10 Quiet Acts of Civic Resistance You Can Do in 10 Minutes

10 Quiet Acts of Civic Resistance You Can Do in 10 Minutes

You don’t have to march to make change. Most progress comes from small, consistent, boring-but-brave actions. Do one today, then set a reminder to do another next week.

1) Thank your library

Why: Morale matters during book challenges.
Do it now: Email: “Hi [Branch], thanks for your Banned Books Week display. It matters. [Name]”

2) Place one hold on a challenged title

Why: Circulation data protects access.
Do it now: Request a frequently challenged book from your library app.

3) Ask for your district’s materials-review policy

Why: Transparent policy prevents bans.
Script: “Hi, could you share our written policy for challenged books and how families can appeal? Thank you.”

4) Add the next city council meeting to your calendar

Why: Showing up (or emailing) beats ranting online.
Do it now: Add the date + a reminder the day before.

5) Make one respectful public comment online

Why: Healthy discourse nudges norms.
Template: “Adding context: [fact/source]. Here’s why it matters locally: [one sentence].”

6) Call once about one issue

Why: Phones still count.
30-sec script: “Hi, I’m a constituent in ZIP [____]. Please support [issue] because [one sentence]. Thanks.”

7) Switch one recurring buy to a better vendor

Why: Recurring dollars = recurring impact.
Do it now: Coffee, soap, or paper goods from a local/ethical shop.

8) Plan one low-carbon errand

Why: Tiny habits stack up.
Do it now: Walk, bike, or take transit for a single trip this week.

9) Turn on two-factor authentication

Why: Most breaches are preventable.
Do it now: IG, Gmail, and more. pick one and enable 2FA.

10) Share a school-board comment script

Why: Scripts lower the barrier to speak.
Copy/paste:
“Good evening. I’m [Name], a [parent/resident]. Please uphold our written review policy and keep diverse books available. Families should choose for their own child—not for everyone. Thank you.”

Bonus: Support Civic Goods!

Civic Goods Co. makes progressive activism gear, printed in the USA. A portion of profits supports free expression, voting rights, and the planet. Please consider supporting our cause at www.civicgoodsco.com

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