Be a Light in the Darkness
In a completely unsurprising turn of events, Voting Rights Legislation was not passed. But that doesn’t mean all is lost. I refuse to believe all is lost. Ursula K. Le Guin once said, “We live in capitalism. Its power seems inescapable. So did the divine right of kings. Any human power can be resisted and changed by human beings. Resistance and change often begin in art, and very often in our art, the art of words.” We are human beings who can resist and change things. And through images, words both fiction and nonfiction, as well as actions, we can and will.
But what can we do? Well, there’s quite a few things. I’ll try to break each item up as to categories, as well as the sub categories of ‘from home’ and ‘will have to interact with people.’ I do highly recommend ensuring you have an N95 or equivalent mask before any actions that involve interacting with the public. Covid is still raging.
Note: I realized partway through writing this that some of what’s mentioned may be in motion by various other activists groups and people of color. So, I just want to add that some of the items that involve organizing people to do things? Look into what activism groups, anti-racist groups, and voting rights groups there are in your area! The results may surprise you! The point of this post is to provide a variety of actions, especially for folks who don’t know where to start or are disheartened. But organizing and working together is our greatest tool. Carry on!
Voting Rights:
Oh we are nowhere near done with Voting Rights. Yes, the bill failed and won’t be able to be reintroduced until the 2022 Congress. It’s now up to State Legislatures, the Courts, and President Biden.
I’m not talking about scolding congress people in lengthy press conferences either. President Biden still has Executive Orders he can use to impose regulations on a Federal level. There’s more intricacies, I’m sure, but he still has the power to sign in rules and regulations. Can they be vetoed? Yes, they can. Can they be revoked? Yes, they can. Part of the checks and balances.
But, if we call on Biden to use these Executive Orders to strengthen voting rights, while at the same time, those with Republican Senators demand those Republican Senators join a moderate Republican group that’s anti-Trump and pro-voting rights, we have a chance to get through 2022 and after that election? Get them in permanently.
For those wondering what I mean by strengthen, I mean signing in individual amendments that are enforceable from a Federal level, as well as creating task forces to hold individual state legislatures accountable for their restrictions. Additionally, if possible, a task force to investigate the current Supreme Court is a must, as there is an imbalance of power and priorities that has nothing to do with the Constitution, and everything to do with money and corruption.
So what can we do about this?
From Home
-Write Biden and demand he use Executive Orders to strengthen voting rights.
-Are you a law scholar or similar? We need YOU to write articles, make videos, make tweets, etc, on what Biden is capable of doing so we can not only educate the people but use said materials to push Biden to make these Executive Orders
-Do you have Republican Representatives? Demand via phone, writing, or twitter that they join the Renew America Movement, a group of Moderate Republicans who are Anti-Trump and understand the importance of voting Rights in order to end extremism. (Note: This is not a demand YOU join the movement, merely a tool for those with Representatives who might be following current party line but could be nudged towards something less democracy ending)
-Research what laws regarding voting restrictions are happening in your state. Use terms like ‘voter suppression’ or ‘voter restriction laws’. These laws could look like banning food and drink distribution to those waiting in line, banning mail in ballots, restricting ballot drop boxes, or even laws that allow state legislature to pick electors. Additionally, keep an eye out for Gerrymandering. Do not assume that because you live in a ‘blue state’ that there will be none.
-Spread the word regarding voting restriction laws through as many platforms are you feel comfortable with. (Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Youtube, Medium, and more)
-Write Op-Eds about Voting Rights. Write Op-Eds about what politicians should be doing. Write Op-Eds gaining sympathy over who will be effected. Source for help on Op-Ed writing here.
-Create pamphlets, flyers, and even social media graphics that folks can use when protesting or canvassing. These materials should contain information regarding the current voting rights situation, what laws are being pushed, and who folks should call/write in order to get the laws stopped.
In Person:
Important note: There is additional risk to these in person methods. In addition to variables like weather and Covid-19, people of color, and/or people who are clearly ‘other’ in some way shape or form may come across additional risk depending on region. Please take all necessary safety precautions. And white people? Especially white people who aren’t clearly ‘other’? This is where you can really help get word out to communities that might pose additional dangers to people of color. You are less likely to get shot at, or have the police called on. Be an ally.
-Protest. Pick an avenue of protest, and go for it. Link for how you might organize one here. Bear in mind, that even a peaceful, nonviolent protest may be considered violent by police. This PDF from Amnesty International includes safety information to help protect yourself from police interventions. If you are white, please take into account Ben O’Keefe’s words regarding what white people should do at BLM protests, and really, any protest:
“A white person’s job at a protest isn’t to spray paint “Black Lives Matter” on a building. It’s not to destroy stuff. It’s not to loot stores. Their job is not to mess with the cops and throw stuff. Their job at that protest, what they are there to do, is to do everything they can in their power to put their bodies between the bodies of black people and police. They should know if they’re there that they have the privilege of at least knowing that there will be more action taken if they die than if a black person does. Because not only is it disrespectful to disrupt our protests, but it actually is also doing direct harm to the black lives that these folks are supposed to be there to try to protect.”
Additionally, there is a pretty good chance there’s already Anti-Racist groups run by people of color within your city. If you’re not a part of one already, look into it, and see about joining one! Especially if you’re new to organizing, these groups will likely have more experience, and given Voting Rights directly impacts people of color? It’s quite likely they’re already planning protests.
Also keep in mind that this is both a state and a Federal issue. Protests will need to be done on both levels.
-Go canvassing with pamphlets. Local laws may vary on legality so please check and fill out any required paperwork first, but the gist is this: While carrying bundles of pamphlets (see pamphlet suggestion above), knock on folks doors barring those with no soliciting signs. If they are not there, leave a pamphlet. If they are there, talk to them about the information that’s in the pamphlet, answer questions, and be pleasant. Leave them a pamphlet.
-Leave flyers around regarding the voting rights situation.
The White Moderate
Martin Luther King Jr. scorned the White Moderate, and for good reason. To start, if you haven’t read his Birmingham Jail letter, please read it. Then read it again. Good. Thank you.
I know there have been plenty of pieces on this written by Black people, so I won’t go on too long, but in short? Today’s white moderate believes if we “just vote” then everything will be fine. That there is no point to protests, and we shouldn’t dare criticize our politicians. The white moderate cheers on actions that benefit them but do nothing for the marginalized. The white moderate tells marginalized folks that they just need to wait.
…Okay, so clearly I can go on for a bit. But the point is, we need to get the white moderate to understand that the time for action is now. That gaining access to the polls is not easy, and it’s going to take resources many poor folks just don’t have to ensure turn-out. We also need people to be motivated to go to the polls. People are feeling disheartened by the Democratic party, and aren’t feeling it’s benefits. Nina Turner, who was on the Bernie Sanders campaign and continues to be an excellent activist, spoke on CNN about how people weren’t feeling what the Biden administration is doing. Here is a link to that clip for folks who want to watch it. (Also I highly suggest following her if you aren’t already. )
We need the white moderate to understand that getting people to vote isn’t just a matter of access, but also a matter of motivation. We need the white moderate to also understand that we can and should push our government to do better, and that if we don’t? The current GOP will take over, and enact laws that will punish Black people, Hispanic people, Asian people, Queer people, Women, Disabled people, and so many more that don’t conform. That is what we are fighting against, and we need the white moderate to understand that this isn’t just hyperbole. This is reality.
So how do we do that? Well, there’s some steps that are similar to the above, so I won’t go into too in depth, and other steps that involve getting creative. So let’s dive in.
From Home
-Op-Eds are our friend once again. Letters to the editor where relevant as well. This time, you’re gonna want to write about the ‘downfall of America.’ Bring this prediction from the depths of twitter to various newspapers. This is to help make it more ‘real’ to those not realizing effects. Other topics could things the government needs to get done to motivate voters, the importance of motivation when it comes to voting, the sky is the limit. Just remember the main goal is to normalize certain ideas.e
-Know some white moderates? Suggest they watch Last Week Tonight with John Oliver or The Problem with Jon Stewart. The latter might require an Apple TV subscription, however there is a podcast on Spotify where Jon Stewart and writers discuss things. Last Week Tonight posts the main story on Youtube while the entire show is on HBOMax. Why these two shows? Both involve white men who might even be recognized by some people, talking about issues in a format the white moderate would be more comfortable with. Additionally, both recognize racism is a primary motivator for most issues. (I can also confirm from watching it happen, Last Week Tonight is capable of making white moderates understand issues better and even become a bit more left politically.)
-Call and write politicians, both on a state and federal level, regarding policies that would be seen by all Americans, not just a select few. These include things that might end the Covid-19 crisis such as using the defense production act to produce masks & tests, free tests & N95s being sent to people on a person by person basis rather than by residence, stimulus checks, and temporary lockdowns. Additionally, there are demands being made for the child tax credit to be made permanent, and expanded to include more folks. On top of all that, there is still a matter of marijuana legalization & decriminalization that needs to be done. Policies like those and more would motivate more folks to the polls.
What does that have to do with the white moderate? Well.
-Write articles, twitter posts, make videos, etc, on these policies, the importance of motivating people to go to the polls, and the importance of getting our politicians to work on this now. Share them with white moderates. Normalize these things. Remind the white moderate that the government works for us, and with these policies we can get more folks to not only be motivated to go to the polls but even switch parties. Additionally, the more folks calling in and talking to politicians, both on state and federal level, the more likely these policies will happen.
-We’re going to have to use social media and all that to remind the white moderate that systemic racism effects them too. They may not be the target, but depending on situation, they just may still be in the area of effect.
-Using the app NextDoor to bring up issues, articles, and whatnot. Bring up Last Week Tonight for “cheerier” topics! This is THE app of the Suburban white moderate, so a good place to focus on.
-Create pamphlets, flyers, social media graphics, etc. More focus on the importance of calling reps, getting legislation through, and being aware of what’s going on in the state legislature.
In Person
-Canvassing. Once again, please look into local laws as they may require a license. Please fill out all required forms before going forth. Once again, taking the above pamphlets, and talking to folks. The canvassing mentioned before may involve speaking with white moderates, so understand that you’ll have to remind them the government works for us, and we have to be involved.
-Spreading flyers on the importance of being involved.
-Go to City Council Meetings. Some areas might have zoom options, and I recommend using those. Even if you’re not bringing up items, having a general idea of what issues the city is facing, and being a person who’s involved on a local level, is a way to get on the white moderate’s good side. Especially if you’re a white young adult.
Getting to the polls
This is going to be difficult, and vary state by state. I highly recommend seeing what local groups there are for getting folks to the polls, and helping them out whether its via money or volunteering. This portion is shorter than the others but in the future I’ll likely create a separate article on this.
From Home:
-Using social media, ensure people are aware of possible options for voting, and what the rules are.
-Advertise what is on the ballot in your area. Do this months ahead of time.
-Create graphics explaining voting laws in your state
-Create graphics showing how to get an ID in your state.
In Person:
-If you have a car and can drive, find out who in the community needs rides to the polls, and arrange to help them. Find others with cars, and encourage them to do the same! (Please follow all masking and sanitation recommendations)
-Provide food and water to those waiting in line. (Check laws on this prior to be aware of the risk that may be taken if doing so.)
-Make a list of folks you are close to. This may include community members, family, and friends. Possibly even congregation members. Ask them if they have what their state considers a valid form of identification. If they do not, arrange to help them get one. This may involve rides to the DMV, help navigating difficult government websites, hunting down birth certificates, hunting down paperwork that might be equivalent, and paying for the ID itself along with payment for delivery of necessary documents. Start on this several months before November. Best time to start is now.
Conclusion
This is a non-exhaustive list of actions to be taken. Experts might have even more ideas! I might have more ideas. To go back to the Ursula Le Guin quote at the beginning: . Resistance and change often begin in art, and very often in our art, the art of words. It begins in art. So artists, this is your time. Create art. Paint, write, cross stitch, draw, all sorts of things to call attention to the fact the time is now. We need to get extremists out now. We need to motivate people to vote now. We need the white moderate to understand what will happen if we lose.
In addition, I mentioned creating graphics multiple times. Images can stick in people’s minds, can be shared. I personally use Canva for this sort of thing, and highly recommend it for beginners, but if you’re a more experience graphic designer, use whatever program is comfortable for you!
I refuse to believe all is lost. Even when the darkness is looming over me, I will be a light in the darkness. I call on all of you in joining me in being lights. And maybe, just maybe, all together? That darkness will become a shadow to our joined light.
Olivia Wertheimer is just your typical artist turned activist. This is NOT the advice of a professional, but rather the writings of someone who refuses to lose hope. If you like this type of activism and writing, please consider dropping me a tip at my Ko-Fi! It would be greatly appreciated and help pay for things like art programs, Canva Subscription, and kitty treats!
