Your participation in democracy matters
By Tammy Green | Deputy CEO
On October 18, 2025, there will be a series of “No Kings Day” protests across the country. Many have signs made, frog costumes rented, and a plan of action for the day. If you believe in democracy, it’s important to show up and show out when the moment calls for it. Standing in solidarity with others for the greater good makes a powerful statement and is usually effective in attracting attention. But it’s equally as important to show up in the quiet moments, when the entire world isn’t watching.
Results aren’t always immediate. That doesn’t mean it isn’t working.
Like many, I have been dissatisfied with the limits of what citizens can realistically do. Voting and calling my elected representatives doesn’t seem to achieve outcomes that benefit most Americans. If I had a million dollar donation to offer, could I turn the heads of those in power? Maybe. In the real world, the only avenue left open to draw attention to issues seems to be gathering in large numbers. It’s difficult to ignore millions of people. Presumably it becomes impossible to ignore when 3.5% of the population is joined together in non-violent action. Will this weekend’s protest hit that magic percentage and become the tipping point? We shall see.
Beyond protests and the ballot box – how you can make a difference.
Besides protesting, there are many ways to exercise democracy, and even more ways to make a point. Showing up for friends, neighbors, and others who have been directly impacted for political reasons is important. So is supporting the people and institutions that have been targeted or could potentially be targeted. This means going to school board meetings, library support groups, and, yes, the boring town hall meetings to participate and stand witness to what’s happening in your community. This could also be as simple as sharing local protests or events on Instagram, Bluesky, or wherever you spend time online. All of this takes time and effort, but it’s something all we need to do to safeguard our way of life.
There’s more that you can do on a personal level, too. Stop funding companies that don’t align with your values. When the plug got pulled on Jimmy Kimmel, people protested by taking away their dollars. Individually that’s a symbolic act, but collectively? That's an action that has impact. I was never a Disney subscriber, but I stopped shopping at Amazon and Target. And these days, I put any new purchases under a great deal of scrutiny before making them. Oh, it’s a pain in the ass, but I do it because I know others are doing it, too. And if you can’t do that because of reasons, that’s okay. We all find our way to participate. Together, we’ll get there.
Every action matters. Choose what’s right for you.
If you have the need to be a part of something bigger, but don’t want to march, there are new onramps to civic engagement springing up everywhere. Find an organization with other like-minded people and put your unique talents to the task of making our country better. Project 2029 is one way to do that. If you’re interested in learning how you can help, reach out here. There are many other groups that need help as well and will meet you where you are. Maybe that means joining a team, volunteering or donating. Maybe it’s simply sharing their message with a friend. Together, our collective actions make a big impact. Think about what you can do beyond the ballot.
And if nothing else comes to mind? Well. Frogs together, strong.