“The flood of 200+ executive orders in Trump’s first days exemplifies Naomi Klein’s “shock doctrine” – using chaos and crisis to push through radical changes while people are too disoriented to effectively resist. This isn’t just politics as usual – it’s a strategic exploitation of cognitive limits.”- Social post, sociologist Jennifer Walter

As we witness the speed and ferocity of the executive orders that have poured out of the White House in recent weeks, we might feel overwhelmed, shocked, and scared. “Project 2025”- the ruthless blueprint for dismantling civil rights and empowering the executive branch to serve the purposes of a right-wing agenda, spearheaded by The Heritage Foundation – is in full effect. The result: sweeping directives have plunged us into a bewildering sense of chaos. 

A raft of lawsuits has emerged as part of the resistance, as institutions scramble to protect programs and people, and expose the illegal nature of some of the executive orders. But still, the immediate suspension of funding, jobs, and programs across the federal government have put immigrant rights, abortion rights, LGBTQIA+ rights at risk and have started the project of rescinding commitments to social equity, racial justice, free speech, and environmental repair. Headed by an autocrat, a surveillance state that claims to be acting for efficiency’s sake is on the move.

What can we do? How can we come together to process and respond to the real and lasting damage that could result from these regressive actions? How can we build grassroots power and community-led mutual support to ensure we stand in resistance and in solidarity?

“Do not obey in advance. Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given.” – On Tyranny, Timothy Snyder

We believe that it is more imperative than ever that we emerge from our individual attempts at staying grounded (as important as they are) and join forces. We invite you to a gathering. Our purpose is to hold space, a forum, for us to strengthen our understanding of what is happening and cultivate a collective sense of focus and action. We are joining the chorus of voices calling for local, regional, and state-wide networks to rise up to fill the gaps, to resist a narrative of helplessness, and to promote instead a tangible alternative to the chaos. We want to support and encourage a community response – with deep democracy at its core – exercising our ability to work collaboratively together, to make decisions through a lens of wisdom and care, and move into action. We will not be obeying in advance.

In this forum, we will:

• Learn about the executive orders, what they say and what they mean for our communities
• Have a chance to hear from each other, voicing our feelings and insights in a facilitated circle
• Share opportunities to move towards Good Work and solidarity

Take a look at the resources below to ground you in the specifics of the implications of Project 2025, if you can. But there is no homework here. You can also just come, to stand in a circle with all of us, as we process this moment and replenish our selves and minds for the work ahead.

Resources:

• Project 2025, Explained, from the ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/project-2025-explained
• People’s Guide to Project 2025, from Democracy Forward: https://democracyforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-05_Peoples-Guide-Pro-2025.pdf
• Council of NonProfits Overview of Executive Orders: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/files/media/documents/2025/chart-executive-orders.pdf
• Actions to Take: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16VS2gwvnhmR0zmz83caUwuBtTjTWvHPTpKUZXuLZkeM/edit?usp=sharing