Category: media

Media type.

One Million Rising

by Indivisible

Publisher: No Kings

Across the country, authoritarian forces are getting bolder and more dangerous. Trump and his allies are not hiding their agenda: mass deportations, rollbacks of civil rights, weaponized courts, and full-scale attacks on our democracy. We don’t have to wait until it’s too late. We can stop this. But it’ll take all of us—not just single days of mass action, but sustained organizing in our communities.

That’s why this summer, we’re launching One Million Rising—a national effort to train one million people in the strategic logic and practice of non-cooperation, as well as the basics of community organizing and campaign design. This is how we build people power that can’t be ignored. You’re invited to join us—and lead.

You can visit the site to see the recorded videos and access the training materials.

https://www.nokings.org/rise

Saving Democracy

A User's Manual for Every American: 2nd Edition: The Trump Era

by David Pepper

Publisher: St. Helena Press

Recommended by: Steve G.

Saving Democracy is that rare book that doesn’t simply diagnose the crisis our democracy faces, and the broader strategies that we must take to fight back…but it breaks it all down so that every reader understands the role she or he can play in their own lives.

Buy

Starts With Us

Based on decades of research from Columbia University Professor and Starts With Us Expert-in-Residence Peter T. Coleman, Ph.D., the Finding The Way Out Challenge is designed to help shape new habits and norms for political tolerance and courageous compassion. Think of it as a personalized boot camp for building a healthier national culture and repairing broken relationships across differences.

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Latest Articles

  • Trump Says AI Is ‘Woke’ — Is It? We Asked an AI Expert
    A Washington Post study confirmed that artificial intelligence chatbots tend to hold a left-leaning bias. But ChatGPT’s owner, OpenAI, is pushing back. Who should we believe? We asked Builders Movement Partner Keegan Evans, who works at the intersection of AI and humanity.   By Alex Buscemi, Editorial Manager at Builders | 9 min read  … The post Trump Says AI Is ‘Woke’ — Is It? We Asked an AI Expert appeared first on Builders.
  • 30 Quotes That Define America
    By Alex Buscemi, Editorial Manager at Builders | 6 min read This weekend, America turns 250. And if you go looking for the single idea that has carried this country through revolution, civil war, depression, and every kind of division, you keep landing on the same one: that wildly different people can still choose to… The post 30 Quotes That Define America appeared first on Builders.
  • Legendary Pitmaster Ryan Mitchell Tells Us What He’s Learned About Bringing People Together
    By Alex Buscemi, Editorial Manager at Builders | 6 min read Ryan Mitchell comes from a long line of pitmasters. His grandparents were sharecroppers who cooked whole hog over oak wood in the same barns where they cured tobacco. His father Ed took the family recipe to new heights, and it’s since been featured by… The post Legendary Pitmaster Ryan Mitchell Tells Us What He’s Learned About Bringing People Together appeared first on Builders.
  • 4 Things Other States Could Learn From Texas
    By Alex Buscemi, Editorial Manager at Builders | 5 min read   Many states in the country are wrestling with the same handful of problems: how to keep housing and life affordable, how to keep the lights on, how to grow good jobs, and how to scale infrastructure to accommodate a booming population. In these… The post 4 Things Other States Could Learn From Texas appeared first on Builders.
  • 10 Moments That Almost Broke America, But Made Us Stronger Instead
    By Alex Buscemi, Editorial Manager at Builders | 9 min read   You’ve probably heard it uttered online recently: America is more divided than ever. But we’ve survived worse. Much worse. And every time we did, we came out stronger than before. As we reflect on our nation’s 250 years, here’s the history worth remembering.… The post 10 Moments That Almost Broke America, But Made Us Stronger Instead appeared first on Builders.

Crossing Party Lines

Our story begins in 2016 with two groups starting independently of one another — on opposite coasts of the United States. Coincidentally, both founders chose the same name, “Crossing Party Lines.” Their shared vision led them to create a volunteer platform to unite Americans through warm and engaging conversations. Prompted by a time of unprecedented political polarization, these two visionaries, their energetic team of volunteers, and over 3,000 CPL members are uniting America one conversation at a time. Donations to Crossing Party Lines, Inc. are 501(c)3) tax-deductible. 

Find out more

Latest Articles

  • Loving a Country Enough to Keep Working on It
    by Lisa K Swallow
    This Independence Day, many Americans will celebrate with fireworks while others will struggle to celebrate at all. What if those very different reactions can spring from the same place—a deep love for our country and a desire to see it become the best version of itself? . The post Loving a Country Enough to Keep Working on It first appeared on Crossing Party Lines.
  • The Gift of Spring — Renewing Curiosity
    by Lisa K Swallow
    So many of us come to CPL carrying a kind of weary certainty — certain we know what the other side thinks, sure we know how the conversation will go. But when we stop being surprised, we stop being curious. And that, more than any single policy disagreement, is where connection goes to die. The post The Gift of Spring — Renewing Curiosity first appeared on Crossing Party Lines.
  • Curate a Better Feed: 5 Instagram Accounts That Help You Think Clearly in a Noisy World
    by Lisa K Swallow
    Social media doesn’t have to be a source of stress, division, or misinformation — but only if we curate it intentionally. By following voices that promote clarity, compassion, and critical thinking, your feed can become a space for growth, not outrage. In this post, we’re sharing 5 Instagram accounts that will help you scroll smarter and engage with more purpose online. The post Curate a Better Feed: 5 Instagram Accounts That Help You Think Clearly in a Noisy World first appeared on Crossing Party Lines.
  • Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness….
    by Gabriela Morales
    As we approach the Fourth of July, we’re called to reflect not just on freedom and independence, but on how we live those values every day. In a nation built on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, how often do we pause to ask ourselves: What do these ideals mean to me? Our new Executive Director invites us to consider our privileges, responsibilities, and the legacy we’re shaping for future generations. The post Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness…. first appeared on Crossing Party Lines.
  • New Job, New Understandings
    by Gabriela Morales
    I recently joined 500+ orgs in the Listen First Coalition’s mission to heal divides through deep listening. With @CrossingPartyLines, I’m learning how empathy, training, and community help us disagree better and grow together. 💬 #ListenFirst #CrossingPartyLines The post New Job, New Understandings first appeared on Crossing Party Lines.

Braver Angels

Braver Angels is leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the political divide. Through community gatherings, real debates, and grassroots leaders working together, we’re offering America what it needs to overcome the bitterness of our partisan divide. Donations to Braver Angels are 501(c)3 tax deductible

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Latest Articles

  • ‘Braver Angels really helped me to see the humanity in people from the other side’: One high schooler’s journey to better political conversations
    by Braver Angels
    A native of Boulder, Colorado, Mia didn’t know many Trump supporters—and she was nervous to engage with them. “I was like, ‘Don't they hate women? Don't they hate black people?’” she said. “That was my initial belief because that's what I had heard about people who voted for Trump.” But she quickly realized she was wrong. During the first Braver Lens session, Mia was able to connect with conservatives in the group and recognize their points of commonality. “When we met, they showed their pictures, and explained their life stories, and I was able to see where our values overlap,” […]
  • How a Christian conservative found his way to Braver Angels
    by Braver Angels
    As a young man, Daniel’s father emerged from a broken, dysfunctional home looking for direction and found it while attending a Billy Graham crusade in Chicago. There, he “walked forward”—committing himself to Jesus Christ and changing the trajectory of his family. Not long after, he married Daniel’s mom, a Christian convert whose grandparents sought refuge in America after escaping pogroms in Europe. The post How a Christian conservative found his way to Braver Angels appeared first on Braver Angels.
  • Announcing Braver Angels Advisory Council
    by Maury Giles
    Twenty-three leaders who disagree on many things said yes to the same thing this month. They agreed to stand together, publicly, behind the idea that Americans can hold fast to their convictions while staying genuinely curious about the convictions of people on the other side. That's it. That's the commitment. For more than nine years, Braver Angels has reached people in every state in the union. The ones who've engaged have experienced something that surprises them every time: the relief of disagreeing without contempt, and the discovery that the person across the table is not who the feed said they […]
  • Happy National Volunteer Week!
    by Gabriella Timmis
    Braver Angels is powered by volunteers: everyday people who believe they have a role in bringing out the best in our country. And seeing our volunteers in action—giving their time and energy to bring together individuals who never dreamed they’d be in a room together—has buoyed me through all the political uncertainty. The post Happy National Volunteer Week! appeared first on Braver Angels.
  • Letter: Word choice crashes argument – Mountain Xpress
    by astillman@gmail.com
    As a member of Braver Angels , I appreciate a good, fair debate. Bill Branyon won that one, Carl. Better luck next time. — Fred Racey Asheville. 13 … The post Letter: Word choice crashes argument – Mountain Xpress appeared first on Braver Angels.
  • Community calendar – The Ely Echo
    by astillman@gmail.com
    This program is sponsored by Friends of the Library. The next Braver Angels Gathering will be on Wednesday, March 25 at 6 p.m. at the Ely Senior … The post Community calendar – The Ely Echo appeared first on Braver Angels.
  • Party politics drive partial government shutdown | Opinion letters – The News-Press
    by astillman@gmail.com
    That crisis birthed Braver Angels after the 2016 election, responding to decades of brewing toxicity. A volunteer-led, cross-partisan movement, it … The post Party politics drive partial government shutdown | Opinion letters – The News-Press appeared first on Braver Angels.

Living Room Conversations

LRC connects people across divides – politics, age, gender, race, nationality, and more – through guided conversations proven to build understanding and transform communities. 

IPV is just getting started with Living Room Conversations. If you are interested in joining us for a conversation, please get in touch. Donations to Living Room Conversations are 501(c)3) tax-deductible.  

Find out more

How to Have Constructive Conversations

We must be willing to ‘talk about it’

Everyone in our democracy must be able to speak their minds about public issues. Speaking up needs to be safe, responsible, respectful and free.  This includes airing differences, supplying facts, and explaining opinions and options.   

Even in conversations with people with whom we seem to agree, it’s important to air differences. This can be challenging, yet it’s worth it because we can learn from each other. 

Conversations with others who have very different perspectives, or whose views seem to be underinformed or based on inaccurate information, or different values, can be much harder. 

Basic Guidelines:

  • Be curious and listen to understand.
  • Show respect and suspend judgment. 
  • Note any common ground as well as any differences. 
  • Be authentic and welcome that from others. 
  • Be purposeful and to the point. 
  • Own and guide the conversation. 

How can we effectively navigate these varied circumstances? Here are five suggestions:

  1. It’s good to have a goal. You might want to learn about others’ perspectives and how they came to them.  You might want to express your own views and be taken seriously. It’s best to be civil and constructive. If there’s a downward spiral, it’s OK to take a time out.
  2. Establish a personal connection. Tell stories from your life and ask about theirs; look for common themes.  Ask, “I wonder…?”  or “I’m curious about…”   Note opportunities to bond and connect over shared experiences and interests. You also show respect when you ask: “What am I missing on this topic?  How can I learn something more about this?”
  3. When something you disagree about comes up, you might ask: How did you develop that viewpoint? What is your source of information?  What experiences shape your opinion?  Focus on personal stories and look for areas you have in common.  You might discuss values (e.g., caring, fairness, freedom, equality before the law, honesty).  Or you might explore overlaps in specific situations.  In what circumstances might one value take precedence?  Why?  We have a lot to learn from each other.
  4. Another approach is to get down to brass tacks and ask about democracy. Taking a suggestion from the book, How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide, by Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay, you might pose a simple poll to them: on a scale of 1 to 10, with one being “I have no concerns about American democracy at all” and 10 being “American democracy is at the most serious risk in its history,” what number would you choose?  Why?  What might cause you to change your mind?  There could be genuine curiosity about their explanations without having to agree with their viewpoints.
  5. Find ways to work together on a project of mutual interest.  Schools? Performing Arts? Open Space? Fire Safety? This can demonstrate that democracy (e.g., disagreeing respectfully, setting rules and establishing fair processes, listening actively, etc.) can help produce wiser, fairer, more lasting, and more efficient outcomes.

Don’t Coerce. Listen First!

Beyond Conflict Institute reports “people perceive that the other side disagrees with them far more than is actually the case.”

So let’s find the courage to

  • GET CURIOUS! 
  • ASK QUESTIONS! 
  • LISTEN TO LEARN!
  • LOOK FOR COMMON GROUND!
  • We can always agree to disagree. 
  • If things get heated, take a break!

Check out these articles for more: 

Are we really as divided as we think? How dark forces are attempting to alienate us from our neighbours, The Toronto Star, April 25, 2023, by Frank Giustra

Yes, It’s Possible to (Gracefully) Talk Politics at Work, Harvard Business Review, October 30, 2020, by Raina Brands

Keeping It Civil: How To Talk Politics Without Letting Things Turn Ugly, NPR, April 12, 2019, by Caroline Kelly

No Kings

For the latest information about No Kings events, go to this website: https://www.nokings.org

About No Kings

In June, we did what many claimed was impossible: peacefully mobilized millions of people to take to the streets and declare with one voice — America has No Kings. And it mattered. The world saw the power of the people. President Trump’s birthday parade was drowned out by protests in every state and across the globe. His attempt to turn June 14 into a coronation collapsed, and the story became the strength of a movement rising against his authoritarian power grabs.

Four months later, that movement roared back even stronger. On October 18, over seven million Americans joined 2,700+ events in all 50 states — a nationwide uprising 14 times larger than both of Trump’s inaugurations combined. What began in June as a single day of defiance has become a sustained national resistance to tyranny, spreading from small towns to city centers and across every community determined to defend democracy.

Now, President Trump has doubled down. His administration is sending masked agents into our streets, terrorizing our communities. They are targeting immigrant families, profiling, arresting, and detaining people without warrants. Threatening to overtake elections. Gutting healthcare, environmental protections, and education when families need them most. Rigging maps to silence voters. Ignoring mass shootings at our schools and in our communities. Driving up the cost of living while handing out massive giveaways to billionaire allies, as families struggle.

The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings — and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty.

Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger. “No Kings” is more than just a slogan; it is the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, shouted by millions, carried on posters and chants, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

Because this country does not belong to kings, dictators, or tyrants. It belongs to We the People — the people who care, who show up, and who fight for dignity, a life we can afford, and real opportunity. No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.

Resources

Signal and Whatsapp as Organizing Tools – Google Doc

Build Power Locally – Google Doc

Sustained Action Between & Beyond No Kings – Google Doc

No King YouTube Channel

Rise Up, Sing Out – A Concert for the First Amendment. An Evening to Build Community.

The next 250 starts with us. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we have a choice about what story we tell.

We can let strongman politics and corruption define the moment. …Or we can make the story of America about people coming together — across race, background, identity, belief, and community — to defend our rights and build a future rooted in people power.

On June 14, we rise up, we sing out, and we keep organizing.

While the Committee for the First Amendment leads and hosts this powerful concert, Indivisible and No Kings are proud to partner with them to build the durable, hyper-local infrastructure our movement needs to win and counter the president’s spectacle. On June 14, the national concert event celebrates the freedoms that belong to all of us: speech, assembly, protest, religion, press, and expression.

Across the country, communities will gather for local watch parties to sing along, make art, share food, connect with neighbors, and take meaningful action together.

————————————————————–

No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.

On October 18, millions of us are rising again to show the world: America has no kings, and the power belongs to the people.

As President Trump escalates his authoritarian power grab, the NO KINGS movement continues to rise stronger. We, the majority of millions, are united to remind the world: America has No Kings.Show More
Rise Up, Sing Out - A Concert for the First Amendment. An Evening to Build Community.
Rise Up, Sing Out – A Concert for the First Amendment. An Evening to Build Community.
The next 250 starts with us. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we have a choice about what story we tell. We can let strongman politics and corruption define the moment. Or we can make the story of America about people coming together — across race, background, identity, belief, and community — to defend our rights and build a future rooted in people power. On June 14, we rise up, we sing out, and we keep organizing. While the Committee for the First Amendment leads and hosts …
Good Trouble Lives On Mass Call: Solidarity with the South
Good Trouble Lives On Mass Call: Solidarity with the South
Sixty years after the fight for voting rights began on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, we are back in Alabama because the attacks on our communities are escalating, and we refuse to slow down. This Saturday, May 16th, the No Kings coalition is supporting “All Roads Lead to the South” in holding an emergency national day of action. We will stand in nonviolent solidarity against the Supreme Court’s gutting of the Voting Rights Act and the coordinated effort to disenfranchise Black voters across the …
Callais Decision: Rapid Response Call
Callais Decision: Rapid Response Call
Join the No Kings Coalition as we break down the ins and outs of the Callais decision, what this means for you, and the future. You will hear from leaders from LDF, ACLU, and clients from the case.
Ojo con ICE: Entrenamiento para Entrenadores, Derechos de las Personas Inmigrantes
Ojo con ICE: Entrenamiento para Entrenadores, Derechos de las Personas Inmigrantes
El abuso utilizado para ejecutar las leyes de inmigración nos pone en peligro a todos y especialmente a las personas no ciudadanas. Esta sesión nos dará las herramientas para entrenar a otros en temas básicos para que conozcan sus derechos como el derecho a permanecer callado, el derecho a rehusarse a ser registrado, y el derecho a grabar a ICE y a otros oficiales de la ley. También compartiremos mejores prácticas para reducir los riesgos al ejercer nuestros derechos. — No Thrones. No …
Eyes on ICE: Train the Trainer - Immigrants' Rights
Eyes on ICE: Train the Trainer – Immigrants' Rights
Abusive immigration enforcement poses a threat to us all but places non-citizens at particular risk. This session will equip participants to train others on core Know Your Rights topics such as the right to remain silent, the right to refuse to consent to searches, and the right to record ICE and other law enforcement officials. We will also cover best practices for reducing risks when exercising rights. No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings. On October 18, millions of us are rising again to show …
What’s Next after No Kings 3?
What’s Next after No Kings 3?
On March 28, millions of us made it clear: we don’t do kings in America. Our nonviolent movement is only growing. At our March 31 Mass Call, you’ll hear from leaders and fellow local activists to celebrate this historic mobilization and dig into what comes next. Join us.
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Actor and Zen priest, Peter Coyote, on protest tactics

by Peter Coyote

This Substack post was reformatted and posted on Facebook.

Summary

I’m watching the Los Angeles reaction to ICE raids with trepidation and regret.

Three years ago I taught a class at Harvard on the “theater of protest”— designed to help people understand why so many protests turn out to be Republican campaign videos working directly against the interests of the original protest.

Continue reading Actor and Zen priest, Peter Coyote, on protest tactics

Attack from Within

How Disinformation is Sabotaging America

by Barbara McQuade

Publisher: Penguin Random House

UPDATED EDITION: The MSNBC legal analyst explores the impact of disinformation after the 2024 presidential election—and what Americans can do before it’s too late.

“A comprehensive guide to the dynamics of disinformation and a necessary call to theethical commitment to truth that all democracies require.” —Timothy Snyder, author of On Tyranny

Disinformation—the deliberate spreading of lies disguised as truth, whether from opportunists on the far right, misinformed media influencers, or others—is fragmenting America more than ever before, pushing the nation toward extreme views, civil unrest, and violence.

In this bestselling book, now with a new foreword by the author, Barbara McQuade identifies how disinformation is seeping into all facets of our society, causing havoc in our voting systems, schools, hospitals, workplaces, and the Capitol.

McQuade, an MSNBC legal analyst and former federal prosecutor confronts the ways disinformation is being weaponized to polarize voters, degrade our legal structures, and leverage the political influence of manipulators and authoritarians. Now newly updated, Attack from Within shows us how to fight back against misinformed, extremist thinking and work toward preserving America’s hard-won democracy.

Buy

How to Spot Deliberately Misleading -DISINFORMATION

by Indivisible PV

CHECK THE SOURCE

Use reputable sources such as established news organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies. Be wary of sources that are unfamiliar or have a history of spreading false information.

VERIFY THE INFORMATION

Before sharing information, check to see if it has been reported by multiple sources. If not, it may be false or misleading.

LOOK FOR EVIDENCE

Disinformation often lacks evidence or relies on weak or misleading evidence. Look for sources that provide strong evidence to support their claims.

BE SKEPTICAL OF EMOTIONAL APPEALS

Disinformation often uses emotional appeals to manipulate people. Be wary of information that tries to appeal to your emotions rather than your reason.

BE AWARE OF YOUR OWN BIASES

We all have biases that can affect how we interpret information. Be aware of your own biases and try to approach information with an open mind.

THINK CRITICALLY

Ask questions, look for evidence, and consider alternative explanations.

Check Facts @:

POLITFACT

THE TRUST PROJECT

FACT CHECK

SNOPES

BBC VERIFY

FACT CHECKER (Washington Post)

REUTERS FACT CHECK

DUKE REPORTERS LAB

White Rural Rage

The Threat to American Democracy

by Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman

Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks

In White Rural Rage, Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman explore why rural Whites have failed to reap the benefits from their outsize political power and why, as a result, they are the most likely group to abandon democratic norms and traditions. Their rage—stoked daily by Republican politicians and the conservative media—now poses an existential threat to the United States.

INTERVIEW: Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman talk to Matt Lewis Media

Washington Post – Review

Buy

Thoughts on Aliens of Our Creation

Do they work for us, or for themselves?

By: Bruce Rafnel

Publisher: Substack, Authentic Community

Clearly, humans are causing climate change.

But we have more problems than warming the planet. Even if we control the temperature by reducing our CO2 emissions, there are many other ecological problems caused by humans: deforestation, desertification, disruption of water cycles, plastic pollution, insect decline, fishery collapses, and fuel resource depletion. The list goes on and on. “It is no accident that the ruins of the world’s oldest civilizations are mostly in deserts now. It wasn’t desert before that.”

Our human institutions are unwilling (or unable) to address these problems with real solutions. We created these institutions—corporations and governments, most notably—but we seem unable to control them. They have morphed into alien entities that now control us.

The smallest effective human-powered unit is a community, not an individual. However, tight, effective communities have been hobbled. It is time to relearn how to build communities, and then to do the work of taking back our government. At the same time, large organizations can be reformed or broken up, with non-violent actions, to remind them that they exist for humans, not themselves.

Read article

Authentic Community feed

4 tips for developing critical thinking skills

By: Steve Pearlman, Ph.D

Publisher: TEDx Talks, TEDxCapeMay

“Critical thinking” increasingly stands as the most sought-after skill that has long been too fleeting to define. Employers rate it as a pinnacle skill, but one of which they see too little, and educators claim to teach it, but over half of Millennials recently failed a simple Mindedge critical thinking test. So, what is critical thinking? Analysis? Information literacy? Thinking outside the box? Informal logic? Problem-solving? Evaluating data? Decision science? What if all of our efforts to define critical thinking as above have been the core problem with teaching it?

What if, instead of using our brains to devise conceptions of critical thinking, we eliminated the noise and revolutionized a way to teach people how to think better by tracing critical thinking back to its core evolutionary survival mechanisms?

What are the basic survival skills for all organisms?

  1. Perceive their environment
  2. Sense danger vs. reward
  3. Decide between danger and reward
  4. Act on the decision

Warren Reads 100 Acts of Trump Corruption Into Congressional Record To Mark 100 Days of the Trump Administration

“[I]nstead of following through on his promise [to lower costs], Trump and his administration have paved the way for the president, his top officials, and his billionaire buddies to personally feed at the trough of government corruption.”

“That’s 100 corrupt acts in 100 days. Americans deserve accountability. We need to fight back—all of us.”

by: U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)

Washington, D.C. – On the 100th day of this Trump administration, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) read 100 reports of corruption from President Trump’s term so far into the Congressional record. 

Senator Warren pointed to all the ways President Trump, his family, and associates like Elon Musk have used the presidency to enrich themselves, give favors to donors, and made it more difficult to hold him accountable for corruption. 

Transcript: “One Hundred Days, One Hundred Acts of Corruption”
U.S. Senate Floor
April 29, 2025

As Prepared for Delivery

Senator Elizabeth Warren: So here we are: one hundred days; one hundred acts of corruption.

Today, I’m reading into the congressional record 100 reports of corruption from Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office. When he ran for office, Trump promised repeatedly that he would lower costs “on day 1.”  But instead of following through on his promise, Trump and his administration have paved the way for the president, his top officials, and his billionaire buddies to personally feed at the trough of government corruption. 

So, count with me: In just one hundred days, Donald Trump, his family, and his Administration have:

See the List

A More Perfect Union

A New Vision for Building the Beloved Community
By Adam Russell Taylor
Recommended by: Bob
Publisher: Broadleaf Books

Thinking about alternatives is an important part of the One Million Rising training. In the words of the president of Sojourners, Adam Russell Taylor, whom I heard speak recently, to build a “more perfect union,” we need to be focusing on three priorities: Blocking, Bridging, and Building. We are focused a lot on Blocking bad things happening, but have little power to do that. In the future, we can work on Bridging, but that will take a very long time and will entail millions of one-on-one relationships.

Buy

In Trump’s Alternate Reality, Lies and Distortions Drive Change

Condoms for Gaza? Ukraine started the war with Russia? The president’s manipulations of the truth lay the groundwork for radical change.

by Peter Baker

Publisher: The New York Times

Mr. Trump has long been unfettered by truth when it comes to boasting about his record and tearing down his enemies. But what were dubbed “alternative facts” in his first term have quickly become a whole alternative reality in his second to lay the groundwork for radical change as he moves to aggressively reshape America and the world.

Read Article

Some Actions That Are Not Protesting or Voting

Some examples:

ANTI-CRIMINALIZATION

COMMUNITY DEFENSE/MIGRANT JUSTICE

Click Here for the Full List

(Archive Link)

This came from the Mutula Aid 101 course.

Mutual Aid 101: Solidarity, Survival, and Resistance

How to Organize Our Way Out of the Trump-Musk Putsch

A plan to harness grassroots energy—and to hold Democratic leaders accountable.

by Ezra Levin, Leah Greenberg

Summary

Indivisible founders, Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg, wrote this inspiring article for The Nation. Reviewed by Rachael Maddow.

Continue reading How to Organize Our Way Out of the Trump-Musk Putsch

505001

50501 is a peaceful movement. Violence of any kind will not be tolerated.

50501 is a national movement made up of everyday Americans
who stand for democracy, and who stand against the authoritarian
actions of the Trump Administration. The name 50501 stands for
50 States, 50 Protests, 1 Movement.

The 50501 movement is a grassroots effort, meaning it’s
powered by everyday people, not by politicians or political parties.
Most of the work happens at the local level, where volunteers
in local city or state groups organize protests, advertise events,
and handle logistics. These local groups are the lifeblood of the
movement and exist both online and in-person.
In addition to local level organizing, national coordination
between 50501 groups allows us to establish cohesive messaging,
decide dates of action, and share resources. This coordination is
decentralized, therefore, 50501 has no true leadership

Link-tree
Visit Site

Newsfeed

Stand Up For Science

Recommended by: Stu W.

On May 29, the Office of Management and Budget posted a sweeping regulatory change that will end American science as we know it.

Add Your Comment before July 13

It’s time to fight back! Head to the SUFS Action Center to:

  • Learn how to write public comments
  • Submit YOUR public comment
  • Contact your Members of Congress
  • Learn how to talk about this new proposed rule and why it matters
Take Action NOW!
  • We all have benefited from scientific advances; these rule changes will destroy US science. (Simply stating opposition is worthwhile for the record)
  • Personal and family stories about medical advances: cancer, COVID, overall lifespan and quality of life
  • Importance of accurate weather forecasts
  • The rules will hinder or eliminate publication and collaborations, essential parts of the scientific enterprise in all fields.
  • Ideological political appointees should not have the power to arbitrarily terminate inconvenient research and overrule scientific peer review.
  • Congress appropriates money, and the executive branch cannot arbitrarily decide not to spend it.
  • Congress has some powers to stop this. Contact your reps and senators and simply state opposition to the rules changes. They will note your opposition; you do not have to write a long piece.

About Us

Stand Up For Science is a political activism organization dedicated to defending and advancing America’s scientific ecosystem, a cornerstone of democracy, freedom, and progress.

Founded in February 2025, we came together in response to the Trump Administration’s dismantling of our nation’s premier science institutions and escalating threats to the lives and livelihoods of Americans. We recognized these attacks for what they are: authoritarian power grabs.

We believe that science is the lifeblood of American democracy and freedom. With a bold strategy combining activism, messaging campaigns, grassroots organizing, and political advocacy, we’re mobilizing the fight for science and democracy, now and for generations to come.

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Voter ID Requirement CA Poll

Public Opinion Strategies recently completed a survey of 800 likely voters in California. The survey was conducted January 19-22, 2025, and has a margin of error of ±3.46%. The memo below outlines some key findings from the survey.

Support for a voter ID requirement enjoys broad, bipartisan support in California.

  • Support for voter ID is both wide AND deep: 68% of Californians support a voter ID requirement, with a majority of voters (51%) STRONGLY supporting it.
Get the PDF

From: Public Opinion Strategies

Trump Administration Litigation Tracker

This project includes two tables that follow legal challenges to the actions from the Trump administration: the Lawfare Litigation Tracker and the Alien Enemies Act Proclamation: State of Play table.

Publisher: Lawfare

Recommended by: Bruce R.

The Litigation Tracker table tracks legal challenges to the Trump administration’s executive actions that deal with national security issues, as well as cases on behalf of the Trump administration to enforce them. You can sort the table by clicking the column titles and query keywords using the search box in the top left of the table. The table has the case name, what executive action is being challenged, the status of the case, and a summary of the litigation being brought. View an explanation of the statuses below.

The Alien Enemies Act Proclamation: State of Play table tracks the ongoing litigation challenging deportations under President Trump’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act.

See the Table

The Lawfare Litigation Tracker Includes:

  • 239 active cases challenging Trump administration actions (this numbers consider a suit filed in district court and appeals that arise from the original suit as one case)
  • 21 suits by the Trump administration challenging state or local laws
  • 17 Supreme Court stays or orders to vacate lower court orders
  • 1 Supreme Court affirmation of a lower court order
  • 8 suits where judges ruled for the federal government in a summary judgment or by dismissing a suit
  • 9 suits where judges ruled against the federal government in a summary judgment or permanent injunction
  • 6 criminal prosecutions by the Department of Justice (Rep. McIver, former FBI Director James Comey, former National Security Advisor John Bolton, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Congressional candidate Katherine Abughazaleh)
Lawfare

Outraged

Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground

By Kurt Gray

Publisher: Pantheon

It’s easy to assume that liberals and conservatives have radically different moral foundations. In Outraged, Kurt Gray showcases the latest science to demonstrate that we all have the same moral mind—that everyone’s moral judgments stem from feeling threatened or vulnerable to harm.

We all care about protecting ourselves and the vulnerable. Conflict arises, however, when we have different perceptions of harm. We get outraged when we disagree about who the “real” victim is, whether we’re talking about political issues, fights with our in-laws, or arguments on the playground.

In this fascinating and insightful tour of our moral minds, Gray tackles popular myths that prevent us from understanding ourselves and those around us. While it is commonly believed that our ancestors were apex predators, Gray argues that for the majority of our evolutionary history, humans were more hunted than hunter. This explains why our minds are hard-wired to perceive threats, and provides surprising insights on the scientific origins of our values and beliefs. Though we might think ourselves driven by objective reasoning, Gray unveils new research that finds our moral judgments are based on gut feelings rather than rational thought, and presents a compelling reminder that we are more alike than we might think.

Drawing on groundbreaking research, Gray provides a captivating new explanation for our moral outrage, and unpacks how to best bridge divides. If you want to understand the morals of the “other side,” ask yourself a simple question—what harms do they see?

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Defy

The Power of No In a World That Demands Yes

by Sunita Sah

Publisher: Random House

Imagine living the life you want to lead, not the one you’re willing to accept. This profound but practical book offers clear steps to stop people pleasing and start living your truth.

“A powerful book. If you’ve ever compromised your principles to please others, Defy will give you the will—and skill—to stand up for yourself.”—Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again

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Today’s Edition Newsletter, Robert B. Hubbell

A reflection on today’s news through the lens of hope.
By Robert B. Hubbell

Recommended by Bob.

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Indivisible Mid-Peninsula

Be a part of the movement to restore democracy in our country
Community Organized Activism

Indivisible Mid-Peninsula is the local branch of Indivisible, encompassing the area between Menlo Park and Belmont on the San Francisco Peninsula. We welcome members from other areas as well! Our mission is to:

  • Find ways to resist and slow the MAGA agenda
  • encourage and exert pressure on our local, state, and national elected officials to promote social justice and resist Trumpism
  • Unify and support communities under threat
  • Build a powerful grassroots movement to achieve electoral victories in 2026 and beyond

Our goal is to create a community in which pro-democracy advocates find opportunities to engage and have an impact at whatever level works for them. We’re committed to taking action that will lead to a more perfect union, where “justice for all” is more than a platitude.

We meet as a community on the 4th Wednesday of the month to learn ways to be effective in supporting those targeted by Trump’s policies and determine the most impactful actions we can take in our fight for democracy. 

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Photographic Evidence is Dead

Fake Image, Fake NEWS, Fake Trust.

By: Turtle Engineer (AKA: Bruce Rafnel)

Publisher: Medium, Slow Engineering

We have now witnessed the death of almost 200 years of photographic (and other recorded) evidence. Images, videos, and audio recordings can now be easily faked or altered in ways that cannot be detected. Digital technology has made this happen. Analog media is continuous, so subtle modifications can be noticed. However, digital media has discrete bits that are not dependent on the bits around them.

It is time to relearn what was so obvious to our ancestors: the SOURCE is more important than the content. “Do you trust or believe the source?” This can be a personal choice, but we no longer have the convenience of “socially accepted” sources.

Some technologies can “help” build trust, but they can all be compromised. We should never again put unconditional trust in any medium or technology.

Read Article

Indivisible Palo Alto Plus

Defend Democracy. Build Community. Have Fun.

Indivisible Palo Alto Plus (IPA+) is a diverse, action-oriented community that works to defend democracy across the San Francisco Peninsula and beyond. We combine grassroots activism with joy, bringing together people of varied backgrounds and perspectives to stand against authoritarianism and to protect democratic values. We are committed to making positive change—one action, and one connection, at a time.

Because tyrants hate it when we’re having fun, IPA+ meetings always incorporate playful activities that help us laugh and connect with each other. We believe that fun, joy, and laughter are essential to nourishing our spirits so that we can do the hard work of activism.

IPA+ is a recognized part of the Indivisible movement. We work with the national Indivisible organization and with other local Indivisible groups.

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Indivisible: A Practical Guide To Democracy On The Brink

If there’s one universally accepted truth in the modern age, it’s that sequels suck. And Trump 2.0 will be no exception. Trump, Vance, and their MAGA minions feel vindicated by the victory of their bigoted, fascistic clown show of a presidential campaign. Trump takes office with a plan to institute the worst parts of Project 2025. He’ll be enabled by a judiciary packed with right-wing ideologues and a congressional majority stacked with MAGA foot soldiers. And he’s assembled a bloc of corporations and billionaires eager to do his bidding in exchange for tax cuts and corrupt favors. But he has no mandate for the staggeringly harmful agenda he’s about to unleash on the country. And together, we have the power to fight back — and win.

Resource Guide – Archive

Tyranny of the Minority

Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt offer a coherent framework for understanding these volatile times. They draw on a wealth of examples—from 1930s France to present-day Thailand—to explain why and how political parties turn against democracy. They then show how our Constitution makes us uniquely vulnerable to attacks from within: It is a pernicious enabler of minority rule, allowing partisan minorities to consistently thwart and even rule over popular majorities. Most modern democracies—from Germany and Sweden to Argentina and New Zealand—have eliminated outdated institutions like elite upper chambers, indirect elections, and lifetime tenure for judges. The United States lags dangerously behind.

INTERVIEW: Levitsky and Ziblatt with journalist Tiziana Dearing at Harvard

Review

The Joy of Talking Politics With Strangers

How to save democracy one conversation at a time

by Elizabeth Chur

Publisher: Talk with Voters Publishing

Elections are decided on front porches and phone calls across the country, one voter at a time. The Joy of Talking Politics with Strangers is a comprehensive guidebook that helps volunteers connect one-on-one with voters – our most powerful tool for winning elections. These conversations can also spark unexpected moments of empathy and even kinship with our fellow Americans.
 

After 2016, volunteer Elizabeth Chur realized it’s up to ordinary citizens to protect our democracy. She started learning Spanish, began phone banking, and canvassed in California’s Central Valley, home to some of the nation’s most contested swing districts. By talking with over 1,000 people, she discovered how to forge meaningful connections with the hardest-to-reach voters, including:

  • Young people
  • Latinos
  • People who say, “I don’t vote.”

Filled with uplifting stories and practical tips, this inspiring book helps you earn people’s trust – and their votes. It demonstrates how taking positive action builds community and creates hope. Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or seasoned activist, The Joy of Talking Politics with Strangers shows you how to engage more effectively with voters and win elections.

 

Buy

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Why do we celebrate incompetent leaders?

By: Martin Gutmann

Publisher: TEDxTalks, TEDxBerlin

Recommended by: Bruce R.

“The evidence is clear that boring management matters.“–Raffaella Sadun

Leader selection mistake: People often pick leaders because they make for a good “story.” Excellent leaders have boring stories because they have avoided the conflicts that make for a good story.

We see leadership potential in people who:

  • speak more (regardless of what they say)
  • appear confident (regardless of competence)
  • are perpetually busy (regardless of what they’re doing)

“since we reward people who are good in crises (and ignore people who are such good manager that there are very few crises), [people] soon learn to seek out (or reframe situations as) crises.”–Keith Grint

Is the press trying to help elect Trump?

Trump loses again, as Biden is cleared

By: L O L G O P

Frame Lab advises responding to the special council report of Biden’s classified documents investigation by pointing out that Biden was cleared while Trump is still facing indictments. 

“The best way for the media to sell newspapers and clicks is to give Republicans what they want to hear, which drives liberals to hate reading, hate sharing, and even hate subscribing.  By rebutting them, [we] spread and strengthen them. That’s how our brains work.” 

Read Article

Always ‘Reframe’ Republican Talking Points

NEVER REPEAT LANGUAGE REPUBLICANS USE

“Consider the phrase “tax relief.” The world “relief” frames the word “tax” as an affliction or form of suffering. We generally need “relief” from things that are painful or unpleasant…Another example: Consider the phrase “forced birth.” It frames abortion bans with a negative word, “forced,” which frames abortion bans as aggressively stripping women of their freedom.”  Moral Warfare 101: Frames and Your Brain, Frame Lab, February 5, 2024 

“…when environmental issues are reframed in terms of the conservative value of purity – emphasizing the importance of keeping our forests, drinking water, and skies pure – conservatives are much more likely to support this cause.  

The power of framing: It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it

The Guardian, July 20, 2017

Climate change? Global warming?

“David Fenton, a longtime PR specialist for progressive causes…urges the climate community to speak of pollution – a word everyone gets – and to settle on the image of a ‘blanket of pollution trapping heat on Earth’. Every oil and gas emission makes that blanket thicker – and all that trapped heat helps cause floods and start fires, he says.” As heat records break, the climate movement has the right answers – but the words are all wrong The Guardian, July 14, 2023

Frame Lab explains:

“Much of politics is a struggle to define how certain key words are framed — words like ‘tax,’ ‘freedom,’ ‘rights’ and ‘truth.’ 

“If you oppose an issue, you must try to frame it in negative terms. If you support an issue, you must try to frame it positively.”

Cognitive scientist Dr. George Lakoff and journalist Gil Duran share their political messaging expertise at  

Frame Lab on Substack.

Visit Frame Lab

Latest Frame Lab Articles

  • “Cultural heroin.” JD Vance on Donald Trump
    by Gil Duran
    Ten years ago today, JD Vance published an essay that called Donald Trump “cultural heroin” and “an opioid of the masses”:During this election season, it appears that many Americans have reached for a new pain reliever. It too, promises a quick escape from life’
  • Wannabe Dictator Gets Scraped Off a Wall
    by Gil Duran
    Trump's name was scraped off the Kennedy Center wall by court order. Wannabe dictators put their names on things. The law said no.
  • The Nerd Reich Is Coming
    by Gil Duran
    Things have been a bit quiet here at FrameLab. That silence has a reason: I have been finishing a book.The Nerd Reich: Silicon Valley Fascism and the War on Democracy will be published on August 18 by Avid Reader Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. You can pre-
  • MAGA Plans Fake Emergency To Rig Midterm Elections
    by Gil Duran
    Trump's MAGA movement is plotting to steal the midterm elections with a fake national emergency. Here's how to frame it—and what you can do.
  • Strongman, Weak President
    by L O L G O P
    Trump's approval hits 37% as his strongman psychology prevents him from fixing the economy he broke. The strict father model is now his trap.
  • Coinbase Super Bowl Ad Tells Truth About Crypto—Accidentally
    by Gil Duran
    When your ad is rooted in emotional fraud, you’ve accidentally told the truth about your industry’s business model.
  • What Is Gavin Newsom Doing?
    by Gil Duran
    Does the California governor's right-wing pivot make any sense?

Yes, Republicans really believe in starving kids

By: L O L G O P

Republican governors in 15 red states have refused to participate in this summer’s federal free lunch program, denying food to approximately 8 million kids. 

Frame Lab advises responding without mentioning welfare states or calling Republicans scrooges. Say instead,  “Tate Reeves [Republican Governor of Mississippi] doesn’t want these kids to succeed. He doesn’t want them to have the same freedom as his kids enjoy. This isn’t just about punishing poor kids for being poor. It’s about taking away their opportunities.”

Read Article

AllSides

AllSides helps you get the full picture.

AllSides is the standard for information integrity. By revealing bias and providing perspectives from all sides, we help people better understand the world — and each other.

We believe information integrity requires:

  • Revealing and combating bias to avoid information manipulation and blindspots.
  • A breadth of perspectives to combat groupthink and false narratives.
  • Effective dialogue and deliberation to make the best decisions and implement them effectively with buy-in.

Information integrity is not only needed in news, but also in AI, businesses, schools, government, and throughout our daily lives.

AllSides’ information integrity technologies and services help people and organizations get out of manipulative, one-sided, and biased information systems wherever they might be — in technology, news, companies, government, classrooms and beyond — so we can all see the full picture, think for ourselves and make the best decisions.

With the information ecosystem being rewired at a rapid pace, we dedicate ourselves to trustworthy information by using an explicitly multipartisan, diverse team and providing the systems and technology to deliver information from a variety of different sources so people can think critically and act confidently.

AllSides Media Bias Chart
ALLSIDES Home Page

A Warning About Donald Trump and 2024

by The Editorial Board (New York Times)

Summary

“Mr. Trump does not offer voters anything resembling a normal option of Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, big government or small. He confronts America with a far more fateful choice: between the continuance of the United States as a nation dedicated to “the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity” and a man who has proudly shown open disdain for the law and the protections and ideals of the Constitution.”

Publisher: The New York Times

Read Article

A Citizen’s Guide to Preserving Democracy

by PBS

With American democracy under threat, diplomat Dr. Richard Haass outlines ten habits to help citizens preserve democracy. Haass also explores real-life examples of Americans who are working towards strengthening democracy and renewing the spirit of a more informed and engaged citizenry. Premiered January 2, 2024 on PBS.

Watch the Video

HOPE

Harnessing Our Power to End (HOPE) Political Violence

Recommended by Bob B.

Here is the link to a 2024 data-driven guide for communities across the United States on how to organize to counter political violence and intimidation. Minneapolis has been using these techniques among others that were developed in 2020 in response to George Floyd’s murder to show how to build a “mutual aid culture” of caring and courage. There are lots of practical suggestions with context that Indivisible chapters and others can use.

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Harnessing Our Power to End (HOPE) Political Violence is a guide for communities across the United States to organize to counter political violence.

It’s for people who recognize the dire stakes that political violence creates, and who want to work together nonviolently to protect our communities and uphold democracy.

The vast majority of people in the US – in cities and small towns, across party lines, and from all walks of life – oppose political violence. Together, we need to push back against those who want to silence our voices, who try to deny us our rights, and who aim to bully their way into political influence through intimidation and violence.

Get the Guide

Reframing America

Changing the way the American Left engages in the public debate.
By Antonia Scatton

Recommended by Bob.

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Courier Newsroom

COURIER is a pro-democracy news network that builds a more informed, engaged, and representative America by reaching audiences where they are online with factual, values-driven news and analysis.

COURIER’s local newsrooms provide Americans with news centered on the people and policies affecting their lives. Our reporting is primarily produced for the social media platforms and online channels our audiences spend their time on, with an emphasis on video, graphics, and skimmable newsletters to inform and engage our audiences in the ways they consume information today.

Courier’s Home Page

Ad Fontes Media

Ad Fontes Media is a public benefit corporation based in Colorado. Being a public benefit corporation means we are a for-profit business with a stated public mission, which is to rate all the news to positively transform society.

Fundamentally, we want to help bring people together. Misleading, inaccurate, and highly polarizing media content has driven so many of us apart. This affects everything from our familial relationships to our ability to create legislative solutions to our biggest challenges. 

Ad Fontes is Latin for “to the source,” because at the heart of what Ad Fontes Media does is look at the source—analyze the very content itself—to rate it.

What We Do? We Rate the News

The information landscape is vast and noisy. We’re here to help you sort through it by rating sources for reliability and bias. Obviously, people have lots of different thoughts about how reliable and biased various news sources are, so we do everything we can to earn your trust.

INteractive Media Bias Chart

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Grand Bargain Project

Recommended by: Bob B. – “A nonprofit working to create large collaborative projects to promote consensus policies frameworks with details that could be enacted by Congress on the basis of broad acceptance within the country from Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.”

In a recent YouGov poll, 83% of citizens wanted lawmakers from both parties to make our package of 39 life-enhancing reforms “a priority.”​

These reforms would significantly advance citizens’ long-thwarted aspirations for:

  1. Greater economic opportunity and growth

  2. Schools that enable kids to reach their potential

  3. Effective & affordable healthcare

  4. Curbing the national debt

  5. Reliable, clean & affordable energy

  6. Fairer, simpler tax code

  7. Congress organized to resolve our differences

7 icons.png

Among the reforms that voters across the spectrum support, all but two have been around for years.

Congress has enacted NONE

The reason: Lawmakers win reelection over 90% of the time by blaming the other party for our critical problems and offering sound bites as remedies.

To overcome these dysfunctions, the Grand Bargain includes three reforms that would reward lawmakers who make major progress on our long-term ills — while those who stood in the way would be likely to lose their seats.

Hear Vinay Orekondy from the Grand Bargain Project talk passionately about our project at EarthX 2025 as part of a Rotaract Club spotlight.

Go To Site

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Builders

Rise Above US vs Them. Be a Builder

Recommended by: Bob B. – “Builders Movement, was launched by Starts With Us, and supported by Kind founder, Daniel Lubetsky.”

Our mission is to overcome “us vs. them” thinking and solve problems together. We equip people to uncover hidden common ground and build on it – with lasting solutions that reflect the will of the people.

Find Common Ground and Build Real Solutions Together

If enough people adopt a Builders Mindset, we can replace our toxic “us vs. them” culture with one of curiosity, compassion, courage, and creative innovation.

It won’t be easy. The incentives in our media, social algorithms, and politics reward and amplify the conflict entrepreneurs working overtime to divide, diminish, and destroy.

Our approach is to reach and teach people at scale with powerful content, equip them with new skills and innovative tools, and mobilize the growing Builders movement with grassroots civic programs to hold political leaders accountable for being Builders.

Practicing the 4Cs Daily

The Builders mindset is rooted in the 4Cs: curiosity, compassion, courage, and creativity. By adopting these values as daily habits, we promote flexible thinking, constructive problem solving, and respecting the dignity of all people.

It’s time to take action. Join us. Be a Builder.

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News Feed

  • Trump Says AI Is ‘Woke’ — Is It? We Asked an AI Expert
    A Washington Post study confirmed that artificial intelligence chatbots tend to hold a left-leaning bias. But ChatGPT’s owner, OpenAI, is pushing back. Who should we believe? We asked Builders Movement Partner Keegan Evans, who works at the intersection of AI and humanity.   By Alex Buscemi, Editorial Manager at Builders | 9 min read  … The post Trump Says AI Is ‘Woke’ — Is It? We Asked an AI Expert appeared first on Builders.
  • 30 Quotes That Define America
    By Alex Buscemi, Editorial Manager at Builders | 6 min read This weekend, America turns 250. And if you go looking for the single idea that has carried this country through revolution, civil war, depression, and every kind of division, you keep landing on the same one: that wildly different people can still choose to… The post 30 Quotes That Define America appeared first on Builders.
  • Legendary Pitmaster Ryan Mitchell Tells Us What He’s Learned About Bringing People Together
    By Alex Buscemi, Editorial Manager at Builders | 6 min read Ryan Mitchell comes from a long line of pitmasters. His grandparents were sharecroppers who cooked whole hog over oak wood in the same barns where they cured tobacco. His father Ed took the family recipe to new heights, and it’s since been featured by… The post Legendary Pitmaster Ryan Mitchell Tells Us What He’s Learned About Bringing People Together appeared first on Builders.
  • 4 Things Other States Could Learn From Texas
    By Alex Buscemi, Editorial Manager at Builders | 5 min read   Many states in the country are wrestling with the same handful of problems: how to keep housing and life affordable, how to keep the lights on, how to grow good jobs, and how to scale infrastructure to accommodate a booming population. In these… The post 4 Things Other States Could Learn From Texas appeared first on Builders.
  • 10 Moments That Almost Broke America, But Made Us Stronger Instead
    By Alex Buscemi, Editorial Manager at Builders | 9 min read   You’ve probably heard it uttered online recently: America is more divided than ever. But we’ve survived worse. Much worse. And every time we did, we came out stronger than before. As we reflect on our nation’s 250 years, here’s the history worth remembering.… The post 10 Moments That Almost Broke America, But Made Us Stronger Instead appeared first on Builders.
  • My Father’s Math
    At twelve, I thought my father’s kindness was bad arithmetic. It took me three decades to understand he was the one doing the math right. By Alex Kruglov, co-founder & CEO of pop.in | 3 min read   My sister and I were out walking with our parents on an early January afternoon when we… The post My Father’s Math appeared first on Builders.
  • 7 Questions to Ask Someone You Disagree With
    By Alex Buscemi, Editorial Manager at Builders | 4 min read   Let’s be honest about what we want when we get into an argument with someone. We don’t want to understand them. We want to win. We want the perfect comeback, the mic-drop fact, the moment their face falls because they realize — finally… The post 7 Questions to Ask Someone You Disagree With appeared first on Builders.
  • Flesh-Eating Maggot Arrives In Texas: Inside the Bipartisan Effort to Stop It
    New World Screwworm threatens to decimate Texas livestock and set back the economy by nearly $4 billion. Can Republicans and Democrats unite to stop the spread? There’s a flesh-eating maggot chewing its way through livestock in South Texas right now. And against all odds, it’s pulling off something incredible: getting Republicans and Democrats to work… The post Flesh-Eating Maggot Arrives In Texas: Inside the Bipartisan Effort to Stop It appeared first on Builders.
  • The Real Reason the World Cup Matters
    I grew up playing football — the American version. Like many kids in the United States, my sports calendar revolved around Friday night lights, college football Saturdays, and NFL Sundays. Soccer occupied a much smaller corner of my world. I had heard it described as the world’s game, but it took me years to understand… The post The Real Reason the World Cup Matters appeared first on Builders.
  • How NY Giants Teammates Navigated Politics Like Builders
    Politics found its way onto a professional football field last week — and what happened next was actually kind of remarkable. New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart introduced President Trump at a rally in Suffern, New York. His teammate Abdul Carter saw it and quickly made a concerned post on social media. Headlines predicted a… The post How NY Giants Teammates Navigated Politics Like Builders appeared first on Builders.
  • The Good, The Bad, and What Comes Next After the Texas Runoffs
    The May runoffs are a wrap. The dust has settled, the nominees are set, and we’re officially on the road to November. But before we sprint toward the general election, it’s worth taking a beat — because what happened last Tuesday wasn’t just about who won. It was a reminder that civic life is bigger… The post The Good, The Bad, and What Comes Next After the Texas Runoffs appeared first on Builders.
  • Builders vs. Culture Wars: Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey Backlash
    Christopher Nolan is making a $250 million adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey. Before the movie has even made it to theaters, it’s already been declared a culture war battleground. The controversy centers on casting choices, particularly news about Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy and rumors of transgender actor Elliot Page as Achilles. Elon Musk… The post Builders vs. Culture Wars: Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey Backlash appeared first on Builders.

How to Know a Person

The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen

by David Brooks

Summary

Recommended by Bob

Driven by his trademark sense of curiosity and his determination to grow as a person, David Brooks draws from the fields of psychology and neuroscience and from the worlds of theater, philosophy, history, and education to present a welcoming, hopeful, integrated approach to human connection. How to Know a Person helps readers become more understanding and considerate toward others, and to find the joy that comes from being seen. Along the way it offers a possible remedy for a society that is riven by fragmentation, hostility, and misperception.

Continue reading How to Know a Person

Democracy Awakening

Notes on the State of America

by Heather Cox Richardson

Publisher: Penguin Random House

At a time when the very foundations of American democracy seem under threat, the lessons of the past offer a road map for navigating a moment of political crisis. In Democracy Awakening, acclaimed historian Heather Cox Richardson delves into the tumultuous journey of American democracy, tracing the roots of Donald Trump’s “authoritarian experiment” to the earliest days of the republic. She examines the historical forces that have led to the current political climate, showing how modern conservatism has preyed upon a disaffected population, weaponizing language and promoting false history to consolidate power.

With remarkable clarity and the same accessible voice that brings millions to her newsletter, Letters from an American, Richardson wrangles a chaotic news feed into a story that pivots effortlessly from the Founders to the abolitionists to Nixon to the January 6 insurrection. An essential read for anyone concerned about the state of America, Democracy Awakening is more than a history book; it’s a call to action. Richardson reminds us that democracy requires constant vigilance and participation from all of us, showing how we, as a nation, can take the lessons of the past to secure a more just and equitable future.

Heather Cox Richardson | Democracy Awakening

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Heather Cox Richardson

Letters from an American

Historians are fond of saying that the past doesn’t repeat itself; it rhymes.

To understand the present, we have to understand how we got here.

That’s where this newsletter comes in.

I’m a professor of American history. This is a chronicle of today’s political landscape, but because you can’t get a grip on today’s politics without an outline of America’s Constitution, and laws, and the economy, and social customs, this newsletter explores what it means, and what it has meant, to be an American.

These were the same questions a famous observer asked in a book of letters he published in 1782, the year before the Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary War.

Hector St. John de Crevecoeur called his book “Letters from an American Farmer.”

Like I say, history doesn’t repeat itself, but it sure rhymes.

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  • Politics Chat, July 7, 2026
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  • A Thumb on the Scale
  • July 6, 2026
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  • July 5, 2026
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  • Week Six in 250 to 250
    This was the sixth week of videos from the 250 to 250 Project that we’re producing to honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and it’s been quite a week.
  • July 4, 2026
    After a lovely day with family and friends, I’m turning it over to Buddy tonight.
  • Government of the People, by the People, for the People
  • July 3, 2026
    And on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
  • Resting on the Rule of Law
  • July 2, 2026
    On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress passed a “Resolution for Independence” declaring “That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”
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Prequel

An American Fight Against Fascism

By Rachel Maddow

Inspired by her research for the hit podcast Ultra, Rachel Maddow charts the rise of a wild American strain of authoritarianism that has been alive on the far-right edge of our politics for the better part of a century. Before and even after our troops had begun fighting abroad in World War II, a clandestine network flooded the country with disinformation aimed at sapping the strength of the U.S. war effort and persuading Americans that our natural alliance was with the Axis, not against it. It was a sophisticated and shockingly well-funded campaign to undermine democratic institutions, promote antisemitism, and destroy citizens’ confidence in their elected leaders, with the ultimate goal of overthrowing the U.S. government and installing authoritarian rule.

Continue reading Prequel

The Conspiracy to End America

Five Ways My Old Party Is Driving Our Democracy to Autocracy

by Stuart Stevens

Publisher: Hachette Book Group

Former chief Republican strategist, Lincoln Project adviser, and bestselling author of It Was All a Lie, Stuart Stevens offers an ominous warning that the GOP is dragging our country toward autocracy—and if we don’t wake up to the crisis in our system, 2024 may well be our last free and fair election.

 
INTERVIEW: Stuart Stevens talks to Brian Watt (KQED) at the Commonwealth Club

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The Divider

Trump in the White House, 2017-2021

by Peter Baker and Susan Glasser

Publisher: Vintage

The Divider brings us into the Oval Office for countless scenes both tense and comical, revealing how close we got to nuclear war with North Korea, which cabinet members had a resignation pact, whether Trump asked Japan’s prime minister to nominate him for a Nobel Prize and much more. The book also explores the moral choices confronting those around Trump—how they justified working for a man they considered unfit for office, and where they drew their lines.

INTERVIEW: Susan Glasser and Peter Baker on C-SPAN

Review

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Muffle MAGA’s Megaphone

SWING LEFT PENINSULA created these engaging videos to help spread the word effectively that things are better when Democrats are in office AND to counter MAGA Republicans’ anti-democracy messages. 

To Muffle the MAGAphone:

  1. Avoid amplifying MAGA messages.
  2. Amplify pro-Democracy messages. 
  • Don’t Repeat Disinformation – What’s the best thing to do when encountering MAGA disinformation? NOTHING!
  • Ignore DogWhistles – Ever wonder why MAGA Republicans repeat certain words and phrases? Hint: Dog whistles
  • Stay United! – Why do MAGA Republicans spend so much time attacking an ever-growing list of others?
  • Frame It Our Way! – We need to avoid repeating MAGA GOP frames, even to refute them. Talk about the good stuff – what we need for all Americans to thrive.
  • Share Effectively – What makes an effective message? Lead with shared values. Identify who stands in the way of those values and why. End with your vision for a better future.

Peril

by Bob Woodward and Robert Costa

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Woodward and Costa interviewed more than 200 people at the center of the turmoil, resulting in more than 6,000 pages of transcripts—and a spellbinding and definitive portrait of a nation on the brink. This classic study of Washington takes readers deep inside the Trump White House, the Biden White House, the 2020 campaign, and the Pentagon and Congress, with vivid, eyewitness accounts of what really happened.

Woodward and Costa on Washington Post Live

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Words that Win – The 3V Messaging Framework

VALUES, VILLAINS, and VISION

Communications consultant Anat Shenker-Osorio developed the 3V messaging framework. Effective 3V messages: 

  1. lead with shared values, 
  2. name the villains and their motives for opposing those values,
  3. present your vision for a better future. 

As linguist George Lakoff says, “People vote based on values, connection, authenticity, trust and identity” – not lists of policies and facts.

BAC’s 3V Messaging Library

The Bay Area Coalition offers 3V statements on the critical issues of our time.

go to Messaging Library

Ash Center

for Democratic Governance and Innovation

Publisher: Harvard Kennedy School

Recommended by Bob B.

The Ash Center believes that diverse perspectives are paramount to better understanding and addressing real-world problems. As a global community that brings together students, faculty, staff, and fellows, with practitioners and policymakers from around the world, we focus on advancing excellence in democracy and self-government. We are committed to fostering an environment of rigor, curiosity, and integrity. As a Center, we therefore value and respect different opinions, lived experiences, and diverse research and policy areas and approaches. We continue to strive for excellence while creating an equitable and inclusive community for all.

Protest and Dissent

Ash Center YouTube

The Breakdown with Erica Chenoweth and Steve Levitsky

Sign up for the next session with the link after this image.

The Breakdown with Erica Chenoweth and Steve Levitsky

The Breakdown with Erica Chenoweth and Steve Levitsky

Join Erica Chenoweth and Steven Levitsky for the eighth session of The Breakdown, a webinar series on the ongoing struggle for American democracy. Each month, Chenoweth and Levitsky will break …down key developments, reflect on this moment’s historical precedents both at home and abroad and offer evidence-based reflections on the path forward.Show More
The Breakdown with Erica Chenoweth and Steve Levitsky
The Breakdown with Erica Chenoweth and Steve Levitsky
Join Erica Chenoweth and Steven Levitsky for the eighth session of The Breakdown, a webinar series on the ongoing struggle for American democracy. Each month, Chenoweth and Levitsky will break down key developments, reflect on this moment’s historical precedents both at home and abroad and offer evidence-based reflections on the path forward.
The Breakdown with Erica Chenoweth and Steve Levitsky - April 30, 2026
The Breakdown with Erica Chenoweth and Steve Levitsky – April 30, 2026
Join Erica Chenoweth and Steven Levitsky for the sixth session of The Breakdown, a webinar series on the ongoing struggle for American democracy. Each month, Chenoweth and Levitsky will break down key developments, reflect on this moment’s historical precedents both at home and abroad, and offer evidence-based reflections on the path forward. Speakers include: Erica Chenoweth, Frank Stanton Professor of the First Amendment at Harvard Kennedy School Steven Levitsky, David Rockefeller …
The Breakdown with Erica Chenoweth and Steve Levitsky - March 24, 2026
The Breakdown with Erica Chenoweth and Steve Levitsky – March 24, 2026
Join Erica Chenoweth and Steven Levitsky for the fifth session of The Breakdown, a webinar series on the ongoing struggle for American democracy. Each month, Chenoweth and Levitsky will break down key developments, reflect on this moment’s historical precedents both at home and abroad, and offer evidence-based reflections on the path forward. Speakers include: Erica Chenoweth, Frank Stanton Professor of the First Amendment at Harvard Kennedy School Steven Levitsky, David Rockefeller …
The Breakdown with Erica Chenoweth and Steve Levitsky
The Breakdown with Erica Chenoweth and Steve Levitsky
Join Erica Chenoweth and Steven Levitsky for the fourth session of The Breakdown, a webinar series on the ongoing struggle for American democracy. Each month, Chenoweth and Levitsky will break down key developments, reflect on this moment’s historical precedents both at home and abroad, and offer evidence-based reflections on the path forward.
The Breakdown with Erica Chenoweth and Steve Levitsky
The Breakdown with Erica Chenoweth and Steve Levitsky
Join Erica Chenoweth and Steven Levitsky for the third session of The Breakdown, a new webinar series on the ongoing struggle for American democracy. Each month, Chenoweth and Levitsky will break down key developments, reflect on this moment’s historical precedents both at home and abroad, and offer evidence-based reflections on the path forward.
The Breakdown with Erica Chenoweth and Steve Levitsky
The Breakdown with Erica Chenoweth and Steve Levitsky
Join Erica Chenoweth and Steven Levitsky for the second session of The Breakdown, a new webinar series on the ongoing struggle for American democracy. Each month, Chenoweth and Levitsky will break down key developments, reflect on this moment’s historical precedents both at home and abroad, and offer evidence-based reflections on the path forward.
The Breakdown (Inaugural Session)
The Breakdown (Inaugural Session)
Join Erica Chenoweth and Steven Levitsky for the inaugural session of The Breakdown, a new webinar series on the ongoing struggle for American democracy. Each month, Chenoweth and Levitsky will break down key developments, reflect on this moment’s historical precedents both at home and abroad, and offer evidence-based reflections on the path forward.