During the last Republican presidency (as I watched the U.S. grow scarier and meaner), I brooded, I cried, and I grew a cancerous tumor that nearly killed me.

Inexplicably, the U.S. chose to put the same toxic energy in the White House again, but I like to think that I’m a wiser person now with an extended repertoire of ways to combat the stress and fatigue I’m feeling as I watch this round of chaos.

So, all the things in this blog challenge are things I intend to do and keep in mind as we go through the next four years—maybe only two, if we can make progress in the 2026 Midterm elections. They are things I can do despite being a granny and, in many cases, BECAUSE I am a granny.

I hope my therapy is your therapy, too, and that we all see the other side of this in physical and (relative) mental health and know we did everything we could to help.

Surely, we have time and resources and common sense enough to stop this trend toward oligarchy and authoritarianism in its tracks. Otherwise, look for my next book—A Granny’s Guide to The Revolution, in which I’ll be giving step-by-step directions for building a cannon and smelting your own ammo.

Let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that.

A is for Activism

The boring definition of social activism is this: the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change.

But this brief phrase can’t capture the drama and awesomeness of true social activism.

If you are a Granny (or a Granddad), you remember a plethora of social movements and how they inspired significant changes in attitudes and, finally, actual changes in policies and behaviors. Watching a movement get rolling is a mind-bending experience.

The trick is to guide these movements toward the light, steer them away from reactionaryism and violence without damping enthusiasm, and keep the goal clear. Who better to do any of this than Grannies?

Let’s face it, we have skills–very particular sets of skills, skills acquired over very long careers, skills that make us a nightmare for people like them. (What can I say? I watch a lot of movies.)

Even better, we are almost always misunderestimated, as our old friend W used to say. You don’t have to join marches and organized protests to be an activist. I broke my kneecap a couple of years ago, which ended my days of dodging cops in alleyways and scaling fences to escape teargas. I could still do a sit-in as long as someone is available to take my place for bathroom breaks and to help me up afterward. Happily, it’s possible to be an activist with a lot less effort.

Here are a dozen ways older Americans—or anyone with the will to do it– can be political activists.

1. Voting: The most fundamental way to participate in democracy.
2. Advocacy for Policy Change: Write letters, make phone calls, and meet with elected officials to advocate for issues that matter to you, such as healthcare, social security, or elder rights.
   • Virtual activism is a thing now. You can participate in email canvassing, marketing campaigns, online advocacy, etc.  From creating blogs to running social media campaigns and digital platforms, you can connect with like-minded individuals and mobilize support for various causes.
3. Join or Support Advocacy Groups: Many organizations, like AARP or the National Council on Aging, focus on issues affecting older Americans. Getting involved with or supporting these groups can amplify your impact. Donate when you can, but if money is tight, just joining and using the resources these organizations provide can be helpful.
4. Organize or Participate in Protests/Rallies: Attending or organizing peaceful demonstrations on issues such as climate change, racial equality, or elder care can be a powerful way to show solidarity and create change.
5. Running for Office: We have a wealth of experience and wisdom to offer. Running for local or state office is one way to directly influence policy. And, in my state, many incumbents run unopposed which offers voters little choice but to accept the status quo.
6. Social Media Engagement: With the rise of online platforms, anyone with access to a smartphone or computer can utilize social media to express opinions, share important news, and connect with other activists.
7. Writing Opinion Pieces: Pick an issue and write op-eds, blogs, or letters to the editor of your local newspaper to push for political change.
8. Engaging in Community Service: Volunteering for causes that align with your values can help advance political and social goals.
9. Educating and Mentoring: Mentor younger generations about the importance of civic engagement and activism. Your experiences and insights can shape future leaders.
10. Supporting or Creating Political Action Committees (PACs): Form or contribute to PACs that support candidates or causes you care about. Again, this requires money not all of us have. Do what you can. Just spreading the word and encouraging others is valuable.
11. Mobilizing Through Senior Networks: Are you part of a senior center, a retirement community, or a few social clubs? These networks can be powerful tools for organizing.
12. Art is activism. The creation of art is revolutionary all by itself.  Writing, painting, memes, songs, and any number of avenues exist for creative minds to bring issues to the forefront. Share it and see what happens. You never know when someone will find inspiration from your words, your images, and your creations.

Thanks for reading this first post in my 2025 A-Z Blog Challenge. If you’d like to read the expanded version, please visit my completely free Substack posts.

I’d absolutely love to hear from anyone who has more to say on the topic. One reminder: I’m trying very hard to avoid venting the ugliness I sometimes feel when talking about the current administration. In this post alone, I’ve edited out no fewer than 5 cute, but insulting nicknames. The struggle is real. Please help me stay positive.