Do Something!

I’m not an activist. I was too young to demonstrate during the sexual revolution or civil rights and Vietnam protests of the 60s. By 1971, at the height of second-wave feminism, I was married and had a child. I applauded the women’s movement victories but had no time for protests. Frankly, I had no time for much of anything besides my job and caring for a baby and a new household.

I finally dipped my toes into political action when that child was long grown and I was a grandmother. At the invitation of a friend, I protested and marched in the January 2017 Women’s March around the Oklahoma City Capitol. We marched again in Tulsa the following year, and I joined a local March for Science later in 2018. I’ve been a scientist or a science teacher most of my career, and I was appalled that anyone dared to dispute scientific discovery!  

At the time, I was skeptical that protesting resulted in policy change but joining with like-minded people to express our outrage was energizing … at least for a time. I was teaching community college and technical school courses and had little time or skill for much more in the way of activism. Teaching is exhausting, as is maintaining outrage.

But things are serious now, y’all! All those rights women fought for so courageously 50 years ago are under attack. Today, we’re facing an even greater assault on not only women and science, but also on diversity, equity, and inclusion, environmental regulations, civil rights, climate change science—basically everything that benefits citizens of this country. And those attacks are cruel.

For months, I’ve agonized over what I can do that will make a difference. I’ve written my legislators over and over, ad nauseum. The only responses are generic notes that rarely, if ever, address the issue I wrote about and assert that my esteemed representative is “proud to represent the people of their district.” However, I see no evidence that they represent anything but their own interests. I still write them, but I’m weary of composing those emails.

I was angry enough on April 5 to rally on the Texas Capitol grounds with my “Hands Off Science!” sign. I protested again on June 14 for “No Kings” day. I helped my local Indivisible group host a rally and march near me on June 28 to “Protect the Rule of Law.” Did any of these protests or rallies make a difference? I’m not sure if they will directly, but they do make a statement, and they draw people to the movement. They assure me there are many more people concerned about the fate of our democracy. There’s great value in that.

I’ve been appearing at these events through the solidarity of a group of older female friends who are just as upset as I am about what’s happening in our country. Some of them protested in the 60s and they’re enraged at having to fight the same battles again. Together, we march to register our disapproval. I’ve come to call us the “Protest Posse.”

Last week, the Protest Posse attended a John Lewis Good Trouble teach-in at an area library to inform us about the attacks on the right to vote. It was hosted by the League of Women Voters, which is a nonpartisan group. Despite their insistence that they do not endorse candidates or a political party, they’re furiously waving a huge red flag. We’re in dangerous times! they cry. The US is in a Constitutional Crisis! Their passion inspired me; I joined the League the next day.

Now I have a dilemma. I’ve joined three organizations that care deeply about protecting democracy and I support several other groups with contributions. Some are fighting the current crisis from a religious perspective, some from a purely nonpartisan angle, and others from decidedly Democratic angles. But do I have the time and energy to commit fully to more than one organization? Should I choose just one? Do I have energy for two?

I’ve responded to the voice inside my head since January to just do something! I’m inspired by a protest sign at the April 5 Texas Capitol that read, “I want to be able to tell my grandchildren I did not remain silent.” This is vital to me, too. I don’t want to accept the threats to our democracy without a fight. The question is how to fight, given my age and whatever experiences and skills I’ve accumulated (or not) in those years.

I’m a writer, and I feel most effective when I’m processing ideas into words. I also have some time and energy outside the writing I do for publication to take part in rallies or protests. I’m still a newbie when it comes to the science of activism. I don’t have the network some activists do, but I’ll activate the Protest Posse when I can.

In other words, despite the urgency of the times, I do have a life to lead. I want to engage in activities that bring me joy and bring joy and hope to others. Reading with first graders each week at Voigt Elementary in Round Rock brings me and the students joy. Making a hundred-plus sandwiches (via Mobile Loaves and Fishes), loading up a food truck with meals and new socks, then delivering them to folks who inhabit tent cities or local parks gives me joy, and spreads a bit of hope that they’re not forgotten. Providing host and nectar plants for visiting pollinators gives me joy.

Although I’m not an activist, because I’m a writer, I will write. Writing about mental illness, education/teaching, and teen pregnancy, talking with others about the subjects I care about—including the fate of our democracy—gives me purpose. If I fail to find joy or spread hope during these perilous times, I’ve capitulated to the chaos and cruelties perpetrated by this administration. I refuse to do that.

Earlier this year, I celebrated on Substack several organizations that support the best interests of teen moms, a group of young women I care deeply about. In the next several weeks, I’ll highlight organizations with whom I associate that support American democracy in some form or that spread hope in the community. I’ll spotlight the political actions of ACLU Texas, the League of Women Voters, Indivisible, the Truth Brigade, and Texas Impact, as well as social services such as Education Connection and Mobile Loaves and Fishes.

I think we need reminders from time to time that there are millions of people in our country doing good work to fight tyranny and to spread hope. It will take all of us to do this good work, and we are not alone. No one can fight every battle. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something!