This list is messy, feel free to add stuff!! 1. Educate!! This is the most important, as fighting against something without knowing much will not do much! Educate yourselves on current issues! Learn your RIGHTS, and teach others theirs! This one is also fairly obvious, but knowing your rights is a KEY part of going against a government who's trying to take them away. Sign petitions or join boycotts! While change may not be quick, it WILL happen. This goes along with protesting, in a way! Remember the 3.5% rule!! We do have power. 2. Write to state representatives! While you may not be able to vote yet, that does NOT mean that you cannot urge your state to help out. This is more recommended for blue states. Also, get involved in the community. This one is less direct against the government, but it goes with remaining positive. Remember that it is the government we are against, not our neighbors. Start Local. This is sort of the same as before, but start with issues in your city or state, and work your way up. 3. Attend protests. This is probably the most obvious of them, but protesting is a KEY way to combat something if you are too young to vote. I will post a guide to protesting, and how to do so safely! Donate. If there is a cause you believe in, donate to it. The only downside with this is that money is required, unlike some of the others. 4. PLANT GARDENS!!! please please please do this! Especially with all of the stuff regarding climate change, doing this is a GREAT way to combat it! (Credit to Wade for this idea) On a similar note, try and lower your carbon admissions! There isn't much we can do, but even 1 person can help in a small way. 5. Staying happy. This ones harder than it sounds, but the government knows that it would be easier to control a population that has just given up. By staying positive, yet aware of things going on regarding politics, you are actively protesting. I will likely add more to this list, as this is VERY basic and obvious.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO PROTEST: https://www.hrc.org/resources/tips-for-preparedness-peaceful-protesting-and-safety https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-protest-safely-gear-tips/ https://campusfreespeechguide.pen.org/resource/how-to-plan-a-peaceful-protest/ https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/field_pdf_file/kyr_protests.pdf WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR (from PHR!) WEAR: - Facemask. Scarves or bandanas large enough to cover your face from nose to chin can serve as substitutes. - Shatter-resistant eye protection (e.g. shatter-resistant sunglasses, swim goggles, or a gas mask) - Clothing covering all your skin as much as possible Comfortable, closed, protective shoes that you can run in - AVOID wearing contact lenses, which can trap irritating chemicals, such as tear gas powder, underneath. If you do wear contacts lenses, keep a full facial gas mask or goggles on at all times. - AVOID wearing makeup such as eyeliner, for the same reason. BRING: - Water in your own plastic bottle with a squirt top (to drink and to wash off your skin or eyes) - A backpack or a drawstring bag – rather than an over-the-shoulder or a cross-body bag – in case you need to run Identification and/or emergency contact information (consider writing this on your skin) - Cash for food and transportation or cash bail, in case you are arrested. Check how much bail is in your location. - Inhaler, epipen, and several days of prescription medication, in case you are arrested - A medical alert bracelet or information about any chronic medical conditions or allergies - A change of clothes, in case you are exposed to chemical irritants (https://phr.org/our-work/resources/preparing-for-protecting-against-and-treating-tear-gas-and-other-chemical-irritant-exposure-a-protesters-guide/) I'll probably make a protest guide soon :3
