For generations, songs have fueled movements, emboldened revolutionaries, brought people closer together, and inspired us to overcome adversity. 

Today, we're honoring the power of music, and asking you to post or share a song that inspires you to persist. For inspiration, we suggest checking out Our First 100 Days, a movement of artists who are releasing a new song each day and donating the proceeds to progressive causes. 

Persistence is a daily practice, and it doesn’t always involve the political system. In fact, much of our progress is shaped through everyday interactions, and by the way we step up at critical moments.

Today, we're taking a 100-second crash course in bystander intervention, courtesy of American Friends Service Committee. Use this time to deepen your understanding of when (and how) stand up for tolerance, inclusivity, and compassion when you witness an injustice. 

After the election, a group of former congressional staffers got together and created a guide designed to teach everyday citizens how to make Congress listen. What started as a shared Google Document has now become a full-fledged playbook, with case studies, examples, and practical tactics for making your voice heard. Today, download the Indivisible Guide and become a persistent force for good. 

Note: This guide was originally titled: Indivisible: A Practical Guide for Making Congress Listen. Recently, it has been rebranded as “Anti-Trump”. While our campaign remains nonpartisan, we believe that, regardless of where you sit politically, this resource is both universal in its usefulness and too important not to share. ​

​Unlike the Members of Congress who represent us in DC, our state legislators represent us at the state level. They make many decisions that affect our daily lives - such as determining and allocating state tax dollars, funding public colleges and universities, setting minimum wage standards, etc.  They are important and accessible, which offers us a great opportunity. Today, look up who represents you (https://openstates.org/) and use our handy e-mail template to introduce yourself.

*Note: if your local representative's email address doesn't immediately appear in the listing, you may need to click through to their website and contact them from there. 

Dear [Title][Last Name]:

My name is [your first and last name] and I am your constituent, living at [your address, or cross-street]. As someone who cares about our community and our state, I wanted to introduce myself and say hello! Please keep me updated on your work in the legislature and any public events you are planning to hold. 

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Decisions are made by those who show up. And while presidential elections are important, local ballot initiatives, midterm elections, and party primaries often have even more impact on our day-to-day lives.

Today, commit to voting in your next local election, and set a reminder through turbovote.org to make sure you don't forget. Sign up and join us - hope to see you at the polls! #First100ways #JoinThePersistence
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Since 2012, more than 750,000 immigrants who were brought to the US as children have been able to live without fear of deportation thanks to a policy called Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Because of DACA, thousands have been allowed to pursue higher education and better jobs, and have been able to thrive and give back to their communities.

The current administration has talked about ending DACA, which would strip away these protections and put thousands at risk. Since DACA recipients are registered with the government, many are also worried that this information could be used against them.  

Today we’re using our collective power to urge General John Kelly, the Secretary of Homeland Security, to commit to protecting DACA, along with the private information of DACA recipients.

The petition we’ve chosen is from Reform Immigration for America, who are at the forefront of the push to bring about workable, humane, and comprehensive immigration reform. ​

Sign the petition here.