Does demonstrating matter - especially here in blue New Mexico?

That’s the question we’ve gotten most often since we launched this site. The short answer is: “Yes, but it depends on what you’re trying to do.”

If you’re trying to change the minds of our US Senators and Representatives here in New Mexico, the answer is probably: “No, they’re all fighting like hell to protect our rights, our democracy and our government already.”

The answer is probably “Yes”, though, if you’re trying to:

• Support our Senators and Representatives (not to mention our Governor, Attorney General and Secretary of State) who are all standing up for us in the face of a lot of pressure. In particular, the NM delegation in DC faces a Democratic leadership there that is urging them to be quieter, more conciliatory and to not make waves. Our visible support helps our elected officials stay strong.
• Help build national momentum to stand up in the face of authoritarianism and corruption. Solid, growing turn-out in every state and every state capital matters. What we do here adds to that count and supports our friends who are demonstrating in much more hostile settings.
• Strengthen our own resolve. Let’s face it: it’s easy to feel helpless and hopeless these days. And that’s how they want us to feel. Nothing beats that feeling like standing in community with friends, neighbors and total strangers and finding that you aren’t alone. 

Don’t take our word for it. Take a look at our “Does acting even matter?” page. Scroll through and watch or read what the experts say. 

And if you’re still not comfortable or convinced, that’s okay. Demonstrating isn’t the only way to fight to protect democracy. In the coming weeks we’ll share advice and resources to help you use your own voice through email and phone calls; to multiply your voice; and to use your economic vote. Subscribe to get our newsletter in your email inbox. Keep checking back on the Friends Here and Now site. And email us at foshereandnow@gmail.com with questions, suggestions and other resources we should share.

(Check our Demonstrate! page to find upcoming events and scroll down to find the organizations who are pulling together these events. You can get on their mailing lists to be notified directly.)

[Friends Here and Now is an independent site. All views are those of the site’s editors and do not represent the views of any institution or organization, including those who are quoted or identified on our site.]