Frugal Ways to Fight Authoritarianism
In times of political stress, individuals often want to make a positive difference in society but simultaneously feel overwhelmed at the sheer amount of information that is constantly being thrown at them. The executive orders at the beginning of the year, especially those related to Project 2025, felt unending. It’s normal to feel the weight of that information overload. Authoritarian policies, threats to democracy, and the erosion of civil rights can leave many of us feeling powerless. The good news is that small, intentional actions can help promote equity, diversity, and progressive values in your everyday life. The even better news is that many of these strategies are budget-friendly!
Support Local Farmers and Sustainable Agriculture
One practical and frugal way to resist authoritarian influence is by supporting local farmers. Shopping at a farmer’s market near you not only helps small businesses but also strengthens your community’s independence from large corporate monopolies. Choosing locally grown produce encourages economic equity, supports diverse food systems, and reduces your reliance on centralized systems that often mirror authoritarian control. Not to mention the positive impact it will have on your gut microbiome (i.e. your body’s second brain)!
Engage in Community Activism
You don’t need to spend a fortune to be an activist. Attending progressive community meetings and volunteering at local nonprofits can make a real difference. These actions help you connect with others who share your values, build inclusive networks, and amplify voices working toward social justice. Having trouble finding these events? Try Eventbrite or Meetup. Want to take it a step further? Write to your local representative. Every letter, phone call, or public comment can contribute to a political climate resistant to authoritarian influence.
Support Your Local Library
Kids deserve free educational and community resources for years to come. Libraries open worlds and change minds. Here are a few of my personal favorites, all available to read for free through the Johnson County Library:
Books
Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Du Mez
The Cult of Trump by Steven Hassan
The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby
Documentaries
God and Country, 2024
The Brainwashing of My Dad, 2015
If you live in the Johnson County area and you want an easy way to remember these resources, click the link here to see my list on the Joco library website.
Educate Yourself and Others
Knowledge is a powerful tool against authoritarianism. Take advantage of free or low-cost resources such as online articles, podcasts, or public lectures. Brush up on your history knowledge on topics like civil rights, diversity, and equity initiatives. Sharing this knowledge with friends and family encourages dialogue and awareness in your immediate community, strengthening collective resistance to harmful policies.
Build Inclusive Networks
Connecting with like-minded individuals and joining online progressive communities can amplify your impact while remaining cost-effective. These networks provide mutual support, resources for activism, and a platform for sharing strategies that promote democracy and social justice.
Final Thoughts
By combining community engagement and conscious activism, you can fight authoritarianism in ways that are sustainable, frugal, and impactful. Every small action matters, and collectively, these steps can strengthen the values of equity, diversity, and progressive change in your community. Unfortunately, we live in a world where political propaganda is not truly as fair and balanced as it may seem. Remember that the people we disagree with are human beings too, who have come to the conclusions that they have because of the data and information that they have been presented with. The importance of thoughtful media consumption cannot be understated. Our freedom is worth it, and we can do this!