That clenching feeling in your stomach? That restlessness? That mind jumping around checking the news anxiously? That’s a normal response to an abnormal situation. We strongly suggest some deep breathing, sharing with friends how you truly are, and digging into your spiritual and physical practices. We definitely recommend these 7 practices at Finding Steady Ground: (Read more at Finding Steady Ground.) Over the coming weeks, we’re not going to do a blow-by-blow of this new administration, but we did think it worthwhile to share our “hot take” on what’s we’re seeing. We look forward to others with more expertise on… Read full email…

On January 20th, some very important things will happen. Sure, Trump is ushering in a bunch of billionaires to formally take control of government. But our neighbors are preparing, too. Many will be honoring the great Martin Luther King, Jr — in protest, in song, in resistance. Folks who keep our country functioning will keep working. Organizers are hosting meetings. Trees will be keep reaching for the sky… and on and on. Our attitude today: don’t focus all your attention on the bad thing. Focus on the people working, fighting, whistle-blowing, organizing, and campaigning for a better world, too. Best… Read full email…

It’s a week away from inauguration and around the movement we hear some common patterns. Some folks are deep in a kind of pre-anxiety — bracing for the coming storm. Others are pulled into reactionary action — doing whatever they can with rushed energy. And others are tired and detached — emotionally checked out from the moment. There’s value in each response. Pre-grief can help us gain equanimity in the face of what’s coming. Acting keeps us from falling into despair and keep our muscles fresh for what’s next. And being detached may be healthy — a way that people… Read full email…

Following Fox News, the NY Times and the Associated Press just called the election for Donald Trump. There’s a lot to process. We honor wherever and whatever state you are in. Writing this, our team is exhausted and scared. Some of us want to duck our heads in the sand, others flee, others protest and decry. Wherever you are, we think it’s important to honor the deep wisdom inside you. We’ve built some resources we hope can help us to orient. Please use and share: With Waging Nonviolence, Daniel Hunter just published an article exploring: 10 ways to be prepared… Read full email…

We are finding that many groups are generically thinking about a possible Trump presidency without really exploring the details and what it might mean. Avoidance or denial are not effective strategies. Therefore, we are offering groups a new resource — a Facilitator Guide with player slides for the “What if Trump Wins?” Group Scenario Game. Download scenario tools for your group now The scenario tools are designed to guide organizations on how to emotionally and practically prepare if Trump were elected. The group scenario games provide an opportunity for groups to explore detailed scenarios for what might happen if Trump… Read full email…

We’re delighted to share with you our new “pick-your-path” adventure — What If Trump (or Biden) Wins? It’s a piece of speculative fiction, like a choose-your-own-adventure. Your character helps grow the resistance. Can you guide us towards a better, more humane democracy? The goal is to engage our minds and explore your own thinking about “what would I do?” if a Trump Presidency happens. We’re not trying to grow fear and we’re not assuming that a Trump Presidency is inevitable. We’re trying to get us more prepared for possibilities. EXPLORE: What If Trump Wins  But we do have more content… Read full email…

We’re shocked we’re writing this — but here we are… We are bringing the Choose Democracy band back together. Four years ago, we prepared and trained tens of thousands about the possibility of a Trump coup. Now we find ourselves wrestling with the question, “What if our country uses the democratic process to pick an autocratic President Trump?” Like many of you, it’s clear to us that Trump plans to further unwind democratic processes and norms. He’s vowed to radically reinterpret presidential powers so that, like a king, he can direct all cabinets and departments, such as ordering investigations by… Read full email…