With Principles of Inclusion, Tolerance, Truth, Fairness
1. What attitudes do I need to foster during these trying times?
Friendliness
Compassion
Persistence
Patience
2. How Should I present myself to the world in print, to the media, and person-to-person?
Use speech and behavior that is respectful, friendly, fair, effective, and focused
Use your own words and focus on core values as well as issues
Speak positively about what is right and why, rather than using negative comments
Avoid using Trump’s language; this only strengthens his influence
Steer clear of malicious “put down” humor; funny is fine, but we don’t do snarky
3. How do I stay safe and talk to a Trump follower: a friend, a relative, a stranger, or a person at a rally or public event?
Be safe, be civil, stay calm, listen deeply, seek common ground
Be curious, ask questions; try to understand where they are coming from
Seek common ground in shared values
Steer clear of demeaning, judgmental or accusatory language
Steer clear of provocateurs
Act with dignity when confronting aggressive opposition
Leave a situation if it feels unsafe or a situation is escalating
Be mindful and caring of other members’ safety; help them exit if needed
Follow all rules and regulations of the permit when at a rally/march
4. How do I stand up with those most impacted by the Trump agenda?
Be mindful of any tendency to recreate systems of oppression inside our movement and organizing practices; introspect and adjust as needed
Defer to those who are directly affected by a particular issue
Meet with leaders from vulnerable communities, learn about their issues and values, identify mutual causes and opportunities for alliance, act on these when feasible
Respond when possible to invitations to attend gatherings of these individuals and groups and invite them to speak to their issues with our membership
5. How do I stay engaged without losing my mind?
Self-awareness: be attentive to triggers and reactions
Mindfulness: stay in the present with positive actions
Self-care: physically, emotionally and spiritually
Sustainability: take breaks, vacation from activism to recharge your batteries
Fellowship and Humor: engage in events which engender friendship, creativity and fun
