Know what you’re up against so you know how to fight it!

10 Steps to Autocracy and Authoritarianism

These steps don’t happen in order—they occur simultaneously to overwhelm and confuse opposition. Recognize them. Resist them. Reverse them.

1. Win the last free election: ensure it is the last truly fair one.

2. Expand executive power:  push constitutional boundaries, manufacture emergencies.

3. Capture the other branches:  co-opt Congress, neutralize the judiciary.

4. Break governnment:  gut agencies, replace expertise with chaos and incompetence.

5. Install loyalists:  weaponize government agencies, execute illegal orders.

6. Attack the truth and free expression:  discredit journalism, intimidate public voices.

7. Scapegoat the vulnerable:  blame minorities and immigrants for national problems.

8. Destroy support systems:  harrass and undermine organizations that educate our people, mobilize civic participation, or protect our rights.

9. Normalize state violence:  militarize law enforcement to silence dissent and punish protestors.

10. End democracy itself:  undermine voting systems and restrict who can vote so no meaningful opposition ever wins again.

When we unite we can defeat the threat!

10 Steps to Freedom and Power

Defeating authoritarianism depends on  thousands of individual, community and institutional actions that are stronger and more consistent than those who would oppress us. You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need permission. You just need to start where you are with what you have. 

1. Commit: understand what’s happening and the effects on your community. Join us.

2. Share:  stay informed and share why you care and the actions you are taking.

3. Organize:  create or join a group who wants to work toward a common goal.

4. Mobilize:  share banned books, help immigrants, post public events.

5. Install loyalists:  weaponize government agencies, execute illegal orders.

6. Litigate:  if you or someone you know has been harmed, be a plaintiff or a witness. If you are an attorney, volunteer your services.

7. Deny:  refuse to be complicit, create community, practive nonviolent civil disobedience.

8. Engage:  work with your elected officials to introduce policies and proactive legislation, especially at the local level.

9. Elect:  participate in your local elections city council, county commission, state legislature, judicial — every single one.

10. Demand:  be clear about what we deserve and the kind of country we intend to build. Then get to work.

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The above information comes from 10 Steps Campaign.org. Visit the site for more details and resources.

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Make your voice heard with 5Calls

A widely cited survey by the Congressional Management Foundation found that in-person visits and phone calls carry the most weight with congressional offices. Personalized e-mails (not form letters) have a moderate impact, and petitions have minimal impact.

Use the 5Calls site to get the contact info for your representatives, choose your issues, and get updates and suggested scripts.

Do it daily! It will make a difference.