Do One Thing: The Opposite of Despair is not Hope, it’s Action

If you care about justice, equity, science, or the future that your children are inheriting, it can be hard to wake up to the barrage of bad news every day. I find myself so tempted to switch off the phone and pretend my biggest worry is how to resist that almond danish that’s sneaking its addictive aroma under the quilt I don’t want to emerge from.

But if there’s one thing that history has shown us, it is that progress is possible even from the bleakest of circumstances. Does it seem that America, in particular, is devolving right now? Yes, it does. But Americans have experienced much worse, and have emerged from these challenges to design a more inclusive, more compassionate, and more equitable society. The push and pull of events should not blind us to the fact that the arc of history does eventually bend towards moral justice, with a little help from those who care. I picked a few examples here to show how even regular Joes like us can make a difference.

In 1849, Henry “Box” Brown escaped by shipping himself in a wooden crate to Philadelphia. His daring act showed that even an individual could puncture the myth that slavery was immovable.

In 1942, Aruna Asaf Ali, a schoolteacher, hoisted the Congress flag during the Quit India Movement, then went underground to keep organizing. She lived to see independence and served in public life afterward—proof that sustained courage could outlast repression.

Diane Nash, a 22-year-old student, organized sit-ins in Nashville and coordinated the Freedom Rides after brutal attacks. She faced jail and threats but never stopped—and is still alive today, a reminder that persistence reshapes unjust systems.

Change comes not only from the famous, but from ordinary people who choose action over despair.

Resistance in Motion: Wins in 2025

Even in a difficult year, states, leaders, and ordinary people have already shown that pushback can bring results:

Blue states holding the line on immigration: When the White House threatened to strip funding from sanctuary states, places like California, New York, Minnesota, and Oregon refused to comply—and so far, they’ve kept their protections intact while still securing federal funds. Courts have backed them, reaffirming limits on federal overreach.

Police accountability reforms: Despite claims the “defund” movement failed, cities like Austin and Seattle have successfully shifted millions from police budgets to housing, mental health, and youth programs. Residents are already seeing alternative crisis response systems reduce unnecessary police encounters.

Courts blocking overreach: This year, federal judges have struck down or stalled attempts to cut funding for healthcare, immigrant services, and education in blue states. While legal battles continue, these injunctions mean programs remain funded in the meantime—real relief for millions.

Do One Thing

You too can be a change maker. All you have to do is pick one thing to do. After all, boond boond se sagar banta hai (Drops of water make the ocean)

Here are some ideas -

1. Stay informed: Subscribe to one trusted source—like ACLU updates, NPR, or They See Blue’s very own News Digest, collated from multiple sources for thoroughness.  

2. Talk to your circle: Share facts in everyday conversations. Example: bring a Brennan Center for Justice explainer on voter suppression to a family chat. Emphasize the importance of moral values like compassion, charity, truthfulness, and cooperation. Appeal to self-interest. As minorities, our rights are always in danger of being taken away. Solidarity with other minorities strengthens our claim.

3. Support organizations: Donate or volunteer to organizations that share your values. Even if the amount is small, making a monthly contribution of 5 or 10 dollars can provide consistency for planning efforts. Run for Something is a terrific organization that recruits young progressives for races at the hyperlocal level, as well as state and federal offices. They See Blue focuses on getting Democratic desis to the polls. 

4. Contact your representatives: Even if your representative reflects your views, your call gives them the support to fight on your behalf.

5. Join collective action: Mobilize.us has a list of events in your area. They See Blue is running several events for elections this year (yes, THIS year!)

If you received this post through a forward, consider joining They See Blue to fight the good fight.