17 Ways to Disrupt the Status Quo in Your Hometown

Dissent doesn't require a nationwide movement—it simply requires time and creativity

Protest can extend far beyond picket lines. It is most meaningful when it is personal.

Whether you live in a sea of blue or are a blue dot in a red county, any one of us can dissent from our hometown. Here are 17 ways you can disrupt the status quo and make an impact in your town.

And don’t forget—invite others to amplify your impact.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

1. Be a Part of Mutual Aid | Mutual aid is community-led cooperation. It’s coming together to exchange resources. It can be a community fridge, a clothing exchange, or a community garden. It’s about “solidarity not charity.” American Friends Service Community has an article with the basics. Also, several May Day actions have mutual aid as part of their event.

2. Mail Pink Slips | With pink card stock, scissors, and a stamp, you can send your representative a pink slip. Be sure to avoid hostile language.

3. Leave Chalk Messages | Whether it be a written message or a drawing, chalk art can leave a powerful message. Check with your city ordinances first.

4. Create and Share Protest Art | Art can be a powerful medium. Whether it be photography, zines, paintings, crochet, etc., art can send a message. Display it online, on community bulletin boards, or other places leaflets can be posted.

5. Answer “How are you?” Honestly | We have been programmed to answer, “Good.” Instead say, “Terrible.” And then share why. “The new budget slashes my mother’s Meals on Wheels, and she relies on them for a hot meal and a friendly face. I don’t know what to do.” Then, let the moment hang there. No need to fill the silence. Let your words sink in.

   Also, practice it in advance.

6. Wear Your Dissent | A bracelet, a shirt, or a hat are all places where you can display dissenting messages. If you can, purchase them from small businesses.

7. Speak Out in Public Forums | Attend a town hall, city council meeting, and school board meeting. Plan a speech to deliver during the public comments time. Instead of complaining about traffics signals, ask how your town will protect immigrants, provide healthcare when Medicaid is cut, etc.

   1. Write it down ahead of time.

   2. It will feel uncomfortable. That’s OK.

   3. Consider bringing a friend to record your speech and interactions you have with security (if it comes to that) and others.

   4. Relate national issues to your hometown, your family, and your school. When the macro becomes micro, people can relate to it.

8. Rick Roll Posts | On social media, create a series of three or four pictures. Let the first two have text about how much you love visiting your favorite national or state park. Make the third or fourth image be the Rick Roll. Overlay words such as, “Too bad the unnecessary trade war with Canada lead to these lands being razed so we can build more malls.”

9. Share Stories | Share how national policy impacts your daily life. Share with that parent you chat with at the park every week about how cuts to the Department of Ed will harm your child. Talk about how you’re scared to become pregnant because you may not be able to access emergency maternity care.

   Protect yourself by not being honest with everyone. There are some people who can stare suffering in the face and not blink. However, there are people on the fence or who are left-leaning but not active in pushing back. Stories have the power to transform minds. We must be bold enough to share them.

10. Print and Drop (Bookmarks, business cards, etc.) | Whether on your home printer or through an online printer, you can print messages like “It’s not a matter of left or right, but right or wrong.” Add a QR code to an article or video.

11. Hang a Flag | Order a Ukrainian, a Canadian, a Palestinian, or Mexican flag and hang it in solidarity. Or hang an American flag upside down.

12. Host a Vigil | Consider hosting a candlelight vigil. Gather with a few friends at a monument, a park, a faith community, etc. to spend a few moments honoring others. Even if it's just a handful to start, you’ll find comfort and courage in solidarity. Though there are several guides, I found this one by Love to Know.

13. Gather with Others | We are weaker without one another. Every week, there are hundreds of in person and virtual gatherings. In my weekly list, I provide links to the ones in your state. You can also gather at the dog park, the playground, the pub, or the coffee house. Wherever it is, make an effort to meet weekly with likeminded people.

14. Boycott | While there are national boycotts on stores like Target and Amazon, you can boycott businesses on the local level as well. If you have a choice between a national chain and a local burger restaurant, go local. Support business that align with your values and avoid those that do not.

15. Check in on those Hit Hardest | If your neighbor relies upon social security, check in with them. Consider offering to help them connect to customer service if a payment is missed. Offer a beer (or tea) to a friend who was let go from a national park. Call and then call again (or text). Your call may make their day.

16. Protect Voting Rights | Vote Riders provides voter ID assistance. Many red states have the most exclusive laws. Be a part of helping your neighbor vote.

17. Call | Phone calls have moved the dial on several issues 5Calls provides phone numbers and scripts. In just five minutes a day, you can help shape policy.