A Decade of Resistance: Six Lessons from Fighting Trump's Authoritarianism
"Our country is atomized and our culture propels people to sit in front of their screens, hopelessly doomscrolling. The only solution is community." This powerful statement encapsulates the journey of Saul Austerlitz, who has spent over nine years leading grassroots efforts against the rise of authoritarianism in the United States. In January 2017, Austerlitz sent a tentative email to friends alarmed by Donald Trump's election, sparking a local chapter of Indivisible. With no prior activism experience, he embarked on a mission that has since evolved into a formidable force for democracy.
The Daily Grind of Activism
From that humble beginning, Austerlitz's group has sent approximately 2,300 daily emails, each with a concrete ask: call representatives, donate, or attend rallies. They have knocked on tens of thousands of doors, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, sponsored refugee families, and mobilized communities. Despite Trump's re-election in 2024, the group has more than doubled in size and ambition, tackling issues like supporting asylum seekers and organizing weekly Freedom Friday protests.
Six Key Lessons for Troubled Times
In the face of Trump 2.0's galloping authoritarianism, Austerlitz offers six lessons for Americans seeking to fight back. First, the work is every day. Committing to a consistent rhythm, whether daily or weekly, builds resilience against the unending challenges. Second, if you want to go far, go with others. Community is essential, countering isolation and amplifying efforts through shared responsibility.
Third, adopt the medical school model: see one, do one, teach one. This approach ensures that newcomers are guided by experienced activists, fostering a cycle of learning and leadership. Fourth, emphasize the personal touch. While activism can feel impersonal, building community through events and personal check-ins strengthens bonds and prevents burnout.
Fifth, be stubborn. Austerlitz urges resistance against despair, channeling inner determination to persist in the fight for democracy. Sixth, hope is a muscle. Cultivating hope requires effort and sharing it with others, serving as a prelude to action in dire times.
Hope in Action: The No Kings Initiative
For initiatives like No Kings 3, the group created zines like "Everyday Resistance," distributing thousands of copies to encourage political involvement. Volunteers covered costs and handed them out, demonstrating that people are fighting wholeheartedly for democracy. Austerlitz concludes that all it takes is everything we have, reminding us that hope blooms when given away.
