Authoritarianism is a political system characterized by rejecting political plurality, using strong central power to preserve the political status quo, and reductions in democracy, separation of powers, civil liberties, and the rule of law. Before we can fight, it’s crucial to protect yourself. The Blue List is meant to raise your awareness. You will need to figure out what works for you.
This is meant to be a crowdsourced activity. If you find something, send it to me via Bluesky or email. I’ll vet the source and post it. Thank you.
Updated 1/7/2025
LA FIRE FOLKS!
- How To Escape a Wildfire Heatmap
- Get the app for locating and tracking wildfires called Watch Duty Politics Girl
- Vital notes to keep if you’ve suffered a loss David Slack
- Where to donate to organizations who use your donation effectively The Times
How to delete Facebook The Verge
What to do if ICE shows up at work. United Farm Workers
29 steps you can take to protect democracy – from an amazing nonprofit with a considerable charter. Protect Democracy.org
Check before you donate. Another fantastic tool to help you know if you’re giving to responsible organizations. ProPublica
Prepping for non-preppers. Outstanding list of basics that many may have never considered. Would Your Family Survive? Proud Navy Veteran
Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Your rights as an immigrant (en Español). ACLU
If you are pregnant, Medical Procedures That Could Save Your Life ProPublica
Marc Elias can’t do it all. A critical organization to know about “legally speaking.” State Democracy Defenders
To avoid perpetuating the autocrat’s goals of fear, isolation, exhaustion, and disorientation, here are 10 ways to prepare and ground yourself. Waging Nonviolence
Managing your money? Key 2025 Dates For Your Personal Finances from Bloomberg.
Feds at your door? First, don’t open the door. But here’s why you never talk to the Feds without a lawyer. Courtney Milan
How to survive the broligarchy: 20 lessons for the post-truth world by Carole Cadwalladr. The Guardian.
Preparing for the Storm: Getting Ready for What’s Coming. Excellent advice from Jared Yates Sexton.
Abortion
If You’re Pregnant, Here’s What You Should Know About the Medical Procedures That Could Save Your Life ProPublica
Abortion care via Safe Choice provides pregnant women with options. Safe Choice >
Federal Employees
Federal employees are encouraged to ensure their union membership is in good standing. They’re ready to fight. AFGE >
Healthcare
Get help understanding why your medical claim was denied. A primer from ProPublica >
Immigration
DO IT NOW!: 8th Cir has issued an administrative stay in the DACA ACA health coverage case — DACA beneficiaries are eligible to enroll now during the short window the stay is in effect. American Hospital Association
Short video explainer for immigrants and their families. 5 Ways To PROTECT Yourself From Deportation Under Trump. McBean Immigration
Utah immigrant advocates are hosting ‘Know Your Rights’ sessions in Utah, answering tough questions. KCL Broadcasting >
Critical legal information on “denaturalization and revocation of naturalization” National Immigration Project >
LGBTQ+
Transgender Birth Certificates by State A change in gender is often paralleled by the need to update identity documents, especially birth certificates USBirthcertificates.com
LGBTQ+ parents are rushing to adopt their children before Trump is sworn in. Adoption might be a safeguard for nonbiological kids. The 19th*
GLAAD focuses on Keeping LGBTQ Families Safe: Recommendations and Best Practices GLAAD >
LGBTQ+ actions for protecting yourself. Act now. Doing everything possible to have your affairs in order is super important. Giampolo Law Group >
Legal
Be prepared with proof. Update and know where your ID, passport, and proof of legal decisions are organized (divorce, name change, gender change, immigration status, marriage, adoptions, etc.). We may need to prove many things. LiveStrong >
Money
Seven ways a Trump administration could affect our finances. This is still an early take, but it is worthy of reviewing. CNNBusiness >
Make big purchases before tariffs hit. Use holiday sales to get cars, appliances, tech, and anything tariffed as prices are expected to soar. This includes construction. NBC News >
Identify your state relationships. These programs are likely safe (for now) for states with Democratic governors. This is what happened last time (this was a test; it will be much worse). Center on Budget and Policy Priorities >
Social Security, Medicare, and veteran benefits are all at risk. We will potentially have a huge cohort of people who worked hard all their lives without a plan. Kiplinger >
Leave crypto alone. Unless you’re incredibly wealthy, we’re not who they want at their party. Seriously. The Conversation >
Relationships
Slow down and listen. Kids have some big fears, and bullying has already started. Christian Science Monitor >
Come together, don’t let folks isolate. Invite friends over; leave the house. NAMI >
Safety
Wired’s Guide to Protecting Yourself from Government Surveillance. This is where we are now. Wired >
Do we all need a Faraday room? Spyware Is Spreading—And It’s Cheaper Than Ever Columbia Journalism Review
Abused by the Badge appears to be a list of “peace officers” linked to criminal behavior in stations around the United States. (email required) Washington Post
How to tighten up your digital privacy and security practices. Top Ten EFF Digital Security Resources for People Concerned About the Incoming Trump Administration Electronic Frontier Foundation
Veterans
Get your VA appointments and vaccines now. VA Healthcare will likely be a hot mess. Mueller, She Wrote >