Retirees for Democracy
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Take Action:
🧠 CIVIC EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Learn How to Defeat a Fascist
Read my essay How to Defeat Fascism in America, a summary of two important books—by Timothy Snyder and Gene Sharp, leading experts on authoritarianism. Their work outlines specific strategies people can use to defeat fascism and defend democracy.
Also see When Democracies Die: It’s Time to Act which offers a list of practical pro-democracy and anti-fascist activities, drawn from the literature, along with a list of a dozen organizations you might want to engage with or support financially.
Offer to Give Talks at Your Libraries or Senior Centers
Teach others about the Constitution, civic responsibility, and how to resist authoritarianism.
Host or Join a Democracy Discussion Group
Create a reading or discussion group to explore ideas about democracy, authoritarianism, and activism.
Adopt a Local School’s Civics Program
Volunteer to speak to students about the importance of voting and civic duty.
Create Pop-up Democracy Museum
Display voting machines, historic artifacts, and democratic milestones at fairs or libraries.
Lead “Before/After Democracy Walks”
Show how democratic decisions shaped your neighborhood—sidewalks, zoning, libraries, etc.
Create or Share Civic Newsletters
Inform your neighbors about elections, voting deadlines, and community meetings.
📞 DIRECT PARTICIPATION & POLITICAL ACTION
Contact Your Elected Representatives Regularly
Contact your political representatives at your representatives: President, Senator, House of Representatives, Governor, Mayor, and local representatives. Tell them what you think, your opinion matters! And contact them repeatedly.
Call Out Performative Politics–Demand “Good Trouble”:
Many federal lawmakers engage in performative politics—symbolic gestures made for publicity, not results. A common example? A Democratic member of the House requests that the Republican-controlled chamber initiate an investigation into an illegal activity conducted by Donald Trump, knowing full well that no such investigation will happen.
These public displays may generate likes and retweets, but they don’t advance justice or strengthen democracy.
When your senator or representative posts on social media claiming they are “fighting for democracy,” respond. Call them out. Let them know that performative politics is not leadership—it’s theater without consequence. Remind them of the words of Congressman John Lewis, who urged Americans to get into “good trouble”–meaningful actions that may involve personal or political risk but help to educate the public and advance democratic ideals.
This is something every citizen can do, and should do—repeatedly. In the process we will teach our politicians how to fight fascism effectively.
Tell your representatives: If they’re not willing to take real political risks to protect democracy, they should step aside and let someone else represent us—someone who will put their seat on the line to defend the Constitution. We ask members of our military to risk their lives to protect our democracy. At the very least, our elected officials—who swear an oath to that same Constitution—should be willing to risk their salaries and political careers.
Volunteer as a Poll Worker or Election Observer
Retirees are ideal due to flexibility and reliability.
Become a Voter Registration Volunteer
Partner with groups like the League of Women Voters to register voters in libraries, clinics, or farmer’s markets.
Serve on Local Boards or Commissions
Apply your expertise to shape policy in planning, education, or public health. RUN FOR POLITICAL OFFICE – become a politician – you are qualified and can do this!
Attend Town Halls and Ask Hard Questions
Demand real answers—not slogans—from your representatives. Recruit your friends to attend with you.
Join Your Local Election Board or Advisory Committee
Influence fair electoral processes from the inside.
🤝 COMMUNITY BUILDING & INTERGENERATIONAL ENGAGEMENT
Host a Democracy Conversation at a Café or Potluck at your home
Gather friends, relatives, and neighbors for informal, non-partisan discussions on civic life—one cup at a time.
Start a Democracy Grandparents Network
Talk with your grandchildren and their peers about democratic values and voting – entice them with baked goods.
Organize Intergenerational Civic Events
Pair with youth groups to host forums, events, or shared action projects.
Mentor Young Activists
Help with strategic planning, fundraising, or public speaking.
Build Intergenerational Coalitions
Combine the wisdom of age with the energy of youth.
Become a Local Historian of Democracy
Research and share stories of past local civic efforts and democratic victories.
✍️ CREATIVE EXPRESSION & ARTS-BASED ACTIVISM
Make and Distribute Banners, Stickers, Brochures, and Hats
Click on any of the JPG images below to obtain a high resolution JPG and then download it to your computer.
Create your own bumpersticker, banner, or handouts:
Professional bumperstickers, banners, and handouts:
Use an online service (e.g. carstickers.com, banners.com, or one of the many others) to convert the JPG into a banners, bumpersticker, or handouts. Print many and distribute them to your friends.
Homemade bumperstickers:
Print the JPG on photo paper, larger bumpersticker can be assembled by taping together partial images.
Cover the printed photo paper, front and back, with clear packaging tape, ensuring the edges are seal to prevent water entry.
Attach two sided tape to the back. Instant homemade bumpersticker!
The above image was created from photos of the Grand Teton, an American flag, an eagle in flight and an AI generated banner.
The two images below were created by an AI program.
Make and wear a custom made pro-democracy hat, using one of these as a model:
There are many online services where you can purchase a custom made hat; just google “Custom made hats.” The two images below were created by an AI program.
Create Democracy-themed Art or Quilts
Collaborate with others to display civic-themed work in public spaces.
Compose Poems or Songs about Democracy
Freely share them online or at community events to move and motivate.
Launch a Traveling Civic Art Exhibit
Bring it to libraries, town halls, or local markets.
Organize a Democracy Flash Mob or Reading
Publicly read the Constitution, voting rights laws, or democracy-themed poetry.
📣 PUBLIC PRESENCE & VISIBILITY
Attend the Next Major Pro-democracy Rally:
July 17, 2025
Attend a Local Pro-democracy / Anti-fascist Rally, March, or Civic Event:
Find a local event:
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/
https://www.mobilize.us/moveon/
https://www.fiftyfifty.one/events
Form a Retiree Marching Club
March as a visible block at pro-democracy rallies or parades.
Adopt a Weekly Street Corner Protest
Show up regularly with a sign—consistency makes an impression.
Create “Democracy Walks” in Your Community
Walk with signs, share leaflets, and talk to passersby.
Host a Nonpartisan Candidate Forum
Provide neutral space for candidates to speak to the public on local issues.
💡 COMMUNICATION & DIGITAL STRATEGY
Launch a Blog, YouTube Channel, or Podcast
Share your civic journey, resources, and interviews.
Counter Misinformation and Conspiracies with Grace and Facts
Learn to respectfully challenge election myths and disinformation. Show people how to use DebunkBot.
Comment Thoughtfully on Social Media
Using uplifting or evidence-based information.
Host Online “Retirees Talk Democracy” Zoom sessions
Discuss books, bring in speakers, and connect nationwide.
Document and Share What Works
Record strategies and stories that inspire others and preserve institutional memory.
💼 PROFESSIONAL SKILLS & STRATEGIC SUPPORT
Offer Pro Bono Skills to Civic Groups
Retired lawyers, writers, designers, IT professionals, and project managers can make a major impact.
Fund Local Democracy Scholarships or Essay Contests
Encourage youth to reflect on democracy—and reward insight.
Sponsor Billboards, Ads, or Community Signage
Place bold, clear messages in places that need civic reminders.
Support Whistleblower Protection Groups
Defend the truth-tellers who risk it all to uphold democratic values.
If you need additional ideas, visit Choose Democracy
Visit Choose Democracy.
If you have additional ideas of ways people can support the re-establishment of democracy in America, send your suggestions to us via Contact Us.
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