Protecting Our Families and Voices: A Continuum of Civic Action in Uncertain Times

Isaac Evans-Frantz will present at the Craftsbury Public Library on July 15 at 6pm. What can ordinary people do when democratic norms feel fragile, federal power expands, and communities most affected by conflict and climate disasters struggle to be heard? Must safeguarding our rights come at the cost of deepening division, or can it instead strengthen our shared civic fabric?

This presentation explores a continuum of nonviolent strategies available to communities seeking to protect their families and their voices—from calm, local acts of solidarity to election-related engagement, state-level legislative initiatives, and coordinated multi-state efforts. It also considers moments when public protest, selective noncompliance, or international monitoring emerge as tools for accountability. Through real-world examples of grassroots organizing, participants will examine how democratic resilience is built, what tactics have proven effective, and how everyday people can choose focused, collective action over fear or resignation.

This program is supported by the Vermont Humanities Council, and by Jay, John, and Victor in support of inclusive efforts on behalf of all underrepresented people where empathy and understanding can enrich all of us.  For more information, contact the library at 802-586-9683.