A Civil Rights Lawyer’s Four-Year Survival Guide

Standing Strong: Charting the Path Forward in a Time of Uncertainty

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, the hero Frodo Baggins laments to Gandalf the Wizard, “I wish it need not have happened in my time.” Gandalf replies, “So do I, and so do all who live to see such times. But it is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that we have been given.” 

There will be plenty of time to look back and grieve the challenges we face. For this civil rights lawyer, I know that there is work to be done. 

The struggle to promote individual rights and freedoms will go on. The fight will be waged in 10,000 courtrooms, in 10,000 cases, across the United States. The struggle will test the time, the talent, the treasure, and the resolve of all who believe, as I do, that the moral arc of the universe bends towards justice. As Thomas Paine wrote in December 1776, “The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have his consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” 

My Tips for Surviving the Next Four Years with Self-Care and Resilience

Over the last few months, I have contemplated how I will work in service of my country in this time of crisis – for I believe it is a time of crisis. Here is my survival guide for the next four years! 

• Keep Calm and Carry On: Resist the urge to rise to the bait! Be unlike the cat that chases the laser pointer light on the floor and works itself into a frenzy. Watch what is done, not what is said. Be vigilant, but not hyper-sensitive. 
• Help Those In Need: Engage with local community organizations that support the underserved and those likely to be most impacted by the changes that may come to pass. Set a “giving budget” (or a “Resistance Budget” if that phrase better suits your style) and commit to using those resources as best as you can. You can find links to national and local civil rights organizations at the end of this blog posting. 
• Get Out of the Bubble: Identify and converse with those who view things differently than you, and seek to find common ground in small but meaningful ways. Whether cleaning up a local park, building a community garden, visiting a nursing home, hosting a game night for local youth, shoveling a neighbor’s driveway, or simply attending local school sporting events will help you to meet others whom you might not see very often. (When my kids were in school, I spent many nights cooking hamburgers at the refreshment stand on soccer night! It was fun.)
• Support Newspapers and Local Media Outlets: Subscribe to local media outlets and help independent journalism.
• Support Your Local Public Library: The public library is one of the last places where people can just go and sit without buying anything. Yeah, you might not be able to listen to your phone or talk to your friends (if you are in a quiet place), but you do not have to purchase anything – you already own it. For extra credit, get a library card and read a book. Your librarian can make recommendations that suit your tastes and interests. 
• Build Your Network: Keep your friends and family close. Clean up your contacts and update your mailing lists. Write a letter to a friend you have not spoken to in a while – a letter is a free gift to those you love. Okay, you have to buy a stamp, so it is not free, but the United States Post Office will deliver it to any address in the United States for the cost of a first-class stamp. 
• Attend Your Local City or Town Council Meeting: Show up and see what is going on. Most places allow the public to speak on any issue on the agenda. Exercise your First Amendment Right to petition your representatives for a redress of your grievances. Think of it like exercise; it’s just easier. You do not have to sweat, and you can leave any time you like (unlike the Hotel California). 
• Invest in Disengaging – Prioritize Your Mental Health: Anxiety and stress can weigh heavily on all of us, but carving out time to disengage and recharge is essential for your mental health and wellness. Here are some ways to invest in yourself:
  • Move Your Body: Physical activity is a proven stress reliever. Whether you’re breaking a sweat or just getting your blood flowing, it can do wonders for your mind and body. Consider:
    • Joining a Gym: Try tossing around some kettlebells, taking a jazzercise class, pounding a heavy bag, or working the elliptical. (Yes, you might sweat a little—but it’s worth it!)
    • Exploring the Outdoors: Go for a hike or bike ride once a week. Start small and build up as it gets easier. Even moderate walking has been shown to significantly improve physical and mental health.
  • Unwind with Great TV: Sometimes, the best way to disengage is to immerse yourself in an incredible story. Here are some binge-worthy shows to dive into:
    • Lost (Hulu): Six seasons of mystery, drama, and unforgettable characters.
    • The Sopranos (Max): A masterpiece of storytelling with six seasons of mob family drama.
    • Battlestar Galactica (Peacock): The ultimate sci-fi series—four seasons of gripping action and existential questions.

Whether you’re sweating it out or sinking into the couch with a great show, remember that taking time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

Those are my suggestions. I welcome yours!

For a partial list of some organizations dedicated to supporting democracy and the rule of law, click here: https://impactful.ninja/best-charities-for-democracy-globally/