Action Orientation

To survive into the future, we must create a new sociopolitical system which functions, while simultaneously dismantling the existing corrupt one, or at least the most damaged parts of it. To minimize collateral damage, these are best performed in tandem.

For the buildup side, I recommend looking into mutual aid organizations, the Buy Nothing project, and other groups which focus on assistance on the basis of proximity and severity of need. Building communal cohesion and resilience will improve the livelihoods of everyone in the vicinity, including the participants.

I would like to see organizations like these used as springboards to develop locally-based, decentralized but interconnected systems of assistance and support that could eventually replace most of what the government has historically provided. This idea requires a lot of discussion and planning to achieve. But if we can learn to self-govern, a government will not be needed.

For the breakdown side, many political activism exist, though great care is needed to find ones that are working honestly and wisely toward their goals. I would advise avoiding ones that are directly tied to political parties (as those are dependent on the existing political system and thus limited in their ability to be useful), and of course any that openly encourage criminal activity. Organizations within the https://indivisible.org/ network tend to be useful in my experience, and there are many focusing on specific issues that can be found through one’s local community.

Additionally, I recently encountered this as a resource. I would consider it an inspiration for how to productively work toward the removal of the infected government.

As this breakdown endeavor continues, it’s important to be mindful of one’s own risk tolerance, and seek to expand it. This is done by finding activities that are within one’s competence and ability to handle, and learning to become more familiar with them, learning what can go wrong and how to respond by those who already have the experience. Then gradually moving into new areas of activity that are within one’s expanded competence. Bravery is not a personality trait, it’s a skill that can be developed.

Additionally, it’s important to get adequate amounts of rest to avoid burnout. This applies to all things.