This is a list of 35 critical actions that we must take, and encourage others to take, in the defense of our democracy:

1. Vote in every election.

2. Donate to honorable candidates, parties and civic organizations.

3. Call and write to our representatives in Congress.

4. Meet with our local, state and federal elected leaders in person.

5. Read multiple, credible news and opinion sources daily.

6. Subscribe to varied, credible news sources.

7. Write op-eds and letters to the editor about issues of concern.

8. Join, support and actively participate in pro-democracy organizations.

9. Attend town halls with elected officials and ask questions.

10. Volunteer for honorable candidates and other political campaigns.

11. Pursue public office.

12. Perform random acts of kindness for complete strangers.

13. Make eye contact and smile at complete strangers.

14. Demand government action to ensure election security.

15. Spread truth and facts on social media and elsewhere.

16. Expose and counter divisive rhetoric and disinformation on social media and elsewhere.

17. Continually choose hope over cynicism and defeat.

18. Study the U.S. Constitution, The Declaration of Independence, and The Federalist Papers.

19. Help advance political reforms that protect and strengthen our democracy.

20. Study the lives, speeches and writings of great Americans.

21. Embrace and advocate for the inherent equality and liberty of all human beings.

22. Study books and news about authoritarianism and other threats to liberty.

23. Expose and counter anti-freedom and anti-equality leaders and organizations.

24. Oppose leaders who scapegoat entire groups or classes of Americans or immigrants.

25. Help new immigrants integrate into local communities.

26. Contribute to the honorable challengers of elected officials undermining the House impeachment inquiry.

27. Read and listen to the opinions of people of good faith who disagree with you.

28. Allow your beliefs about people with whom you disagree to be challenged.

29. Study the facts of major policy challenges facing the country.

30. Demand evidence-based policymaking from elected leaders.

31. Participate in organized service projects in your community.

32. Stay informed of news related to freedom and democracy abroad.

33. Recognize and accept everyone’s opportunity for redemption.

34. Seek and share light, goodness and beauty wherever found in nature and humanity.

35. “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”