Guide to Organizing in Tennessee During a Second Trump Administration

Leveraging this moment to cultivate resilience, broaden our coalitions and community networks, and find solidarity amidst ongoing struggle.

Nov 30, 2024

Good news? Many communities before and after us have organized against the rising tides of authoritarianism. We are more connected than we were a decade ago and have seasoned organizers in Tennessee who can help provide analysis and organizing blueprints.

Bad news? The next few years may present significant challenges for our most marginalized communities.

I. What’s to Come

1. Election Aftermath: Democratic Collapse, Not a Shift Further Right

The recent election reflects the structural crisis of our democracy and, subsequently, neoliberalism rather than a simple political shift. This environment calls for a renewed focus on grassroots organizing and localized community engagement to uphold democratic values at the local level and mitigate harmful policies at the federal and state levels. Expect increased voter suppression and gerrymandering that consolidate power.

2. Anticipated Federal Policies: Mass Deportations and Administrative Chaos

The federal landscape may undergo significant changes, including increased deportations and administrative upheaval with the mass firing of federal administrative class and the potential dissolution of federal agencies. These changes could affect communities across Tennessee, for example, Social Security checks not arriving on time and insurance companies discriminating against preexisting conditions, which emphasizes the need for local support networks to mitigate the harm.

Mass Deportations: Intensified immigration crackdowns, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. This could include ICE raids in schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods, leading to heightened fear and instability.
Federal Administrative Chaos: Policy inconsistencies and paralysis across federal agencies could disrupt healthcare access, public benefits, and environmental protections.

3. Tangible Effects in Tennessee

Rising Costs of Living: Rising grocery prices and the increased cost of goods due to disrupted supply chains and inflationary policies.
Potential Privatization of TVA: The Tennessee Valley Authority might face privatization efforts, which could increase utility prices and affect household budgets.
Strain on state infrastructure: National instability has overwhelmed local institutions, with public schools, healthcare facilities, and transportation systems bearing the brunt.

II. Building Local Resilience

1. Focus on Localized Engagement

In the words of Grace Lee Boggs, “focus on critical connections rather than critical mass.” Concentrate on building tight-knit, supportive communities rather than pursuing widespread but shallow engagement. Focus on:

Get to Know Your Neighbors: Build trust and understanding within your community. Identify neighbors on fixed incomes, with disabilities, and those with specialized needs who policy changes and administrative chaos may impact.
Identifying resources: Map out local resources, such as food banks, legal aid organizations, and health clinics, to better support your community.

2. In the words of John Prine, “Blow up your TV.”

The onslaught of federal turmoil will be overwhelming and distract our community response. Consider reducing your exposure to focus on building connections, creating affinity groups, and rerouting your energy to actions that matter.

Limit media consumption: Avoid doomscrolling and prioritize trusted, actionable sources.
Create intentional spaces: Host community discussions and events to focus on solutions rather than feeding into despair.

3. Build Local Affinity Groups

An affinity group is a small, self-organized group of individuals who share common values, goals, or concerns and work collaboratively to address issues affecting their community. These groups are often autonomous, flexible, and rooted in trust, making them ideal for organizing under challenging conditions. Foster small groups of neighbors and trusted allies who can act as networks of support, brainstorming and executing localized strategies for resistance and resilience. Examples include:

Foster small groups of neighbors and trusted allies who can act as networks of support, brainstorming and executing localized strategies for resistance and resilience. Examples include:

Neighborhood Support Groups: Meet regularly to share updates, plan actions, and offer emotional support.
Skill-sharing workshops: Teach each other essential skills like gardening, first aid, or basic legal knowledge.

4. Assess your giving and time capacity.

Did you give to candidates in the 2024 cycle? Are you currently giving to national organizations? The localized need for monetary support will be overwhelming.

Financial Assistance: Redirect funds typically earmarked for candidates or national organizations to local efforts. Prioritize helping neighbors with eviction defense, medical expenses, and other urgent needs.
Neighborhood Resource Sharing: Organize community drives for food, clothing, and essential goods. Volunteer with or organize mutual aid networks to address immediate community challenges. This could include meal delivery programs, rent relief efforts, or transportation assistance for vulnerable individuals.

6. Navigating Increased Government Surveillance and Criminalization

Be mindful of privacy and take steps to protect personal and community communications. Additionally, especially with local law enforcement agencies being deputized to act as immigration officers and with the passage of bills criminalizing trans identity, pregnancy, and immigration, consider other alternatives to protection, including community defense.

Adopt secure communication: Use encrypted apps like Signal for sensitive conversations and avoid unprotected digital communications.
Educate yourself about digital security: Learn and adopt best practices for digital privacy, such as using VPNs, disabling location tracking, and minimizing data shared online.
Learn and teach alternatives to calling the police. Build resources for de-escalation, neighborhood patrols, and legal support to address threats without relying on state systems. Participate in de-escalation training and know-your-rights workshops.

7. Prioritize Resilience Over Visibility

Unlike the mass marches and rallies in 2017, consider spending your time on resilience work, like helping an unhoused senior navigate housing resources or addressing the immediate needs of a neighborhood family with a trans child who is trying to find care.

Addressing immediate needs: Directly assist those struggling with housing, food insecurity, or healthcare access.
Building networks: Establish mutual support systems that function independently of state systems.

V. Conclusion

While the future may hold uncertainties, Tennesseans have a proud history of resilience and determination. By focusing on local action and drawing strength from our shared values, we can rise to meet the challenges before us. By supporting one another and learning from both local heroes and global movements, we can shape a future where Tennessee that is worth fighting for.

This guide is a living document. Do you have suggestions for this guide? Are you organizing and learning to navigate issues you want to inform others about? Do you have resources you want us to add below? E-mail us at team@aftynbehn.com, and we’ll add them to the guide.