đ˘ Good Trouble: I Was Arrested for Speaking Out in Troubling Times
When Democracy Is Under Threat, Taking Action Isnât a CrimeâItâs a Duty
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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 childâs future and all childrenâs.
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 activismâwriting 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 accountableâgives 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 donât 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 doâattending a meeting, having a conversation, signing a petition, or volunteeringâcreates ripples. Those ripples inspire others to act, and together, we build the momentum needed to drive progress.
Letâs commit to showing up, speaking out, and proving that our actions matterâbecause they do.
Together we can champion Progress and Power to the People
People Power United members are committed to championing progress and power to the people. We don't just complain; we do the work to make change happen.
Friends, this is a plea for help with our People Power United efforts. With our membership growing, we're building momentum, but we need your help to reach even more peopleâevery bit of assistance counts. Together, we can make a difference!
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People Power United champions progress and power to the people
In this community, we will always take action and speak out against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and bigotry in all its forms!
We are a group of people who believe in the possibility of changeâand work every day to make it happen. Join us by taking action and speaking out to champion progress and power to the people! Together, we can inspire progress and create a community where everyone can thrive!
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We are not just resistingâwe are reclaiming, rebuilding, and rising. Letâs do it together.
With fierce resolve and people power,
Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests)
People Power United
Together, we can champion progress, protect our rights and freedoms, and hold our leaders accountable to the peopleâs will. By speaking out, showing up, and building power, weâll defend democracy, uphold the rule of law, and inspire voters to take meaningful actionâso that everyone in our community can thrive.
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We need you every day. Make as much noize as you can. Tell some shocking stories.Those are what get the people attention.
You go LaurieđđŻ