📢 Grassroots Activism: Does It Truly Make an Impact?
🗽 The movement for who we are and what we represent is happening now.
People Power United is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Hi Friends,
As promised, I’m beginning to share some reflections on the last election cycle. This is only the beginning, as there’s so much to unpack. Having these conversations is essential for us to reflect, learn, and take meaningful steps forward.
Today, I’m sharing part 3 of a series I’m calling United Not Divided. Earlier this week, I addressed two critical challenges we face in our fight for freedom over fascism: apathy and fear. If you missed my thoughts on the dangers of apathy—the first and most urgent challenge we must confront—you can click here to check it out. I also wrote about the second challenge, fear and intimidation, which bullies and tyrants use to control and divide us. Let me be clear: we will not live in fear or let intimidation dictate our actions. You can read more about it here.
Today, I want to address a question I hear often: Does my activism make a difference? Is it worth my time? My answer is unequivocal—yes, your activism matters and here is why:
Grassroots activism makes a profound impact. The energy, passion, and determination of even a small group of people can change the course of a nation. Unfortunately, we’re seeing that in action right now with the rise of the MAGA movement. While I strongly disagree with the Project 2025 agenda and MAGA’s mission to dismantle our rights, freedoms, democracy, and rule of law, we must acknowledge the effectiveness of their grassroots efforts. Across the country, MAGA activists showed up in their communities, mobilizing voters with relentless energy and focus. County by county, they persuaded Americans to shift their allegiances. When I first saw a Washington Post map depicting these shifts—red arrows marking the movement from Democrats to Republicans—I wasn’t surprised. It confirmed what I suspected: MAGA’s grassroots organizing is gaining traction, even in traditionally blue states.
This surge didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of groundwork, coalition-building, and voter persuasion at the local level. While Democratic leaders and organizations scramble for explanations, the lesson is clear: grassroots activism has a powerful influence. And no, I’m not referring to last-minute GOTV (Get Out the Vote) efforts, like the Harris-Walz campaign. By the time Kamala Harris entered the race, it was too late. The grassroots enthusiasm needed to energize voters simply wasn’t there.
Over the past few years, many democratic and progressive spaces have spent more time debating policy differences than building coalitions united in purpose and determination. Yes, there are important coalitions doing critical work—I know because People Power United is part of some of them. But in my humble opinion, too many lack the grassroots energy that defines real, transformative movements. Grassroots activism is about volunteers—ordinary people—who invest their time, talent, and treasure into causes they believe in, creating a better tomorrow.
The problem is that much of our progressive organizing has been driven top-down, with policy, messaging, and strategies dictated by a few funders or organizations. These entities often speak to us, not with us. As a result, many of these same organizations struggle to inspire volunteers and build authentic grassroots energy. In contrast, real grassroots activism starts with individuals—neighbors, friends, coworkers—coming together to tackle shared problems. It’s nimble, dynamic, and authentic, proving that change often begins not in the halls of power but in the streets, kitchens, and living rooms of everyday people who refuse to accept the status quo.
So, back to the original question: Does my activism make a difference? Absolutely. History shows us that bad things happen when good people do nothing. Grassroots movements—whether fighting for civil rights, women’s suffrage, or environmental protections—have always relied on the collective power of individuals taking small, meaningful actions. Your efforts, no matter how modest they may seem, contribute to the larger wave of change.
Some people believe one person can’t make a difference. I don’t see it that way. Every small action—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.
Let’s commit to showing up, speaking out, and proving that our actions matter—because 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 people—every bit of assistance counts. Together, we can make a difference!
People Power United is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Click here to advocate for No cuts to Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid!
Click here for President Biden: Revoke Elon Musk's Security Clearance
Click here to Stop Project 2025 from taking over Medicare!
Click here to Tell the Fed to Fight Climate Change
Click here to Oppose Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense
Give us a ❤️ heart and leave a comment on this post. Share this post on your social media channel.
You're invited: Stop Project 2025
Are you concerned about the direction our country is headed and the far-right agenda threatening our future?
Now is the time to stand up and take action! We invite you to our one-hour training, "Stop Project 2025: Mobilize for Change," presented by People Power United. By joining this training, you'll learn about the real and urgent threat of Project 2025 and why it's essential to mobilize now to stop it. ✨ Join us:
Wednesday, November 27th at 7pm Eastern or Sunday, December 1st at 7pm Eastern, click here to signup:
Together, we can protect and empower those we love, champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people's will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.
In a democracy, the principle that "no one is above the law" is non-negotiable.
Allowing leaders to escape the consequences of their actions sends a dangerous message that power, not justice, prevails—ultimately destabilizing society and giving rise to authoritarianism.
History warns us that unchecked power leads to corruption, oppression, and the silencing of our voices, threatening the freedoms we cherish.
Now, more than ever, we need everyone to step up and stand together. Join us and be part of a movement that demands accountability and justice for all. More resources are coming, but today, please join our Not Above the Law Rapid Response Team and sign on to our Freedom Over Fascism pledge.
People Power United Updates
Our group is growing by leaps and bounds! Folks understand that with love in our hearts and hard work, we will reclaim our nation from cruelty, chaos, and confusion. We are having fun making impactful changes in our community! In case you missed it, this past week was busy:
We joined a group effort to encourage the Senate to move forward with confirming Head of Office of Government Ethics (it worked!)
We sent out several updates and news briefs on our newsletters:
Stay connected, get People Power United on the Substack app
Additional updates can be found here.
Laurie’s Post-Election Message
After living in Florida for over 30 years, I've witnessed firsthand how easily rights, freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law can erode in a red state.
I share with many of you the feelings of deep disappointment in seeing the election of former President Trump and convicted felon to the highest office of President, the loss of the U.S. Senate, and the precarious hold on the U.S. House. This is not just a matter of politics—it's personal.
The day we stop advocating fiercely for our families, friends, co-workers, and communities is the day we surrender to authoritarianism—and that day is not today.
There will be endless analyses, explanations, and debates about what happened and why. I'll share my thoughts when the time is right, but remember this: our voice remains strong.
No one can silence us from speaking out against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and bigotry!
No one can take away our resolve to demand accountability from our leaders to uphold the people's will.
And no one can extinguish our movement for progress and empowerment for every American to thrive.
This experience, like many others, is an opportunity to rethink how we protect and expand the principles we believe in.
We must come together, address this setback, and build a stronger, more resilient movement for the future.
Together with you, I am looking forward to turning this disappointment into a driving force for accountability, justice, and unwavering commitment to the ideals that brought us here.
- Laurie Woodward Garcia
Join us to build People Power! Together, we can protect and empower those we love, champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people's will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.
Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests)
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!
People Power United is a group of community members that champions progressive values and power for the people.
Great article. Thanks. I was on your Project 2025 call Sunday, fabulous!