📢 The Day I Was Arrested
Why I was arrested for standing up for justice—and what it reveals about activism, accountability, and the cost of speaking out for our rights.
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Friends, I want to thank you for being a free or paid subscriber and for supporting this scrappy, people-powered movement.
Your support helps our People Power United community champion freedom over fascism, real progress, and power to the people. I’m resharing this piece as a reminder that as we recommit to 2026, we must keep showing up, speaking out, and proving that our actions matter—because they truly do.
I am a firm believer that bad things happen when good people do nothing.
Many people believe that no one person can effect change. I disagree. All of our small actions can and do affect change. I believe that my job as a mom is to feed, clothe, shelter, educate, and love my child. But I also have a job as an American mom, and that is to fiercely advocate for my child’s future and all children’s.
Yes I was arrested. It happened a few years ago when I went to DC as an ally to support dreamers seeking DACA.
I have since been arrested over a dozen times in the past few years for civil disobedience for reproductive justice, immigration reform, democracy, and more. I have no record on my file because it was civil disobedience and I paid my civil fines. Civil disobedience, alongside our activism—writing letters, signing petitions, making calls, knocking on doors, reaching out to voters with letters and postcards, sharing resources on social media, registering new voters, electing leaders, and holding them accountable—gives us the power to drive real progress. These tools, used together, amplify our impact and keep the momentum for change alive.
I mention this period in my life because it was terrifying. I hear a lot of folks say they have no time for to advocate for our rights, freedoms, democracy, or the rule of law or they don’t think they can have an impact, but the reality is most folks are afraid. I will submit that I had no idea when I left suburbia what would happen, but I knew then and now that failure is not an option. We are living in troubled times that require good people to speak out and take action. You don't need to get arrested like me, but there are plenty of ways to speak out and get involved. No matter what we do our actions will never be as terrifying as what some folks in our community experience.
It will never be as terrifying as the people living in our community being targeted and criminalized because of the color of their skin or speak a different language or practice a different religion.
It will never be as terrifying as folks dying because they have no access to affordable healthcare or housing.
It will never be as terrifying as watching innocent lives slaughtered by weapons of war.
It will never be as terrifying as someone being targeted for their identity, pronouns, or who they choose to love.
It will never be as terrifying as the fear of living everyday in limbo, afraid to share who you are and where your heritage comes from.
It will never be as terrifying as folks struggling to make their bills and take care of their families, while they watch more tax breaks go to billionaires and special interest groups.
As long as there is a breath in my body and I have the ability to stand up and fight these travesties, I will be there with my fists in the air. Hopefully there will be no more arrests, but if there is, so be it.
Will you join me to keep pushing back against fascism, racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, transphobia, misogynoir, elitism, and bigotry?
Every small action you do—attending a meeting, having a conversation, signing a petition, or volunteering—creates ripples. Those ripples inspire others to act, and together, we build the momentum needed to drive progress.
We’ve seen the impact of grassroots organizing on the other side. MAGA’s movement, despite its destructive agenda, is proof that activism matters. Now it’s our turn to harness our energy for good—to build coalitions rooted in justice, equity, passion, authenticity, and determination. When we invest in grassroots activism, we’re not just changing the present; we’re creating a future where freedom, justice, and democracy thrive.
As we enter 2026, let’s commit to showing up, speaking out, and proving that our actions matter—because they do.
Wishing you the best for 2026!
A friendly reminder — we’re a community that believes in the power of change and puts in the work to make it happen. It might not seem like much to spend five minutes signing a petition, writing a letter, or making a call, but when we act together, those small efforts add up. That’s how we hold our leaders accountable to the will of the people.
Today’s Calls to Action
Click here to Investigate Trump’s Christmas Day Bombing of Nigeria
Click here to Ban Guns on College Campuses Nationwide
Click here to Ban Members of Congress from Trading Stock While in Office
Click here to Expand Social Security: Raise the Cap on Social Security Taxes
Click here to Tell Congress: Stop Fossil Fuel Giveaways—Fund Our Future
Click here to Tell Congress: Visit ICE Detention Centers NOW
Click here to Demand Congress Reject “Trump-Kennedy Center” Rename
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Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests), People Power United
People Power United | In this community, we will always speak out against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and bigotry!
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This looks like an invaluable resource. Thank you for letting me read a reply and share as a free subscriber. There are so many talented and supportive people on Substack and You Tube and even on Facebook.
My goal this year, starting New Years Eve 2025 is to take yours and others suggestions for physical actions and post about my experience.
I’ve been kind of not committed to participating in our democracy with the actual work and participation that I think is required.
So thank you for your great Substack.
Have hope! 🤜🏽🤛🏻
Thank you. There is hope. The power of the people is stronger than the people in power!!