We aren't powerless against the bullies who want to derail our democratic republic. Here's how you can help.
In reality, a very small group of people are committing the worst acts. We can counter them.
Scenes from the launch reception for the Wisconsin Alliance for Civic Trust last Tuesday night in Milwaukee. WisACT plans a press conference this coming Tuesday at the state Capitol to announce a major statewide outreach effort.
The recent swatting incident targeting U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, a Democratic member of Congress from Milwaukee and similar threats against her Republican congressional colleague Mike Gallagher are chilling reminders that the threat of political violence is never far away in 2024 America.
It's easy to feel powerless when dark forces intent on sowing chaos and undermining faith in the integrity of our institutions seem to be in control of our politics.
But here’s the thing:
It is a very small group of people committing these acts.
There is plenty that people like you can do about it.
We are the majority.
So let’s act like it.
The organization we are building in Wisconsin - the Wisconsin Alliance for Civic Trust - is recruiting people like you from across Wisconsin, and from across all political identities. The Carter Center, founded by former President Jimmy Carter in 1981, is supporting similar grassroots efforts in six states including swing states such as Michigan and North Carolina.
You can join this cross-partisan effort, and become a messenger for better politics and stronger civic engagement.
We will give you the tools to help drown out the voices of that very small minority that is sowing mistrust in our elections, demonizing our fellow Americans, and - in extreme cases - engaging in threats and even physical violence.
Here’s how you can help:
Join us. Lend your name to this effort. Help us rebuild trust in our institutions and speak out collectively against violence and intimidation in our politics.
Attend our monthly network meetings. Mark your calendars: The first will be at noon on May 29 via Zoom (credentials to come). During these one-hour meetings, we will offer background and context to help you understand how our politics got to this point. We’ll offer training to help you learn tactics and strategies to bridge divides. We’ll discuss our latest work and events and leave plenty of time for your questions.
Help at an event. WisACT plans a series of events throughout the year leading up to the election (we’ll be at Juneteenth in Milwaukee and at the Rotary Club of Milwaukee in July, for example). We intend to collaborate with other groups dedicated to this work, including Braver Angels, Urban Rural Action, Keep Our Republic, and Rotary clubs across the state.
Participate in our pro-democracy messaging campaign. Give us 15 minutes a week to share facts about elections and other positive messages on your own social media accounts. Your effort will be part of a larger, coordinated movement that will see dozens of organizations and thousands of civic leaders promoting these themes as we move closer to Election Day.
Your voice and name send a powerful signal to others. Our messaging strategies to lift up the voices of the public are backed up by the latest social science research.
It is part of a broader effort to change the incentives of political elites, candidates, media figures, and others who have concluded that spreading fear and sowing mistrust of our democratic institutions is a winning strategy.
You can show them that the vast majority of Wisconsinites – across the political spectrum – oppose any effort to weaken our democratic republic.
Get trained in rapid response. We will organize workshops this fall for members interested in learning how to respond to potential threats and violence in the run-up to the November election and beyond. This will include building a communications system linking network members.
The idea here is to ensure that we have eyes and ears on the ground around the state alert to triggers for political or identity-based violence or other anti-democratic behavior – and that we can leverage constructive, nonviolent community responses. The Carter Center, which is supporting WisACT, has years of experience in conflict resolution around the world.
We will equip you with the tools to help reinvigorate our democracy and promote peaceful civic engagement.
But we can’t do it without you. Please join us in these efforts.