Activism

Activism is action for a political or social purpose that can take many forms, like protesting, petitioning representatives, voting, writing and educating members of your community, boycotting, striking and speaking out. It can be big or small, independent or through a network.

Amid Right-Wing Attacks on Education, the American Association of University Professors Organizes for Academic Freedom

When the right-wing Heritage Foundation released its Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise—better known as Project 2025—in 2023, its authors laid out a comprehensive framework for undercutting democratic governance. Moreover, its authors made no secret of their antipathy to both public education and trade unions, putting the National Labor Relations Act and Fair Labor Standards Act in their crosshairs. They also made it clear that they support the elimination of the Department of Labor Women’s Bureau which works to ensure workplace safety and increase opportunities for female job advancement. 

And then there’s education, pre-K through college. The Heritage authors put forward an agenda that includes broadscale book bans and curricular limitations on classes in African American, Latinx, LGBTQIA+, Feminist, Ethnic, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies. In addition, they support the cancellation of the federal student loan program; the revocation of Title IX policies meant to protect students from sex-based harassment, discrimination and violence; and an end to faculty tenure.

Black Faith Leaders Organize 40-Day ‘Fast’ from Target During Lent, Protesting DEI Cuts

In late January, Target announced an end to its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) program in response to external political pressures and as a preemptive measure to avoid potential legal or financial repercussions under the Trump administration’s executive orders cutting DEI from the federal government.

Now, in the season of Lent, Black faith leaders are calling for a 40-day “fast” from Target, urging people to boycott the retail giant to protest its caving to the federal government’s anti-diversity rhetoric. So far, more than 100,000 shoppers—many involved with Black churches—have joined the pledge to abstain from shopping at Target for 40 days. Target stock is already down 57 percent.

Screaming for Change: Documentary Turning Women’s Fury Into Power Hits AMC+

In OUTCRY: Alchemists of Rage, Clare Major’s powerful direction and classical-violinist-turned-punk-singer Paris Hurley’s (of Object as Subject, an LA-based art punk band) high-octane music frame this riveting 30-minute documentary on Whitney Bradshaw’s ongoing social practice project, OUTCRY.

The short film follows the photographer from her home in Chicago to D.C. for a reproductive freedom march, then to Denver for an OUTCRY exhibition, and on to Dayton, Ohio, for a scream session just prior to voting on Issue 1, which enshrined abortion rights into the Ohio Constitution.

This film is available to stream from March 14 to April 12 in the AMC + “Future of Film: Athena Rising Stars” collection. 

The Fight for Repro Freedom and LGBTQ+ Equality Isn’t Just Happening in the Legislatures—It’s Also Happening in the Checkout Aisle

John Mullin is the founder of the nonprofit Spending Spotlight, which is seeking to rally progressive consumers to redirect their individual spending patterns to counter the influence of corporate spending on right-wing causes. Recognizing, as he explained, that as a resident of Seattle, his “elected officials [were] already doing things on these issues that are in alignment with what I would like to see happen,” such that his vote was not “actually making a huge difference,” Mullin began to consider the idea of “voting” through the redirection of consumer dollars.

Mullin and his small volunteer team developed a strategically targeted plan for how consumers can shift their spending away from “companies using their dollars against our rights and freedoms.”

War on Women Report: ‘Fetal Personhood’ Bill Introduced in Congress; Trump’s Antiabortion and Pro-Project 2025 Cabinet

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MAGA Republicans are back in the White House, and Project 2025 is their guide—the right-wing plan to turn back the clock on women’s rights, remove abortion access, and force women into roles as wives and mothers in the “ideal, natural family structure.” We know an empowered female electorate is essential to democracy. That’s why day after day, we stay vigilant in our goals to dismantle patriarchy at every turn. We are watching, and we refuse to go back. This is the War on Women Report.

Since our last report:
—A judge in Indiana has temporarily ruled to protect doctors from being forced to share abortion records with the government.
—Idaho became the sixth state to consider murder charges for abortion patients.
—U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson temporarily halted the Trump administration’s termination of DEI programs.

… and more.

People with Albinism Face a Double Threat: Climate Change and Discrimination

The impact of climate change exacerbates health risks and discrimination for people with albinism, particularly women, who face unique challenges in healthcare and education.

“This larger fight is really a global fight and continental fight against the dominance of ableism,” said Sarah Bosha, lawyer and co-author of a new study, “The Forgotten Ones: The Impact of Climate Change on the Health and Well-being of Persons with Albinism.”

‘Hold Your Money’: Economic Blackouts Gain Momentum in Protest of Corporate and Government Policies

A grassroots movement is calling for a nationwide 24-hour economic blackout on Friday, Feb. 28, urging Americans to boycott major corporations and use cash at small businesses to protest corporate and government influence. The action is part of a broader wave of spending protests, including ongoing boycotts targeting companies that have rolled back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

These economic protests coincide with growing dissatisfaction with the Trump administration, as approval ratings drop and demonstrations against its policies—such as cuts to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and proposed Medicaid reductions—gain traction nationwide. With low-income voters playing a key role in Trump’s base, the administration’s economic policies are fueling both resistance and debate.

Trump Administration Actions Are Sparking Nationwide Protests. Here’s How to Join the Next One.

Less than a month into Trump’s second term, tens of thousands across the country have taken to the streets to protest his administration’s anti-democratic policies. From major cities to small towns, demonstrators are rallying against mass layoffs in government watchdog agencies, the implementation of Project 2025, and pardons for Jan. 6 participants. The protests, largely organized by the grassroots group 50501, began on Reddit and have rapidly gained momentum, with more marches planned in the coming weeks. Here’s how you can get involved.

‘Thank You, Mike Johnson’ Campaign Donates Emergency Contraception—in the House Speaker’s Name

Less than a month into the new Trump administration, Republicans have already come for repro rights, removing reproductiverights.gov and reintroducing a bill to repeal the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.

Now, it’s more important than ever to call out antiabortion extremism while supporting birth control access—and Cadence OTC’s new donation drive “Thank You, Mike Johnson” accomplishes both. Cadence OTC is a California-based public benefits company. They are currently working to make their birth control pills and emergency contraception available over the counter, including in states facing legal pushback to contraception access. In their new campaign, whenever House Speaker Mike Johnson or another political figure spreads misinformation or anti-contraception rhetoric, Cadence OTC donates emergency contraception to U.S. women—including in Johnson’s home state of Louisiana—in his name.