Activists and Advocates in an Age of Authoritarianism
“War is escalating among us. Death tolls continue to rise as conflicts escalate. The voices of the prophets are needed now, more than ever, with authoritarianism on the rise globally.
The prophets are marching in the streets, writing letters to congress and visiting offices. Prophets are in pulpits teaching and raising awareness. Prophets are speaking to the injustice of war and calling for compassion, love and mercy. Prophets are writing and singing songs of resistance. The prophets are leading today, they are not waiting for tomorrow. They are answering the call to be doers of the words and not only hearers (James 1:22)
The church is called to be prophetic in every generation instead of being perpetrators of injustice. Advocacy and activism must fight the power that seeks to overwhelm and work for justice and righteousness.”
-Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson
General Minister & President/CEO, UCC
Read the rest of her blog here: Activists and Advocates in an Age of Authoritarianism – United Church of Christ
Join prophets through these actions:
Resistance Sign-In: Lift Your Voice for Justice
The poet Khalil Gibran once wrote, “Music is the language of the spirit.” In times of uncertainty, many communities are rediscovering the power of song. Across the country, people are gathering to sing in the streets for justice, resilience, and community care. Groups like Resistance Revival Chorus and Singing Resistance have helped spark this growing movement in cities like Minneapolis and here in New York City. This tradition draws from the songs of enslaved people and the music of the Civil Rights Movement, reminding us that singing together can sustain courage when the road ahead feels heavy.
Join us for a Resistance Sing-In on March 19 at 6:30pm. Leaders from Resistance Revival Chorus, Singing Resistance and Songs in the Key of Resistance will guide us in learning songs that will be carried into upcoming actions like the No Kings March and Hands Off NYC mobilizations.
Come as an individual or register your community: https://www.mobilize.us/handsoffnyc/event/915888/
When voices rise together, courage has a way of returning.
Call your Reps to demand they pass the New York for All Act
Last week, we travelled to Albany with Make the Road, NY Renews and other grassroots organizers to demand our representatives pass the NY for All Act.
As families are being torn apart and immigrant communities face rising fear, it is critical that New York strengthen protections for our neighbors.The New York for All Act would prevent local officials from enforcing federal immigration laws, block ICE access to non-public spaces without a warrant, ensure people know their rights, and limit access to state databases. This legislation protects our communities and ensures public resources serve the common good. We urge lawmakers to act now so parents, workers, and families can live without fear.
Call your Assembly Member and Senator and advocate for the NY4All Act today.
Sample script:
“Hi, my name is [YOUR NAME]. I am calling [insert your local Assembly Member or Senator’s name] to urge them to include the New York for All Act in your budgetary letter!
We need you to stand strong and deliver for immigrant communities in New York, so that families like mine can live with stability, participate in their communities, provide for their family, and access health care without intimidation. We need real protections from federal policies targeting immigrants for arrests and deportation that only diverts resources away from initiatives that actually promote safety and well-being. New York is our home and all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status or how long they have been in our state, deserve the freedom to stay and thrive in our communities without fear of our local agencies collaborating with ICE.
Thank you!”
Find your assembly member here: Assembly Member Search | New York State Assembly
Find your senator here: Find My Senator | NYSenate.gov
A deadly, expanding war with Iran is underway — killing civilians, destroying infrastructure, and claiming the lives of American service members. Cities across Iran are under U.S. & Israeli bombardment, Iran has retaliated in strikes across the region, and a war that Trump told allies would last for a few days now threatens to haunt the world for years to come. Over a thousand Iranian civilians have been killed and millions have been displaced, with documented strikes on schools and near hospitals and cultural sites spurring calls inside and outside Iran for the investigation of war crimes. Energy prices are skyrocketing. Without immediate action from Congress, this spiraling conflict will only grow.
Under the Constitution, only Congress can authorize war. The Senate is holding votes until it recesses on March 27 to rein in unauthorized U.S. military action and end this war before it fully spirals out of control. This is the moment to speak up.
If passed this bars the President from continuing hostilities against Iran without Congressional approval — reaffirming the separation of powers and preventing another endless war.
Follow instructions here and call your reps: 🚨 URGENT: Call Congress NOW – Stop War on Iran – NIAC