Ways to take action
The following provide tools and insights to aid in political action, including calls to action and the option to sign up for email alerts and newsletters. We have also begun including information on ways to engage in community service, building connections and support for one another.
Our weekly email list: Sign up to receive the Persisters weekly emails sharing a few options for action with a special focus on local action, when possible. We aren't able to cover everything at all times, but we try to give you options of different ways to engage and speak up. Email blowingrockpersisters@gmail.com to let us know you'd like to be added to our list. We also post them at our front page: www.blowingrockpersisters.com
The 5 Calls website (or app) provides scripts and phone numbers to make it easier to call your legislators to share your concerns on key national issues. They provide helpful information and encouragement on how to make that first call (and why calls are most effective).
https://indivisible.org/
VoteVets elevates the voices of veterans and military families through progressive legislative policies and electoral endorsements that impact the lives of active service members, veterans, and the country. This includes a DOGE tipline: https://votevets.org/doge-tipline
The Watauga County Voting Rights Task Force advocates for equal voting rights for all people regardless of political persuasion. We oppose calculated and coordinated voter suppression tactics and are committed to ensuring that voting is accessible to all people. We also run surveys, inform citizens of upcoming elections and voter requirements, and conduct other informational and advocacy voter outreach.
OASIS (Opposing Abuse with Service, Information, and Shelter) is a private, 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Watauga and Avery Counties, North Carolina. All OASIS services are free and confidential, including a 24-hour crisis line in English and in Spanish; crisis counseling; temporary, emergency shelter; transitional and permanent supportive housing; case management services; information and referrals to community resources; legal and medical advocacy; support groups; and prevention programs. There are many ways people can volunteer for or support the work of OASIS.
Indivisible's goal is to provide information to empower citizens to tap into collective constituent power to advocate for what our communities need. The local Indivisible Watauga (now called Indivisible High Country to reflect a region-wide effort) posts updates on its facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Indivisible.Watauga/
https://publicschoolsfirstnc.org/
Public Schools First NC is a statewide nonpartisan nonprofit public organization that collaborates with all stakeholders to advocate for one unified system of public education
Public Schools First NC is a statewide nonpartisan nonprofit public organization that collaborates with all stakeholders to advocate for one unified system of public education
https://downhomenc.org/
Down Home NC aims to organize poor and working class rural voters in North Carolina.
Down Home NC aims to organize poor and working class rural voters in North Carolina.
The Resistance Rangers include off-duty, illegally fired, and former/retired National Park Service employees dedicated to the preservation and protection of all sites managed by the National Park Service. Their mission is to empower the public to take action, reminding our legislators and leadership that parks are for all people and are NOT for sale.
Environmental Activism
Living in the mountains tends to make us all more protective of our natural resources, so many of you may have your favorite advocacy group. If you are seeking one, NC Conservation Network provides a directory of diverse NC-based groups or chapters of national organizations: https://www.ncconservationnetwork.org/affiliates/affiliate-directory/. We want to give a special shout out to Appalachian Voices, which has an office in Boone, and MountainTrue, listed under community service options below.
The National Federation of Federal Employees represents government workers across the country. They provide information on ways to advocate for our federal workers.
Third Act North Carolina is a committed bunch of North Carolinians over 60, coming together in joy and community to create a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren, by protecting the earth and our democracy. (Includes links to Zoom trainings)
Immigration Justice Coalition Boone NC has the goal for all immigrants in the High Country to feel their dignity is respected, and their voices are valued as part of an engaged, supportive, and inclusive community. This link offers chances to volunteer, sign up for their newsletter, follow on facebook or instagram, and donate money to support their work.
Siembra NC was born in 2017 in response to Trump's war on immigrants and the gap in support and resources for the broader Latine community in North Carolina. They are a grassroots organization focused on defending our communities from abusive employers and landlords, ICE, and bad politicos.
Since 1961, Amnesty International is a global movement of millions of people demanding human rights for all people – no matter who they are or where they are. Current campaigns of the USA branch include 1) dismantle the mass deportation machine and invest in welcoming communities; 2) defend human rights in the second Trump administration, 3) protect civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel, and 4) speak out to protect civilians in Sudan.
High Country Peace and Justice Coalition is dedicated to end the genocide in Palestine.
Other ways to take action
A tool to help you identify strategies to stop efforts by the current administration's actions to undermine our democratic systems.
The Stand Up for Science protest group shared tips on how to safely protest, worth taking a look if you decide to attend any public protests in the future.
A list of 198 ways to engage in nonviolent action, including nonviolent protest and persuasion, noncooperation (social, economic, and political), and nonviolent intervention. Provided by the Albert Einstein Institute, dedicated to advance the worldwide study and strategic use of nonviolent action in conflict.
Options for Community Service
MountainTrue is committed to moving our region to a clean, sustainable energy future. This is crucial to keeping our rivers, air, and mountains clean and healthy, and to maintaining the unique biological diversity and natural heritage of Western North Carolina. MountainTrue offers opportunities to volunteer, for example in river clean-up work and invasive plant workdays, as well as calls to action to protect our local environment.
The Watauga County Heritage Museum is a project to create a permanent space to preserve the heritage and history of Watauga County.
Hospitality House enables the transition from crisis to stability, from poverty to sustainability, and from homelessness to housing. Their mission is to rebuild lives and strengthen community by providing a safe, nurturing, healthy environment in which individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty-related crises are equipped to become self-sufficient and productive.
We will continue to add to this list in the future.