TOP TEN Ways to Stand Up to Authoritarianism

— April 5, 2025 —

Hands off is just the beginning.

We are facing a well-funded, coordinated effort to undermine American democracy, dismantle public education, strip away healthcare, and divide our communities. But we’re not helpless.

We can fight back—and we are.

This worldwide mobilization—millions of people declaring their refusal to let authoritarianism, corporate greed, and government overreach define our future—it was powerful. It was energizing.

As someone who’s spent years organizing around representation and rights in Montana, I know that real change comes from follow-through. After past rallies and marches, we held community debriefs, leadership trainings, and voter education events. That work helped lay the foundation for efforts like CI-128, Montana’s successful ballot initiative to enshrine abortion rights in our Constitution.

TOP TEN Ways to Stand Up to Authoritarianism

This list was shaped by conversations at dozens of roundtables, marches, and community events with Montanans across the state. From the Bitterroot to the Hi-Line, people shared what they’re doing—and what they need—to push back against authoritarianism and defend our democracy. Thank you to everyone who contributed.

Here’s what we heard—loud and clear:

1. Support candidates who show up. Volunteer, donate, knock on doors, and share their messages. People-powered campaigns are essential to counteract well-funded interests.

   
   

2. Talk to your neighbors. Engage in respectful conversations to build understanding and find common ground, especially in diverse communities.

   
   

3. Defend local journalism and independent media. Support outlets that investigate deeply and hold power accountable, ensuring a well-informed public.

   
   

4. Register voters and support voter engagement initiatives. Expand participation by helping register new voters and educating them about the voting process, particularly in underrepresented communities.

   
   

5. Organize follow-up events in your community. Host forums, panels, or informal gatherings to discuss local issues and maintain engagement beyond initial events.

   
   

6. Push back on disinformation and propaganda. Actively correct misinformation, especially online, by sharing accurate resources and promoting media literacy.

   
   

7. Support initiatives like CI-128. Engage with ballot measures that protect rights directly when legislative bodies fall short. Participate in signature drives and public education efforts.

   
   

8. Engage in local, state, or national politics. Whether by volunteering for committees or local boards, supporting campaigns, or running for office, active participation strengthens democratic movements.

   
   

9. Contact your elected officials. Regularly communicate your views and concerns. Consistent constituent engagement holds representatives accountable and informs their decisions. Try the 5 Calls app — it helps you quickly contact your representatives on key issues with scripts and contact info tailored to your ZIP code.

   
   

   Montana's Congressional Delegation:

   • Senator Steve Daines (Republican)

     • Washington, DC Office: 320 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510-2604

     • Phone: (202) 224-2651

     • Email: Contact Form

   • Senator Tim Sheehy (Republican)

     • Washington, DC Office: G55 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

     • Phone: (202) 224-2644

     • Email: Contact Form

   • Representative Ryan Zinke (Republican)

     • Washington, DC Office: 512 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515-2601

     • Phone: (202) 225-5628

     • Email: Contact Form

   • Representative Troy Downing (Republican)

     • Washington, DC Office: [Address not listed]

     • Phone: [Number not listed]

     • Email: Contact Form

       
       

10. Stay grounded in hope and action. Every action contributes to a larger movement. Maintain optimism and continue engaging in meaningful activities to effect change!

This time, the clearest follow-up is this: Support the people doing the work to challenge authoritarians at every level of government. Those of us running for office aren’t waiting for permission—we’re showing up, listening, organizing, and putting in the work every day to defend our communities.

Help me take this fight to Washington. Help other pro-democracy candidates across Montana get across the finish line. Keep organizing, keep building, and keep believing.

Hands off our rights. Hands off our communities. Hands off our future.

The real work starts now!