What To Do Now

1. Build Pre-Crisis Pro-Democracy Coalitions

Now is the time to build stronger and deeper pro-democracy coalitions that are educated about what's at stake and prepared to act together. The most effective approach involves forming broad coalitions across civic groups, advocacy organizations, business interests, and faith communities before a crisis hits, like a constitutional crisis, an escalation in immigration enforcement, widespread targeting of opposition leaders, crackdowns on civil society organizations, and other moves.

These networks are most powerful when they transcend traditional political divides, bringing together diverse stakeholders united by their commitment to democratic principles rather than specific policy positions.

Using an example that has been used often in this newsletter, consider the mass deportation crisis. Before a major escalation in deportations occurs, build coalitions across affected parties including immigrants, those who employ them, in the construction and agricultural sectors in particular, as well as grocers, construction companies, housing developers, food processing plants, truckers, consumers of locally grown produce, and others whose livelihoods and lifestyles depend on immigrant workers.

2. Focus on Protecting Democratic Institutions

Grassroots networks should make demands of opposition lawmakers to mobilize organized and powerful constituents including think tanks, unions, universities, think professional associations, chambers of commerce, and civil society networks to defend key democratic institutions. Energy should be concentrated on:

• Supporting independent courts

• Protecting electoral systems

• Defending free press

• Maintaining civil service independence

3. Develop a Counter to the Authoritarian Playbook

The McCain Institute reports that "autocrats successfully share tactics and lessons with one another to subvert democracy," and suggests that pro-democracy activists need to "develop a democracy playbook and community of best practices" to counter authoritarian strategies.

This involves documenting successful resistance strategies, creating contingency plans, and building networks that can quickly mobilize when democratic norms are violated.

4. Engage in Strategic Nonviolent Resistance

We should focus on supporting strikes, boycotts, protests, and other tactics of noncooperation at every level of political power, from elected representatives to grassroots activists. Mass mobilizations along these lines is clearly demonstrated across the globe to be a one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful, forces for democratization.

This strategy is particularly relevant when formal democratic channels have been compromised.

5. Prioritize Local Community Organizing and Locally Relevant Research

Grassroots movements demonstrate their power through local organizing that makes democracy meaningful and accessible through showing that democracy isn’t just about casting votes. Democracy works when communities take action and make demands, both through elections and between and across them.

Starting at the local level allows for more direct impact and builds resilience from the ground up. It can also build trust in local institutions as they become more transparent and accountable as a result of research efforts.

6. Combat Disinformation and Support Media Literacy

According to Protect Democracy, to effectively resist authoritarianism, grassroots networks must "commit to a healthier information diet" and help communities shift "information consumption away from social media, cable networks, and pundits and toward more in-depth, and — above all else — accurate information."

This means both supporting independent journalism and developing media literacy programs in communities. A news service that aggregates the best reporting and that directs people to credible, accountable news sources can make a critical difference.

7. Expose Corruption and Abuses of Power

The Center for American Progress reminds us that exposing election corruption and manipulation, as well as other abuses of power, should be considered a priority of grassroots mobilizations. We cannot rely on elections administration officials and elected leaders to secure elections without us. Support protests, investigative reporting, and legal challenges to gradually erode the legitimacy of authoritarian movements.

Systematic documentation and exposure of corruption can be particularly effective in undermining authoritarian power.

8. Maintain Unity Against Authoritarian Threats

United to Protect Democracy reminds us to build a "broad pro-democracy movement united against the acute, big-picture autocratic danger" by temporarily setting aside internal disagreements to focus on the shared goal of protecting democratic processes.

This requires strategic discipline and clear prioritization of threats, not compromising fundamental values. We are fighting to preserve the protections that will allow us to continue to fight for the issues that matter most to us. Without those protections, we may lose the right to fight again another day.

9. Support Public Servants and Whistleblowers

United to Protect Democracy also instructs us that grassroots networks should "rally around non-partisan, independent public servants" who often serve as the last line of defense against authoritarian overreach.

This includes creating legal defense funds, whistleblower protection networks, and public support campaigns for those who stand up for democratic principles.

10. Create Alternative Community Spaces

Protect Democracy reminds us of a critical role of grassroots movements - to establish and strengthen "public places left in America" where citizens can connect, organize, and build solidarity outside the digital realm.

Physical spaces like libraries, community centers, and civic forums provide crucial infrastructure for democratic resistance.

The most effective grassroots response combines these strategies with a clear understanding of the specific threats facing democracy in your context. By building resilient networks before crises hit, organizing at local levels, supporting democratic institutions, and maintaining unity of purpose, grassroots movements can serve as a powerful counterforce to authoritarian trends.