Whether it's defending democracy, working for social justice, or fighting for meaningful climate action, one of the most powerful things an individual can do is join a group. Among historian Timothy Snyder's Twenty Lessons on Fighting Tyranny from the Twentieth Century are several that encourage us to band and hold together
2. Defend institutions. It is institutions that
help us to preserve decency. They need our help as well. Do not speak of
“our institutions” unless you make them yours by acting on their
behalf. Institutions do not protect themselves. So choose an institution
you care about and take its side.
3. Beware the one-party state. The parties that
remade states and suppressed rivals were not omnipotent from the start.
They exploited a historic moment to make political life impossible for
their opponents. So support the multi-party system and defend the rules
of democratic elections.
13. Practice corporeal politics. Power wants your
body softening in your chair and your emotions dissipating on the
screen. Get outside. Put your body in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar
people. Make new friends and march with them.
15. Contribute to good causes. Be active in organizations, political or not, that express your own view of life. Pick a charity or two and set up autopay.
One example of a fighting, determined organization with a long history of perseverance and success is the League of Women Voters. Established in 1920, just before a one-vote margin in Tennessee pushed ratification of the 19th Amendment over the line, the LWV has been educating about, advocating for, and supporting voting rights for more than 100 years.
You've probably seen the La Crosse area League (founded in 1924) registering voters at the Interstate Fair, in high schools, at Pride in the Park and Juneteenth and Earth Fair, and at polling places. The league also offers voter education, candidate information, issues forums, help with understanding legislation that impacts voting rights, and information about other issues, from legislative maps to environmental concerns, that impact us all. They also offer monthly programs, special speakers, and a book club.
You don't have to be a woman to join the League! Everyone is welcome. Consider it. They are one of the oldest, strongest, fiercest defenders of our basic Constitutional rights and we need them now more than ever.
While the registration deadline has passed, there will be a member Meet and Greet on Thursday at JavaVino between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Join online, buy your own refreshments, and network with this important crew.If you join in the next week or so, consider attending the League's annual meeting on May 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Stoney Creek Conference Center in Onalaska. Registration by May 5 is required.
Even if you can't join right now, you can still volunteer with the League or donate to the cause. Their website is full of useful voter information, especially the national league's Vote411 website and the local league's Candidate and Issues Info page.
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