A Trueman–Triola Style Cookbook: Fighting Authoritarianism & Fascism
One Day at a Time
Introduction: The Arena We Inherit
Every day, we step into a public arena shaped by forces larger than ourselves. Sometimes, the noise of spectacle and cynicism can drown out the quiet work of democracy. But solidarity and civic optimism are not relics—they are daily practices.
Day 1: Practice Radical Neighborliness
Reflection: Authoritarianism thrives on isolation and suspicion. The antidote is simple: show up for your neighbors.
Action: Greet someone you usually pass by. Offer help, share a meal, or just listen. Democracy begins with trust at the smallest scale.
Day 2: Defend the Commons
Reflection: When public spaces become marketplaces, belonging is lost.
Action: Attend a local meeting, volunteer at a library, or join a community cleanup. Reclaim the commons as a place for citizens, not just consumers.
Day 3: Refuse Cynicism
Reflection: Outrage and despair are tools of control. Hope is an act of resistance.
Action: Share a story of local courage or kindness—online or in person. Amplify what is working, not just what is broken.
Day 4: Learn the History
Reflection: Fascism feeds on amnesia. Memory is a shield.
Action: Read about a moment in your community’s history when people stood up for justice. Share what you learn with someone else.
Day 5: Support Local Journalism
Reflection: Authoritarians attack truth by attacking those who report it.
Action: Subscribe to, donate to, or share work from a local journalist or newsletter. Information is a public good.
Day 6: Practice Democratic Participation
Reflection: Voting is vital, but democracy is more than ballots.
Action: Write to a representative, attend a town hall, or join a civic group. Make your voice part of the collective roar.
Day 7: Celebrate Pluralism
Reflection: Diversity is not a threat—it is the heartbeat of democracy.
Action: Attend a cultural event outside your usual circles. Learn, listen, and celebrate difference.
Closing Meditation: The Crowd That Still Believes
We must be stewards of our civic life—showing up, caring loudly, and refusing to surrender to cynicism. The arena is ours to shape, one day, one action, one act of solidarity at a time.