelerating Change

On Thursday, May 21st at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET, The Movement Cooperative is hosting “Accelerating Change: How TMC Powers Progressive Wins”—and I want you there.

This isn’t a dry technology presentation. It’s a candid, real conversation with the organizations on the ground using TMC’s shared infrastructure every day—and the results they’re achieving because of it. You’ll hear directly from members about:

• How TMC’s data and tools are driving real electoral and policy wins in competitive districts

• How organizations are scaling their impact and stretching every dollar through shared infrastructure

• What strategies are turning organizing into measurable results—from voter turnout to legislative victories

• How you can engage with or support this critical work as we head into the 2026 midterms

Here’s what I know from the inside now: winning in November won’t happen by accident. It will take serious, sustained investment in the infrastructure that powers the movement. TMC is that infrastructure. Come see what it looks like in practice.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

2. May Day Strong: National Day of Action — This Friday, May 1st

The momentum is undeniable. No Kings III on March 28th was extraordinary—hundreds of sites, including deep in red states, with crowds that dwarfed previous marches. One of my favorite signs of the day was carried—quite literally—by a 10-month-old in a stroller: “I’m not even 1 year old, and I’m too old for this shit.”

That baby gets it.

Now we build on it. This Friday, May 1st, is May Day Strong—a national day of action joining labor unions and workers across the country and internationally to protect democracy and protest corporate power.

The ask is simple and powerful:

• Do not spend a cent

• Don’t go to work if you’re able (If you need to, we all understand)

• Don’t go to school if you’re able

As the organizers in Minneapolis/St. Paul demonstrated on their Day of Truth and Freedom, exercising our economic power gets attention—perhaps speaking in the only language that corporations and those in power truly understand.

Whether you can show up in person at a local action or simply keep your wallet closed all day, you can participate. Find local May Day events through an amazing TMC partner, , your local labor council, or immigrant rights organizations in your area.

The goal is bigger than one day: every person who shows up, every dollar withheld, every conversation sparked is building the nationwide power we’ll need to defend the 2026 election. We are growing. We are not going away. Click here for the May Day Participation Guide.

Help send a clear message: We stand with working families, not billionaires.

A Note on Why I’m Still Here

I want to close with something personal.

Taking this job at TMC wasn’t just a career decision. It was a values decision. It was me choosing, in the most concrete way I know how, to meet this moment head-on—to put my skills, my network, and my daily labor in service of the infrastructure that gives our movements the best chance of winning and effectively defending our democracy.

For those of you who have known me a long time, multiple steps in my career have felt like a calling. When I joined Desert AIDS Project, now DAP Health, in 2013 — and again when I joined Movement Voter Project in 2023 — it felt like a calling. This moment with The Movement Cooperative is no different. The need is great, there’s a critical gap that I am uniquely positioned to fill and I hope you will join me on the journey in doing so.

What we are living through as a society is a source of great stress and anxiety for so many. I’ve lived with anxiety since 9/11. I know what helplessness feels like—and I know that the antidote to that helplessness and anxiety is ACTION. So, I hope you will rejoin this journey, or join me for the first time.

This blog has always been about that journey: from political anxiety to purposeful action. I took a detour. But the destination hasn’t changed.

I’m glad to be back. I’m glad you’re here.

Forward Together.

—Darrell

Why We Are Striking

The National Shutdown is a coordinated effort to denounce the violence perpetrated by federal agents against communities across the country. We are witnessing a disturbing acceleration of authoritarian tactics that demand our collective response:

• Mass detention in sprawling concentration camps where immigrants are held in inhumane conditions

• Military forces deployed in American cities to suppress dissent and intimidate protesters

• ICE raids that tear families apart, leaving hard-working people like my housekeeper too afraid to go to their day jobs, detaining people like my friend’s father simply for existing with brown skin in America and killing everyday Americans who stand in their way.

• Systematic attempts to rescind the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, rolling back decades of progress toward equality

• Threats to interfere in elections and undermine the democratic process itself

These aren’t abstract policy disagreements—these are attacks on real people in our communities - our neighbors. People who contribute to our economy, brighten our lives, and deserve to live without fear. Today is a moment to prove that the machinery of this country only runs with our consent—and today, we are withholding that consent to center the fight for democratic values.

Simple Actions You Can Take Today

You don’t need to be a professional organizer to participate. Here are three simple ways to move from anxiety to action today:

1. Withdraw from the Economy: If you are able, do not go to work and avoid making any purchases today. A general strike is powered by our collective absence from the marketplace.

2. Witness and Amplify: Spend the time you would have spent working to learn more about the communities impacted by federal violence. Share their stories on social media to ensure this moment isn’t ignored. When we make the human cost visible, we counter the administration’s attempts to dehumanize our neighbors.

3. Check in on Your “Village”: Use this day of “presence” to reach out to two people in your life who might be struggling with political dread. Remind them—and yourself—that we are not alone in this fight.

Our Stance at LT Strategic Advisors

As founding partners of LT Strategic Advisors, Heidi and I believe that standing in defense of our values is a strategic necessity. Our firm is closed today, January 30.

In stepping back from our regular operations, we are centering the collective struggle for justice and reinforcing our commitment to the values that guide our work. LT Strategic Advisors is dedicated to supporting progressive leaders and organizations building power for lasting change. Our team contributes to this movement through their daily work and as activists and community members in their own right. We believe it’s essential to give our staff space to determine how they want to participate and be present at this inflection point in history.

Stepping away from our client work allows us to center what matters most. We believe that choosing presence & protest over productivity is a moral imperative. We aren’t just advisors to the movement; we are part of it.

Forward Together—because justice is a collective act.

By standing together and showing up for one another, we reclaim our power and our peace of mind. We believe, as always, that working together is a revolutionary act and a path to building lasting power.

We suffer no kings.

Two songs kept finding me this December. “My Grown-Up Christmas List,” sung by many people but most famously by Amy Grant, asks for a world where “no more lives torn apart” and “everyone would have a friend.” Josh Groban’s “Believe” urges us to “believe in what your heart is saying” and “give your dreams the wings to fly.” Together they pointed to something deeper than seasonal sentiment: hope made practical. Not just what we feel, but what we do.

As we turn the calendar to a new year, I’m not making resolutions about saving more money or reading more books (though both are worthy goals). Instead, I’m committing to actions that can make 2026 better for all of us—and I’m inviting you to join me.

What These Songs Teach Us About the Year Ahead

“Grown Up Christmas List” is beautifully audacious: “that wars would never start,” “and love would never end.” Believing isn’t silly, childish, or even futile—it’s choosing action because “there’s no time to waste.” Throughout this past year on Forward Together, we’ve explored how to turn anxiety into purposeful action—and as we enter 2026, we’re turning those holiday carols into concrete commitments.

The wish list becomes real when we act like neighbors. And when we stumble at that, we remember Josh Groban’s refrain: “if you just believe.”

My Grown-Up Christmas List turned New Years Resolutions for 2026—And How We Make It Real

Resolution #1: Stand With Our Immigrant Neighbors

The threats facing immigrant communities are intensifying, and 2026 will demand more from us than sympathy—it will require action. I’m committing to be a visible ally to immigrants of all statuses and to continue to learn how I can be of greater support. I started with the “know your rights” resources through the ACLU (aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights). Knowledge is power. Let’s make sure we all know the facts and share accurate information when fear and misinformation spread.

Our immigrant neighbors need more than our votes; they need our presence. Earlier this year, I wrote about why we must remember we are a nation of immigrants and what that means for how we show up now. In 2026, let’s turn those words into action.

Resolution #2: Get Into “Good Trouble”

Democracy isn’t saved by hoping someone else will fix it. In 2026, I’m committing to getting into “good trouble” when it’s needed (and it will be needed)—the kind John Lewis urged us toward. That might mean attending a city council meeting to speak up for affordable housing, joining a protest for reproductive rights, calling my representatives about legislation that matters, or taking to the streets like we did for the No Kings Marches.

The goal isn’t to be comfortable; it’s to be effective. I explored how to turn anger into action and find your courage earlier this year, and now it’s time to put those principles into practice. What’s your “good trouble” going to be?

Resolution #3: Defend Public Media

In an era of misinformation and media consolidation, public broadcasting stands as a crucial counterweight. In 2025, I became a member of my local PBS and NPR stations—not just because I enjoy the programming, but because quality journalism and educational content are necessities for a functioning democracy. If we all do this in 2026, we can fill the financial void left by the Trump administration when they cut funding.

I’m also committing to share public media stories on social media and introduce friends to programs they might not know exist. I made the case for why PBS and NPR matter more than ever, and I’m continuing to put my money where my mouth is. Will you join me?

Resolution #4: Support Local Journalism

The collapse of local newspapers has created news deserts across America, leaving communities without accountability journalism. In 2026, I’m renewing my subscriptions to my local newspaper, especially the independent media outlets—yes, actually paying for it.

I’m also committing to share local news stories, not just national headlines, because what happens at city hall often affects our daily lives more than what happens in Washington. When I wrote about the crisis in local news, the responses showed me how many of us care about this issue.

Resolution #5: Live Joyfully as Resistance

In times when our very existence is politicized, choosing joy, visibility, and authenticity becomes revolutionary. In 2026, despite feeling more fear currently than I have in many years, I’m committing to continue to live openly, celebrate more loudly, and refuse to shrink myself to make others comfortable. That means attending Pride events, supporting LGBTQ+ youth programs, and making my spaces explicitly welcoming.

I’m also setting up a monthly donation to Equality California (my state’s equality organization - for transparency, I am also on their board), because legal protections matter as much as personal courage. As I wrote about Pride as a practice, not just a month, living joyfully is itself an act of resistance. For my fellow LGBTQ+ siblings, let’s make 2026 the year we refuse to go back into any closets. For our allies, we need you more than ever. Stand visibly and loudly with us.

Halfway there! Feeling overwhelmed? Remember: one resolution, one action. That’s how movements build.

Resolution #6: Ensure No One Goes Hungry

Food insecurity doesn’t take a holiday, and millions of Americans face it daily. In 2026, I’m committing to volunteer monthly at my local food bank and set up a recurring donation that fits my budget. I’m also advocating for policies that strengthen SNAP and other nutrition programs.

My Thanksgiving reflection on the reality of food insecurity in America reminded me that a table where everyone eats isn’t just a wish—it’s a commitment we must make year-round. Share local food resources through Feeding America’s food bank locator (feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank) with your networks. Let’s make hunger history, one meal at a time.

Resolution #7: Protect Free Speech for Everyone

Defending free expression means defending it even when—especially when—we disagree with the message. In 2026, I’m following organizations like the ACLU and The First Amendment Coalition to stay apprised of actions I can take to help defend free speech across the country.

I’m also committing to engage in more difficult conversations, to listen to perspectives that challenge me, and to model the kind of discourse our democracy needs. I grappled with why free speech means protecting speech we hate, and while it’s uncomfortable, it’s essential. Free speech only works if we protect it for everyone, not just for voices we agree with.

Resolution #8: Stay Courageous When It’s Hard

The truth is, 2026 will test us. There will be moments when staying engaged feels impossible, when the news is too much, when progress feels like a myth. In those moments, I’m committing to build a courage practice: connecting regularly with my community, celebrating small wins, learning from setbacks, and remembering that courage is contagious.

When I see others acting bravely, it reminds me that I can too. I wrote about how courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s acting despite it, and that’s the energy I’m bringing into 2026. We can be each other’s courage this year.

Resolution #9: Prioritize Self-Care as Activism

We can’t sustain the long fight ahead if we burn out in the first quarter. In 2026, I’m committing to regular joy practices—my Sunday pickleball games, cooking at home, yoga, time with friends, and simply unplugging from the news cycle. I’m setting boundaries around my activism so it’s sustainable for the long haul.

This isn’t selfish; it’s strategic. I made the case that you can’t pour from an empty cup and why self-care is revolutionary, and I’m taking my own advice. Joy isn’t an escape from the work—it’s fuel for it. Make time for what fills your cup, because we need you in this for the long run.

I Know This List Might Feel Overwhelming

Nine resolutions, dozens of actions—where do you even start? Here’s what I’ve learned: pick one. Just one resolution that makes your heart ache a little. That’s your starting point for 2026. The rest will follow.

Maybe it’s the one that scared you a little when you read it. Maybe it’s the one that made you think, “Yes, but how?” That’s your resolution. Start there.

A New Year Wish for All of Us

The song, “Grown Up Christmas List” reminds us that “time would heal all hearts”—and in 2026, we can become part of that healing. May our lists become plans, our hopes become habits, and our believing become the common work of neighbors who choose one another—again and again.

This year, let’s give what we can, receive what we need, and refuse to leave anyone outside the circle of light.

Throughout this past year, we’ve explored together what it means to move from political anxiety to purposeful action. We’ve grappled with hard questions, celebrated small victories, and built a community committed to showing up for each other and our democracy.

As we step into 2026, I’m grateful you’re here. I’m grateful for every comment, every share, every time you’ve taken one of these ideas and made it real in your own community. That’s how change happens—not in grand gestures, but in the daily choice to believe that our actions matter and to act accordingly.

Forward Together into 2026—with warmth, courage, and the kind of belief that motivates us to roll up our sleeves.

What’s your one resolution for 2026? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear what you’re committing to this year. Leave a comment below.

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My family was very working class. Both parents worked to pay the rent and keep food on the table. This meant that after school most days, I had the choice of going home to an empty house until work got out or going to my hometown public library. I often chose the library.

My Sanctuary and Springboard

The library provided me a place to study, to learn how to research topics that interested me, and a place to lose myself in a good mystery book to ease or hide from the pain of being bullied. It was my sanctuary —providing physical and emotional safety.

It was also my springboard. Surrounding myself in knowledge and connecting with staff who guided me through the tremendous resources our library offered allowed me to excel in school and become the first person of any generation of my family to graduate from college.

That library, changed the trajectory of my life.

From Beneficiary to Advisor

For those who follow this blog, you know that a couple of years ago I started my own business, LT Strategic Advisors, advising nonprofit and political organizations and their leaders on organizational management with a specialty in fundraising strategy. I’ve been fortunate to have my long-time friend and fellow development executive, Heidi Lee, join me as a founding partner in this rewarding work.

This past year, two good friends in Palm Springs reached out: “Can we schedule time to pick your brain?” Of course, I said yes. It turned out they had agreed to co-chair the capital campaign to renovate, preserve, and modernize the Palm Springs Public Library through its affiliated foundation.

That conversation led to my signing a contract to support their board and staff in building and launching their new campaign: A New Chapter: Revitalizing Our Palm Springs Public Library—a bold effort to raise $7 million in private philanthropy above and beyond government funding to complete a transformative $52 million project.

Building Momentum Through Collective Giving

Since then, we’ve hosted the campaign’s first major fundraising event. Thanks to matching funds from both the Palm Springs Public Library Trustees ($1 million) and from my good friends Karla Kjellin-Elder and Jeff Elder ($100,000), that first event delivered hundreds of thousands of dollars toward this exciting initiative.

We’re now approaching the $2 million mark, with a little more than $5 million to go to complete:

• A modernized 35,000-square-foot main building

• A renovated 4,000-square-foot JC Frey Building

• A $5 million endowment for sustainable operations

This isn’t just about buildings—it’s about creating a 21st-century library that serves as a community anchor for generations to come. The design includes flexible spaces for programming, updated technology infrastructure, improved accessibility, and dedicated areas for children, teens, and adults to learn, create, and connect.

Why This Matters—Locally and Universally

The City of Palm Springs and surrounding areas are full of kids who, like I did, find sanctuary in the library and are unknowingly building their foundation to springboard from. The library is also key to reducing isolation for people lacking internet access at home or on their phones and serves as a lifeline to other community services—from job search assistance to literacy programs to simply providing a safe, climate-controlled space during extreme heat.

In our increasingly digital world, public libraries remain one of the few truly democratic spaces where everyone is welcome regardless of economic status, housing situation, or background. They’re where democracy is practiced daily through free access to information, technology, and community.

Paying It Forward

I’ve decided to not only help the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation raise their money—I’ve chosen to support the campaign financially, paying forward what was so freely given to me by my local library decades ago.

This is the work I have the privilege of doing through LT Strategic Advisors: helping organizations like the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation develop comprehensive fundraising strategies, cultivate major donors, and execute successful campaigns. Like most of the clients we take on, this project is more than professional—it’s deeply personal. Every dollar raised represents another kid who’ll find their sanctuary, another family who’ll access critical resources, another community member who’ll discover their springboard.

Your Action: Support Libraries

Today, I invite you to consider joining me in supporting this important project. If you can contribute to A New Chapter: Revitalizing Our Palm Springs Public Library, visit nextchapter.pslibraryfoundation.org to learn more and make your gift.

Donate to the Campaign Here

If you don’t live in Southern California and Palm Springs feels far away, give to your local library or donate books. Volunteer to read to children. Advocate for library funding in your community. Libraries transformed my life—they can transform countless others, but only if we invest in them collectively.

None of us can build the libraries our communities need alone. But, together we can ensure that every kid who needs a sanctuary finds one. Together we can create springboards for the next generation of first-generation college students, entrepreneurs, artists, and leaders.

Forward Together—one library, one community, one transformed life at a time.

But here’s what makes today truly powerful: none of us can create that impact alone. It’s the collective surge—your $25 joining with someone else’s $50, multiplied across millions—that builds the movements we need, it feeds the family who are struggling and fuels arts and civic institutions.

If you’ve been carrying political anxiety, convert it into action right now: make one gift, set a small monthly donation, and tell a friend why you gave so they’ll join you.

Today’s surge can become sustained power if we choose it—one intentional act stacked on millions more. Forward Together starts with your next click.

From Anxiety to Action—Through Collective Generosity

Throughout this Forward Together series, we’ve explored how to transform political anxiety into purposeful action. We’ve talked about protests and phone calls, mutual aid and organizing. Today, I want to talk about another form of resistance: strategic philanthropy—and more importantly, the power of giving together.

Here’s the truth: no single donation will save democracy. No individual gift will single-handedly protect vulnerable communities or preserve our cultural institutions. But when we pool our resources—when your contribution joins with thousands of others—we create something none of us could build alone.

When you give to organizations doing the hard work of defending democracy, supporting the arts, preserving cultural spaces, protecting vulnerable communities, and building progressive power, you’re not just writing a check. You’re joining a collective effort. You’re adding your voice to a chorus. “You’re saying: ‘I believe in this work, and I’m joining with others to build the future we all need.’

Our collective giving creates a powerful statement of solidarity and hope that transcends what any of us could accomplish individually.

Why Giving Tuesday Matters Now

The organizations on the front lines—the ones registering voters, defending civil rights, feeding families, preserving culture, and building community—are facing unprecedented challenges. Many are stretched thin, working overtime to respond to crisis after crisis while planning for the long game.

No single donor can sustain these organizations. But Giving Tuesday provides a concentrated moment when small gifts add up to transformative impact. A $25 donation here, a $100 gift there—when multiplied across thousands of donors, these contributions fuel movements. It’s the aggregation of our individual acts of generosity that creates real, lasting change.

Where Your Dollars Can Make a Difference—Together

As a career development professional and founding partner of LT Strategic Advisors, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most impactful organizations in progressive movement building, in serving marginalized community and community strengthening. I know firsthand the difference that strategic, sustained support makes—and I’ve seen how collective giving amplifies individual impact exponentially.

This season, my company, business partner and I are personally supporting several organizations whose work exemplifies the Forward Together spirit—and I hope you’ll consider joining me and thousands of others:

Building Progressive Power Nationally

The Movement Cooperative provides the infrastructure that progressive organizations need to thrive—from data tools to digital organizing platforms. When you support TMC and The Movement Institute Fund alongside other donors, you’re amplifying the work of hundreds of groups simultaneously. Your gift joins with others to create a shared resource that no single organization could afford alone.

Movement Labs focuses on finding new ways to use technology to achieve tangible outcomes in areas like voter registration, candidate recruitment, and elections. They rapidly incubate ideas, train volunteers, and deploy teams. When we fund their work collectively, we’re investing in innovations that benefit the entire progressive ecosystem.

Jeremiah Program transforms families’ lives by providing single mothers pursuing higher education with housing, childcare, career development, and community support. (Remember our recent post about SNAP? Jeremiah Program’s emergency fund is still helping feed the 1,000 moms in their program who lost benefits.) Each donor contributes what they can, and together we create comprehensive support that changes generational trajectories.

Strengthening Our Local Communities

The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation preserves a historic cultural landmark while making arts accessible to our community. In times of political darkness, art and culture sustain our spirits and remind us of our shared humanity. Consider celebrating the Plaza Theatre’s historic reopening last night with a donation. Their board Vice President, Kevin J. Corcoran and his family are matching donations up to $50,000. No single patron can preserve a historic theatre—it takes a community of supporters.

The Palm Springs Public Library Foundation ensures our library remains a vital community resource—a place where democracy is practiced daily through free access to information, technology, and gathering space. Libraries belong to all of us, and they thrive when all of us contribute. The library’s Foundation just launched a $7 Million capital fundraising effort to renovate, restore and upgrade. Donations to the Foundation are being matched by the Palm Springs Library Trustees up to $1 Million.

Defending LGBTQ+ Rights

Equality California and Silver State Equality are on the front lines defending LGBTQ+ rights in California and Nevada. With attacks on our community escalating, these organizations need resources to fight back in courts, legislatures, and communities. Legal battles are expensive—but when thousands of us chip in, we can match the resources of well-funded opposition. (Transparently, I serve on the board of Equality California and my business partner, Heidi Lee, serves on the advisory board of Silver State Equality).

Your Giving Tuesday Action Plan: Join the Collective

Here’s how to make your Giving Tuesday meaningful by joining with others:

1) Choose Your Focus—And Invite Others

Pick 2-3 organizations that align with your values and capacity. It’s better to give meaningfully to a few than to spread yourself too thin. Then tell others why you chose these organizations and invite them to join you.

2) Give What You Can—And Multiply Your Impact

Even a one time gift of $10 or 25/month creates predictable revenue that organizations can plan around. If you can only give once, that matters too. Every gift counts, big or small—especially when it joins with thousands of others. Consider: if 1,000 people give $10/month, that’s $120,000 annually. That’s the power of collective giving.

3) Share Why You’re Giving—And Inspire Others

Post on social media about the organizations you’re supporting and why. Your endorsement might inspire others to give, multiplying your impact. Use #GivingTuesday and tag the organizations. When you share your giving, you’re not bragging—you’re inviting others into collective action.

4) Look Beyond Your Wallet—And Bring Your Network

If money is tight right now, consider:

• Volunteering your time or skills

• Sharing organizations’ Giving Tuesday campaigns with your network

• Writing a testimonial about why their work matters

• Connecting them with potential donors in your network

• Organizing a giving circle with friends where you pool resources

5) Make It Personal—And Build Community

Tell the organization why you’re giving. A note that says “Your work defending voting rights gives me hope” or “The theatre saved me during a difficult time” means more than you know to staff working long hours for modest pay. Better yet, share your story publicly and invite others who’ve been similarly impacted to join you in supporting the organization.

The Bigger Picture: From Individual Gifts to Collective Power

Giving Tuesday exists because we’ve created a culture where Black Friday and Cyber Monday dominate the post-Thanksgiving landscape. In response, we’ve carved out one day to prioritize generosity over consumption.

But here’s what makes it truly powerful: it’s not about any single gift. It’s about 36.1 million people choosing to act together. It’s about $3.6 billion in collective resources flowing toward the organizations and causes we believe in. It’s about the aggregation of individual acts of generosity creating movements that none of us could build alone.

Moving Forward Together—Literally

We’re building a movement of people who refuse to be paralyzed by anxiety and instead channel our energy into concrete action. But we’re not building it alone. We’re building it together.

Today, let your action be generosity. Let it be strategic. Let it be collective. Let it be joyful.

Because when we give to organizations doing the hard work of building the world we want to live in, we’re not just supporting them—we’re joining with thousands of others to invest in our shared hope, our collective agency, our combined power to create change.

None of us can do this alone. But together? Together we can fund the movements, protect the vulnerable, preserve our culture, and defend our democracy. Together we can build the future none of us can create individually.

Forward Together—with open hearts, shared purpose, and collective giving.

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P.S. If you’re looking for guidance on your own giving strategy or want to connect with organizations doing impactful work, that’s exactly what we do at LT Strategic Advisors. Reach out—I’m always happy to talk about strategic philanthropy and how to maximize your impact through collective action.

Manufactured Crisis, Warped Priorities

This administration can find funds for overseas bailouts and a gilded White House hall, and it keeps the machinery of power humming—paying itself and expanding ICE—yet somehow “can’t” keep basic nutrition flowing to the poorest families. That choice forces impossible tradeoffs: food vs. healthcare, food vs. shelter, food vs. dignity.

Blocking the Vote to Restore Food

Here’s the galling part. Republican leadership—including Senate GOP Leader John Thune and the Speaker of the House—have actively blocked clean votes to fund SNAP. They are leveraging this moment to starve people in order to pressure Democrats to allow the Republican plan to let healthcare cost reductions expire. In plain terms: they’re forcing a choice—health or food. It’s a hostage tactic aimed not only at everyday people but also at lawmakers who are trying to protect both groceries and medicine for American families.

The Stakes Behind the Headlines

• SNAP is one of the most effective anti-hunger tools we have; most SNAP households include children, seniors, people with disabilities, or low-wage workers with fluctuating hours.

• Every lost SNAP dollar harms local economies—farmers, corner stores, markets, and delivery workers feel it, too.

• Letting healthcare cost reductions lapse while cutting off food assistance compounds the harm, driving families deeper into crisis.

A Personal Note

During the Great Recession of 2007-2010, I was that person in the aisle figuring out what could I possibly buy with as little money as possible to feed myself so I’d still have enough money to pay my rent and utilities.

I didn’t qualify for SNAP, but I was blessed to have a couple good friends who stepped in as my safety net. Those friends never let me pay them back. They insisted I pay it forward.

So as we face this crisis and I have a close relative and a good friend who rely on SNAP, I’ve stepped in to replace that lost nutrition assistance so they can have proper nutrition without skipping paying another critical expense.

Not everyone has someone to do that. That’s why it is vital, we all take direct action today. We can be that safety net.

From Anxiety to Action: Three Things You Can Do Today

1) Fill the Pipeline Fast

• If you can afford to do so, donate money first, food second. Food banks can stretch a dollar further than retail. Find your nearest food bank: feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank or dial 2-1-1 to reach local pantries and meal programs.

• Pantry drop this week Fill one bag with shelf-stable proteins (tuna/chicken/beans/peanut butter), grains (rice/pasta/oats), shelf-stable milk, and fruit/veg in juice or low sodium from your cupboards or make a quick run to your favorite grocer. Label with dates and drop it off in the next day or two.

2) Stabilize Families Who Just Lost SNAP

• Fund Jeremiah Program’s Emergency Fund to help feed the 1,000 moms in their program who rely on SNAP. The average lost income per family is $190. They need to raise $190,000. My business partner and I chose to cover a couple of families. Whatever you can give is welcome.

• If you can, buy a few $25–$50 grocery gift cards and pass them to a school counselor, mutual-aid group, or faith partner who knows families directly.

3) Turn Up the Pressure Where It Counts

• In California, Vote YES on Prop 50 so we can restore a balance of power and install more Democrats who will vote to feed Americans.

• In New Jersey, vote for Mikie Sherrill for Governor and in Virginia vote for Abigail Spanberger for Governor. Democratic governors are standing up against Trump and the MAGA controlled Congress, fighting for basic needs of everyday Americans.

• Call Congress at 202-224-3121 Demand an immediate, clean vote to restore SNAP—and reject any deal that trades food for allowing healthcare cost reductions to expire. See bottom of post for a quick call script.

Practical Tips for Helping Well

• Prioritize dignity and nutrition: proteins, whole grains, low-sodium vegetables, fruit in juice, shelf-stable milk, diapers and formula when available.

• Check needs lists and hours before dropping off; many pantries post high-need items online.

What We’re Building—Together

Our community isn’t here just to be angry; we’re here to be effective. When leaders choose spectacle over service—and try to weaponize hunger to undo healthcare savings—we close the gap, bag by bag, call by call, neighbor by neighbor.

And we remember who fed families and who played politics with dinner.

Do one action above today. Share this with two people—one who might need resources, and one who will act with you. We won’t let anyone force America to choose between health and food.

Forward Together—so every family has enough.

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Quick Call Script

Hi, I’m [Your Name], a constituent from [ZIP]. End the shutdown and bring a clean vote to restore SNAP immediately. Do not trade basic nutrition for letting healthcare cost reductions expire. Families deserve both food and medicine. I’ll be watching your vote.

The East Wing wasn’t simply decorative; it housed historic functions and staff offices that have anchored the people’s house for generations. (I can’t believe I’m writing about it in past tense.) Tearing it down to build a temple to presidential spectacle doesn’t just rewrite floorplans—it rewrites our national priorities.

What’s Being Built: Big, Expensive, and All About Him

The “White House State Ballroom” was officially announced July 31, 2025, as a “90,000-square-foot venue with seating capacity of approximately 650 people, privately funded by Trump and private donors, with an estimated cost of $200 million.”

But the numbers keep growing. A senior administration official confirmed this week that “demolition started Monday at the White House’s East Wing to make way for Trump’s planned 90,000-square-foot ballroom,” with “the full East Wing expected to be torn down by this weekend.” The Times reported the addition “will cost more than $200 million and will hold 999 people,” noting that “at 90,000 square feet, the East Wing Ballroom will nearly double the White House’s footprint.”

The proposed design “echoes features of the Grand Ballroom at Mar-a-Lago.” Because apparently Trump thinks the White House is his house rather than the people’s house.

What $200-$300 Million Could Actually Accomplish

That same money could expand community health centers, replace lead service lines, repair crumbling roads and bridges, create high-quality childcare slots, boost Pell Grants for community college students, and preserve affordable housing. These unglamorous investments would directly improve lives for working and middle-class families in ways a gilded hall never will.

The Corporate Access Problem

Here’s where it gets really ugly. If corporations are writing checks for ballroom access, that’s both ethically corrupt and fiscally backwards. The administration claims “the money would not come from public funds” while floating corporate donors they refuse to name.

In a healthy democracy, corporations support public goods by paying taxes—not by buying face time with power.

And their tax record? Abysmal:

• At least 55 of the largest U.S. corporations paid zero federal income taxes in 2020

• Twenty-six companies paid nothing from 2018-2020 despite being profitable

• From 2018-2022, the 342 most profitable corporations averaged just 14.1% in federal taxes

• 87 companies paid less than 10%, 55 paid less than 5%, and over 100 paid zero in at least one year

If these firms simply paid reasonable taxes instead of gaming the system, those revenues could fund infrastructure, education, and healthcare for everyone. No donor lists, no access schemes, no throne rooms required.

The Architecture of Democracy vs. The Architecture of Ego

Clinics, classrooms, transit, and housing represent the architecture of service. A ballroom bigger than most people’s entire neighborhoods? That’s the architecture of adulation.

The lesson from Versailles remains clear: spectacle cannot substitute for bread. The more energy a government spends celebrating one leader, the less remains to serve the people.

America was founded to reject kings. We don’t need a throne room to remember that.

Let’s fund clinics, not coronations. Build classrooms, not court rituals. Invest in bridges to opportunity, not ballrooms for applause.

I know this blog is about taking action and all I did was write about what’s happened. Sometimes arming ourselves with details and perspective is action. So thank you for reading. And, in the spirit of my normal writing style, here’s a simple action: Sign this petition demanding Congressional oversight of the project.

Forward Together—away from spectacle, toward service.

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Standing in the crowd at the second No Kings March last weekend, I felt something I hadn’t experienced in months: hope. The energy was electric as I joined tens of thousands of neighbors across San Diego—and millions across the nation—to reject authoritarianism and stand up for our democracy.

As I marched alongside strangers who quickly became allies, I was reminded of Attorney General Rob Bonta’s powerful words that have become my mantra: “Stay enraged. Stay engaged. Get courageous.” This wasn’t just another protest—it was the physical manifestation of moving from political anxiety to purposeful action.

For those who couldn’t attend, the livestream replay captures some of the energy (though nothing compares to being there in person). Organizers report that an estimated 7 million Americans participated nationwide, building on June’s momentum and sending a clear message: America has NO KINGS.

Why This Scale Matters

The significance of these numbers goes beyond impressive headlines. Political scientist Erica Chenoweth, with Maria J. Stephan, has documented that when just 3.5% of a population participates in sustained, active resistance, no campaign in their dataset failed to achieve significant concessions (Why Civil Resistance Works, 2011; International Security, 2008).

In the United States, 3.5% represents roughly 12 million people. With 7 million already mobilized, we’re over halfway to that tipping point. This isn’t just academic theory—it’s a roadmap for how we reclaim our democracy from authoritarianism.

From Marching to Meaningful Change

The question I heard repeatedly as we dispersed from the march was: “What now?” The energy and commitment were palpable, but people wanted direction. Here are concrete actions we can all take to maintain momentum:

1) Take Action with Indivisible

If you’ve read some of my writing before, you know that I’m a big fan of Indivisible. They are one of the main organizers of the No Kings movement and their platform offers multiple entry points for continued engagement:

• One-click actions, calls, events, and trainings at https://indivisible.org/take-action-now.

• Join or host a local group; plug into rapid response efforts to keep the No Kings energy going at the community level.

2) Follow Billy Wimsatt’s Comeback Plan

I’ve known Billy for a handful of years. I used to work for him as VP of Development and COO at the Movement Voter Project. As CEO of the Movement Voter Project, he’s developed what he calls “The Comeback Plan,” which outlines exactly what winning looks like and how each of us fits in.

Billy and I both had the pleasure of connecting in Michigan at a dear friend’s wedding. At the airport lounge waiting for our flights afterward, I got a sneak peek. It’s worth the read. Keep in mind, Billy, or as I sometimes affectionately call him, Whimsical Wimsatt, is a big picture, visionary thinker, so grab a mug of your favorite tea or glass of wine, get comfy, dive in and allow yourself to consider what winning looks like.

His plan helps you translate righteous anger into a personal roadmap for change.

3) More High-Impact Options

Beyond these structured programs, consider:

• Mobilize for local events: https://www.mobilize.us

• Become a poll worker (I’ve done this a couple of times and it was eye-opening):

  https://www.powerthepolls.org

• Help voters get ID: https://www.voteriders.org

• Call your representatives with guided scripts: https://5calls.org

• Back immigrant defense efforts: RAICES, United We Dream

• Strengthen trusted local news: find and support independent outlets in your area

Make It Stick: Your 2x2 Commitment

After the march, I made what I’m calling my “2x2 commitment”:

• Time: 2 hours a week (one meeting, one action)

• Money: a monthly amount, decide what you can afford, and put it into action. Mine is going to Equality California on the front line of resistance in my home state (transparently, I am a board member) and the Coachella Valley Independent to ensure we continue to have a vibrant, independent press in my region. But there are literally hundreds of organizations fighting the good fight today.
  
  Need inspiration? Check out the No Kings partner organizations or my past substack post with resources to find and support local, independent media in your area.

• Recruit: I’ve invited 2 friends to join me at the last march. One of them protested for the very first time. We get from 7 million to 12 million by getting others involved.

Why Your Participation is Non-Negotiable

As I stood in that sea of people at the No Kings March, I was struck by the diversity of the crowd—people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities finding ways to participate. There are no bystanders in a democracy. If authoritarianism thrives on fear and apathy, then our antidote is courage and consistency.

Whether you have time, money, skills—or all three—there is a role only you can play. We are near the tipping point of energy needed to take our nation back from authoritarianism. It’s not “on the rise” anymore; it’s here. But sustained, strategic participation can ensure it doesn’t stay.

Forward Together! Let’s move the needle from 7 million to 12 million—and beyond.

Recently, I attended a statewide convening of progressive donors and organizers in San Diego hosted by the California Donor Table as it celebrated its 20th anniversary. It was a wonderful couple of days of listening to thought leaders, connecting with fellow donors and organizers in a safe space for reflection and support.

One of the highlights for me was listening to CA speak about the rise of authoritarianism in America and how CA, alongside other states, is pushing back as the Trump administration continues to violate the law in attempts to rescind the rights of immigrants, LGBTQ+ people and others. He repeated a call to action that has become a mantra in my mind: “Stay enraged. Stay engaged. Get courageous.”

It resonates deeply, especially now when anger is palpable everywhere. Social media is ablaze with our individual and collective outrage as people take out that anger on everyone from professional athletes to celebrities like Kristen Chenoweth. While anger against authoritarianism and ICE is justified and necessary for change, it’s not enough. And frankly, while venting about how Glinda the Good Witch might be closer to the Wicked Witch of the West than the LGBTQ community had hoped might be cathartic, it doesn’t accomplish anything of significance. We need to channel that energy into staying engaged and getting courageous in taking real actions that make a difference in defending our democracy.

From Ranting to Resistance

It’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of online outrage, feeling like we’re contributing when we’re really just spinning our wheels. True change requires more than just venting; it demands courage and action. Throughout my “Forward Together” series, I’ve emphasized moving from political anxiety to purposeful action. The time has come to reclaim our power. It’s time to stop waiting for a “savior” leader of sorts. It’s time to lead ourselves. To take action and let go of helplessness.

Stay Engaged

It is both important to consume news we can trust, as well as to support those sources of news. As I’ve written about before, independent media outlets most often report unbiased, factual news. Remember real reporting? They also serve an important role of holding those in power accountable. Subscribe to online or print local, independent media and if you can afford to do so, invest in those independent media voices that amplify real news, affecting our real, everyday lives, especially those that lift up the lived experiences of marginalized communities. They are often the first targets of intimidation because they lack corporate backing. Your support can make a significant difference in ensuring truth prevails over propaganda.

Get Courageous

Join the No Kings March

I’m not going to lie. With the rise of political violence in our country, I am definitely a bit anxious about being out in public making my voice heard. But, if I don’t, if you don’t, they win. Our rights are worth the risk and when we take action together in large numbers, we are safer. I plan to join the No Kings March on October 18th organized by (with dozens and dozens of partners including , , , , , just to name a few) to protest the Trump administration’s authoritarian tactics. Find the location in your area and register here!

This nationwide demonstration stands against the erosion of democratic norms and the concentration of power in the executive branch. The name “No Kings” directly references America’s founding principle of rejecting monarchy and embracing democratic governance. This is more than just a symbolic gesture—it’s a powerful demonstration that we won’t back down in the face of threats to our democracy. I hope you will join me and the expected hundreds of thousands of Americans in the streets in every city and small town across this great nation who will safely, peacefully and LOUDLY demand that the civil rights of every person in this country be respected and protected. That our laws be upheld by those in power. That the government representing the people, doesn’t oppress us. We suffer No Kings!

As the late, great John Lewis taught us, it’s time to get into some good trouble!!

Register for No Kings March

Get Involved Locally Beyond the March

There is great power in community organizing. Oftentimes people ask me whether their singular actions make a difference. First of all, yes they do! Just remember the courageous stories Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, or Harvey Milk and how they shaped American history. That said, our singular power is magnified and amplified when we take collective action via community organizing.

Consider volunteering with local organizing groups in your community. You can find opportunities through platforms like Mobilize.us (mobilize.us), Volunteer Match (volunteermatch.org), or directly through organizations like Indivisible (indivisible.org/groups) and the Movement Voter Project (movement.vote) which can connect you with grassroots groups in your area. Consider attending town hall meetings, volunteering for local organizations, and supporting candidates who share your values. Small actions lead to significant change. By engaging locally, we build the strong foundation needed for broader movements.

The Time for Courage Is Now

We can’t afford to let our anger consume us or dissipate into only ranting on social media. Rant if you need to. Then channel that anger it into action. Get courageous! Fight for a better future! Let’s take Attorney General Bonta’s words to heart: “Stay enraged, stay engaged, and get courageous.”

Together, we can ensure that truth and free expression prevail over censorship and intimidation. The images that represent the Forward Together substack—silhouettes standing against vibrant orange backgrounds with raised arms—aren’t just symbolic. They represent the transformation from isolated anxiety to collective action, from digital doom-scrolling to purposeful engagement.

See you on the streets in October 18th!! No Kings!

Forward Together!

Darrell

Yesterday, I revisited DAP Health—not as their Chief Development and Strategy Officer, but as a dedicated donor and supporter. It was a poignant return, filled with reflection and gratitude.

During my time leading the capital campaign, we named one of the main buildings The Barbara Keller LOVE Building. Barbara was more than a mentor; she was a beacon of generosity and kindness, touching countless lives with her spirit.

In her memory, I made a personal commitment to honor her legacy. I decided to contribute significantly, naming a clinical suite in the behavioral health clinic. This decision was not just financial; it was deeply personal. It allows my name to stand alongside Barbara’s, symbolizing our shared commitment to healing and hope.

For those who know my journey, you understand the significance. I was at the World Trade Center on 9/11, and the aftermath left me grappling with PTSD and anxiety. Thanks to the generosity of others funding mental health services, I received the care I needed to heal and thrive.

Naming this room is my way of paying it forward. It’s a tribute to Barbara, a thank you to DAP Health for nine incredible years, and a promise to support those who seek healing.

To my friends who joined me yesterday, thank you. Your unwavering support has been a cornerstone of my journey. Together, we’ve achieved so much for our community. To those not pictured but ever-present, your contributions have been invaluable.

Let’s continue this legacy of care and support. DAP Health serves tens of thousands in Southern California, and they need us now more than ever.

Taking Action

1. Support DAP Health: Consider making a donation or volunteering your time to support their vital work. DAP, formerly Desert AIDS Project, envisions a world where every person achieves their full potential. They provide comprehensive health care and support services where all people are seen, heard, and affirmed. DAP has its roots in addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the Coachella Valley. In more recent years it has taken the lessons learned from that work and paid them forward to support all people, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, to access culturally competent care across Riverside, Orange and San Diego Counties. You can read more about their journey HERE.

   Donate to DAP Health

   Volunteer with DAP Health

2. Share Your Story: Behavioral/Mental health issues and care are still highly stigmatized. Help reduce the stigma by using your voice to raise awareness about the importance of mental health services.

Together, we can ensure that Barbara’s legacy—and the legacy of countless others—lives on through our actions.

Forward Together!

Darrell

After a couple weeks away battling a nasty virus (thank you for your patience), I return to find our first amendment rights under unprecedented assault. The contrast couldn't be starker - while ABC News caves to political pressure by canceling Jimmy Kimmel, Trump and his allies freely spread dangerous rhetoric that incites violence against journalists, protesters, and democracy itself.

Historical Echoes We Can't Ignore

This systematic attempt to silence critics while amplifying hate speech follows a haunting historical pattern. In 1933, Nazi Germany began its assault on democracy not with tanks, but with words - or more precisely, by controlling who could speak and what could be said. They started by pressuring media outlets, then moved to outright censorship, creating an environment where truth became whatever those in power declared it to be.

The Playbook Repeats

Today, we're witnessing similar tactics:

• Pressure campaigns against media figures who criticize those in power

• Threats against journalists who report unfavorable facts

• Protection of hate speech while restricting protected protest

• Using government power to intimidate critics into silence

From Anxiety to Action

Like those who faced rising authoritarianism in the past, we stand at a unique moment in history. Unlike those who faced it in the 1900’s we have history to learn from.

We've studied the historical playbook of would-be autocrats, seeing clearly how they move from attacking the press to undermining institutions.

This knowledge isn't locked away in dusty archives – it's alive in our discussions, our organizing, and our strategic resistance. When we see attacks on journalists or attempts to silence critics, we recognize them not as isolated incidents, but as dangerous steps in a familiar pattern.

Our civil society organizations form a powerful network of resistance, from grassroots groups to national coalitions. These aren't just organizations – they're communities of purpose, filled with people who've turned their own political anxiety into meaningful action. They stand ready with legal resources, organizing expertise, and proven strategies for protecting democratic institutions.

The digital tools at our disposal would have seemed like science fiction to previous generations of activists. We can instantly connect with allies across the country, share real-time information about threats and opportunities, and mobilize thousands with a few keystrokes. The same technology that can overwhelm us with anxiety can also empower us to act together, transforming isolation into collective purpose.

But our greatest advantage is perhaps the simplest: we have each other. When we stand together, we create something more powerful than any individual action. We form a community of purpose, transforming our shared anxiety into collective strength.

Get Loud. Silence Is Not An Option.

We must stand united against these threats to free expression. When they try to silence one voice, we must respond with thousands of loud voices.

Remember: autocrats target free speech first because it's our strongest defense against their power. Every time we speak up, share truth, or support independent media, we push back against authoritarianism.

1. Support Independent Media
   Subscribe to local independent news outlets. They're often the first target of intimidation because they lack corporate backing. I wrote about this a few weeks ago, if you’d like more guidance on this subject.

2. Take Action. Amplify Good Work and Messaging.
   Follow and Support organizations Fighting the Good Fight like who I wrote about recently or consider . This organization is doing crucial work tracking and combating attacks on free speech. Follow them here on substack, or on instagram, amplify their messages and support their efforts.

3. Stand Against Corporate Censorship
   Join the boycott of ABC, Disney+, and Hulu - when you unsubscribe, be sure to them why. Make your voice heard on social media about their capitulation to political pressure in canceling Jimmy Kimmel. When corporations choose censorship over free speech, we must speak with our voices and our wallets.

   

Share this post to spread the word!

Share

Together, we can ensure that truth and free expression prevail over censorship and intimidation.

Forward Together!

Darrell

In July, I wrote about the legacy of John Lewis and the power of "good trouble" – how engaging in civil disobedience not only challenges oppression but liberates us from the paralysis of helplessness. Three months later, that message has become even more urgent as we witness the Trump administration's escalating attacks on our democratic institutions and fundamental freedoms.

From June to October: The Resistance Grows Stronger

This summer, millions of us took to the streets for the No Kings march, creating one of the largest single days of protest in US history. What began as Trump's attempt at a birthday coronation on June 14th was transformed into a powerful demonstration that "America has No Kings."

But as I noted when quoting John Lewis, "Democracy is not a state. It is an act." And, we MUST continue to act.

The Escalating Crisis

Since June, we've witnessed a disturbing acceleration of authoritarian tactics:

• The mass detention of immigrants in what describes as "sprawling concentration camps"

• Military forces deployed in American cities

• Threats to interfere in elections

• Gerrymandering designed to steal power from voters

• Economic policies that favor billionaires while ordinary families struggle

I found myself swelling with hope when I saw the images from Chicago this past weekend – where thousands gathered to protest these policies – reminding us of the power of collective action. These protesters are not only taking direct action to speak out, protect freedom, and stand with their immigrant neighbors, they're reclaiming their agency and lifting the weight of powerlessness from their shoulders.

The Next Chapter of Good Trouble: October 18th

As Indivisible shared in an email last week: "Trump is ramping up his attacks on our rights and democracy, but we're not backing down. On October 18, we're taking to the streets in more cities and in larger numbers to remind Trump, his cronies, and those on the sidelines looking for hope: America has no kings."

This isn't just another protest – it's a continuation of the movement John Lewis helped build, a movement that understands actions of direct resistance as both a political necessity and a form of personal empowerment.

How You Can Take Action

1. Join me in committing to showing up on October 18th in the city nearest you. Visit Indivisible's website to find events in your area or register your own protest.

2. Support the infrastructure needed for nationwide resistance. Donate to Indivisible today.

   Donate to No Kings March

   I know some of you have written to me letting me know you don't want to donate to causes I share because you don't want to get a lot of email. If that's the case, subscribe to Forward Together today. I will donate 100% of what comes in from this post to Indivisible, and I will post the receipts to prove it.

   Subscribe now

3. Spread the word in your community. The Indivisible team reminds us that "Just picking a day on the calendar won't be enough to generate the kind of response we need at this moment." Each of us must become organizers. Get your friends together. Channel your frustrations, anger, and anxiety into making signs together to express all that emotion.

"Every time Trump levies another attack on our rights and democracy, our movement only grows stronger in response." - The Team

This is our moment to channel our political anxiety into purposeful action.

This is our time to get into "good trouble."

This is our opportunity to move forward together.

In solidarity,

Darrell

This isn't just about escaping; it's about recharging and reconnecting with what truly matters. When we step away from the constant digital bombardment, we return with renewed energy and clarity—ready to face challenges with purpose and determination. The journey from overwhelm to empowerment often begins with giving ourselves permission to disconnect, even briefly, from the demands of our work and digital lives.

Forward Together is about moving from anxiety to action, and sometimes the most powerful action we can take is to pause, breathe, and renew our spirits.

The Importance of Unplugging

The contrast between American and European approaches to work-life balance tells an important story about our relationship with rest. According to a 2024 story in HR Drive, Americans consistently work longer hours and feel more guilt about taking time off than their European counterparts:

"In a survey of more than 1,200 workers in the U.S. and Europe, 40% of Americans said they work 41-50 hours per week, compared to just 26% of Europeans. Mid-level professionals in both regions were most likely to say they work overtime daily."

This culture of overwork has psychological consequences: "About 33% of Americans said they often feel guilty about taking time off, compared to 18% of Europeans. Nearly 19% of Americans said they feel pressured to avoid taking sick days as well."

These statistics reveal a troubling pattern—one that affects our collective ability to stand tall and raise our arms in solidarity and celebration, as depicted in our movement's imagery. Research shows that constant connectivity increases stress and anxiety levels, while taking breaks from screens and work helps reduce these feelings and improve overall mental well-being.

As Dr. Ginny Estupinian wisely notes, "Vacation isn't a luxury—it's essential for your cardiovascular health, brain function, and stress resilience. Vacation doesn't just provide temporary relief; it builds your capacity to handle future stress." In other words, unplugging doesn't just feel good—it prepares us to be more effective advocates when we return to the work of defending democracy.

Taking Time Off: A Path to Renewal

Taking time off and traveling, when possible, offers a unique opportunity to break free from the mundane and experience new perspectives. Whether it's an extended staycation weekend exploring your own city, a weekend getaway to a nearby town or a longer journey to a distant land, taking time off can refresh your mind and spirit. It allows you to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and immerse yourself in different cultures.

This Thursday, I'm taking my own advice and heading out for a few days, returning on Tuesday. I'll admit, it makes me a bit uncomfortable to step away, but I know it's necessary for my well-being. As some of you know, I own my own business where we consult nonprofit and political organizations as well as coach their leaders. With many of clients being in the progressive movement working to protect democracy, it is critically important I show up to give 110% of myself. To do that, that means for a couple days, I show up to take care of myself rather than to work.

Benefits of Taking Time Off

1. Mental Renewal: Stepping away from work and digital devices allows your brain to rest and recharge, boosting creativity and clarity.

2. Physical & Emotional Wellbeing: Taking breaks encourages both physical activity and meaningful social connections, whether you're exploring a new location or simply celebrating time with loved ones.

3. Perspective Shift: Experiencing different environments helps you return to your daily life with renewed energy and fresh insights—transforming political anxiety into purposeful action. Sound familiar? :-)

Your Call to Action

This week, I invite you to consider taking some time off or planning a short trip, if you have the means to do so. If that's not possible right now, embrace a rejuvenating staycation instead.

Use this precious time to disconnect from your devices and reconnect with yourself. Allow your mind to release work stress. Treat yourself to something that feels genuinely nourishing and restorative.

Turn off the constant stream of breaking news and instead, pick up local independent media that connects you to your immediate community. Remember, self-care isn't selfish—it's how we sustain ourselves for the long journey forward together.

By embracing the transformative power of travel and unplugging, you can return to your life more centered, resilient, and ready to face the challenges ahead - and lord knows we have challenges ahead to continue to fight for our Democracy!

When will you unplug next? What will you do with your time? Where will you go if you travel? Share your thoughts and plans in the comments. Let’s inspire each other to take care of ourselves.

Leave a comment

Forward Together!

Darrell

Since Trump’s second term started, I’ve realized that watching a lot of MSNBC, CNN, etc. was becoming an unhealthy part of life. It was exacerbating my already heightened anxiety levels. While I want and need to keep myself informed, I didn’t need to hear the same headline repeated 12 times per day by 8 different people interviewing 30 different people beating the doomsday headline of the day into my psyche.

Not to mention, this was combined with the habit so many of us have developed of doom-scrolling online. Each story and meme amping up the fear factor without offering pathways to action.

The Problem with Mainstream Media Consumption

The mainstream media ecosystem thrives on our anxiety. Cable news networks and major outlets have perfected the art of keeping us glued to our screens through fear and outrage. They present problems most often without solutions, crises without local actions that could make a difference - leaving us feeling helpless.

This isn't just unpleasant - it's paralyzing. When we're constantly bombarded with sensationalized national stories, we lose sight of what's happening in our own communities and, more importantly, how we can effect change where we live.

The Alternative: Independent Local Media

There's another way to stay informed without sacrificing our mental health or sense of agency. Independent local news outlets provide something the mainstream media giants can't: community-focused reporting that connects directly to our daily lives and local power structures.

Publications I am familiar with and enjoy, like the Coachella Valley Independent (my former hometown paper), the San Diego Voice (my current hometown news source) and the Reno News & Review (owned by the same great human and friend who owns the CV Independent) exemplify this approach. These outlets, all members of either the Association of Alternative Newsmedia (AAN), Local Independent Online News Publishers (LION), or both, prioritize in-depth local reporting over sensationalism. They cover the stories that matter to their communities, often highlighting issues overlooked by larger outlets and providing concrete ways for readers to engage.

Why Independent Media Matters

Independent local media doesn't just inform us differently - it empowers us differently. When we understand what's happening in our city councils, school boards, and local courts, we can take meaningful action. We can attend meetings, contact representatives we can actually reach, and connect with neighbors working on solutions.

This Week's Actions: Redirecting Your Media Diet

1. Find Your Local Independent News Source Visit the Association of Alternative Newsmedia (AAN) at https://aan.org/ and use their directory to locate independent news outlets in your area. These publications reach millions of educated and influential adults across North America, both in print and digitally.

2. Subscribe and Support Once you've found your local independent news source, subscribe to their print edition, digital newsletter, or both. Many offer free subscriptions but depend on reader support to survive.

3. Donate If You Can Independent journalism is struggling financially. If you have the means, consider making a donation to your local independent news outlet. Think of it as an investment in your community's democratic health. With layoffs from profit and power driven media owners doing their best to silence local voices, dozens of these local treasures have all but disappeared.
   I’m a proud donor and supporter of both the CV Independent and the Voice of San Diego. I hope you’ll join me in supporting them or the independent press in your market

   Donate to the CV Independent

   Donate to the Voice of San Diego

4. Share What You Learn When you read a story that moves you to action, share it with friends and family and share this Substack. Help build the audience for quality local journalism.

   Share

By redirecting our attention from anxiety-producing national news cycles to empowering local journalism, we transform our relationship with media from passive consumption to active engagement. This isn't just better for our mental health - it's essential for our democracy.

What independent news sources do you follow? Share in the comments below!

Leave a comment

Forward Together,

Darrell

Today I'm introducing what might be my favorite form of activism yet: guilt-free retail therapy! That's right—shopping as an act of resistance. My credit card is already feeling more purposeful.

Shop 'Til You Drop (the Fascists)

We've talked about direct action and self-care in previous posts, but today let's celebrate the joy of purposeful purchasing. Because nothing says "I reject your values" quite like redirecting your hard-earned dollars toward businesses that actually make the world better.

Kind Cotton: Retail Therapy with Heart

This week's spotlight falls on Kind Cotton, a company that had me at "hello" a couple years ago with their mission to "create a truly kind world." (And their super cute t-shirts, mugs, notebooks, etc. didn't hurt either!). I’ve been buying my friends gifts from Kind Cotton for a while now and they seem to love them.

Founded by Kaitlin and Kevin, Kind Cotton understands something crucial: kindness isn't just about saying "please" and "thank you"—it's about justice and action.

Their product line includes everything from t-shirts and hoodies to accessories, all designed with messages covering a wide variety of justice issues from LGBTQ+ rights, to voting rights, to gun reform to climate action. And they offer inclusive sizing from XS to 6X, because kindness looks good on everybody and every body.

AND - Ready for this? Every purchase provides an inclusive book to a child through the Kind Cotton Reading Program. Check out how they give books. Thanks to shoppers, they’ve donated 100,000+ books to children across America.

Why This Matters

In our current political climate, where division seems more popular than pizza (mmm. pizza!), wearing a shirt that says "Be Kind" is practically revolutionary. It's like those folks in our logo image—but with better outfits.

When I browse through Kind Cotton's collection, I imagine an army of kindness warriors, all of us decked out in their gear, confusing (and likely pissing off) the opposition with our radical niceness and extremely soft fabrics.

This Week's Action: Shop With Purpose (and Maybe a Little Glee)

This week's action is possibly the most enjoyable one yet:

1. Visit Kind Cotton's website at www.kindcotton.com and treat yourself to some browsing therapy

2. Consider replacing an upcoming purchase with something from their line (that hoodie you've been eyeing at the mall? It probably doesn't fund literacy programs)

3. Share their mission with friends and family (or just wear your new gear and wait for the compliments to roll in)
   

   Shop Til You Drop

   Happy Shopping!!!

Beyond Kind Cotton

While I'm highlighting Kind Cotton this week, this principle extends to all shopping decisions. From coffee to clothing, banking to books—every purchase is essentially casting a vote for the world you want to live in. (And yes, that means your ice cream choices matter too. I'm looking at you, Ben & Jerry's fans.)

As we continue navigating these wild times together, let's remember that resistance can be joyful. Sometimes it's practicing self-care, sometimes its dancing at Pride and sometimes—yes—it's buying that t-shirt that makes both you and the world look better (while donating a book to a child).

What businesses do you support that align with your values? Share in the comments below!

Forward Together in cute clothes for a good cause,

Darrell

P.S. This post is not sponsored—though my closet would certainly suggest otherwise. I simply believe in highlighting businesses doing good work. If you know of other businesses I should feature in future Sunday Funday posts, let me know! My wallet is ready for more "research."