Step Two: Stay Informed

Share the Facts.

Last week, I shared that over the coming months, we would be talking about each of our 10 Steps to Freedom and Power — breaking them down, going over what each of them entail, and what concrete steps you can take today.

Step One: Commit

If Step One was about committing, Step Two is about what you do with that commitment.

Because once you start paying attention, you realize something quickly: information is everywhere, but clarity is not.

We’re all seeing the same flood of misleading headlines, right-wing memes, hot takes, and breaking news alerts. A lot of it is designed to provoke, confuse, or overwhelm us. In that environment, it’s easy to assume that sharing anything is the same as being informed.

It’s not.

Staying informed means slowing down enough to understand what’s actually happening. We have to be clear about what we just learned: What changed? Who does this affect? What happens next? And then we need to share what we know when it matters most.

When we share the truth, information becomes a tool that makes a difference.

When ICE invaded Minnesota a few months ago, we saw how clear, consistent information helped confront a masked paramilitary force and neuter its efforts. People from all walks of life started organizing on secure group chats, sharing information about unmarked roaming ICE vehicles or armed agents in their communities. This trusted flow of community-sourced knowledge allowed for effective rapid response. Neighbors and leaders organized pushback to the violence inflicted on immigrant communities by the Trump Republican regime and raised awareness with a national audience. With the quick spread of intelligence, neighbors could activate, then replicate their learnings for others, preparing other communities for what was to come. Sharing became a tool for defense and offense.

Photo by DuoNguyen on Unsplash

Ultimately, by curating and disseminating useful information, this counter-intelligence played a significant part in reducing the presence of ICE in Minnesota. Yes, they had Fox, Sinclair News, and Steve Bannon braying about how DHS was infiltrating Minneapolis. But families and friends fed local grapevines and national social media with honest accounts that resonated and cut through the propaganda. That kind of progress happens when people share facts, context, and concrete next steps.

We’ve talked before about how confusion is often the way authoritarians gain a foothold. How a flurry of action that leaves us feeling confused and overwhelmed is how authoritarians expand their executive power. Last year, we broke down how the bad Step 2 — the expansion of executive power — in the 10 Steps to Autocracy and Authoritarianism works.

So what does the good Step Two look like in practice?

It looks like:

• Double-checking information before sharing it — especially when it’s emotional or urgent.

• Sharing not simply what’s happening, but why it matters and what people can do.

• Using your platforms — social media, group chats, conversations — to add clarity and action, not more noise to the echo chamber.

• Uplifting credible sources and organizations doing trusted work, like Pro Publica or The 19th.

• Being willing to say, “Here’s what I’m learning” and bringing others into that process.

And just as important: don’t underestimate your influence.

Most people aren’t getting their information from institutions — we’re getting it from each other. From friends. From group chats. From social media. From people they trust. Even here on Substack, a lot of us read other posts and take cues about what is happening and what should be lifted up. Without the anchor of the shared media narrative of yesteryear, we have become our own amplifiers, our own version of public media. Which means when you share something thoughtful, accurate, and grounded in action, it carries more weight than you think.

And here’s the part we don’t say enough: you are not the only one paying attention.

Others feel this too. When you speak up — even in small ways — you make it easier for someone else to engage. Courage is contagious, and sharing more can save us all.

Below are resources to help you stay informed and share credible information:

Getting Started:

• Join or create group chats with friends/family interested in civic issues to share information from factual sources and counter misinformation.

• Share updates on your engagement (voting, volunteering, attending meetings, etc.).

Building Momentum:

• To expand, start a neighborhood social page, group chat or newsletter.

• Post regularly and encourage neighbors to get involved and take action.

• Host informal conversations with friends and neighbors on important civic issues.

Leadership Development:

• Partner with established organizations to launch community information initiatives.

• Collaborate with existing media literacy organizations to create educational content.

• Starting a Substack, blog, zine, or podcast that challenges regime narratives and further amplifies the truth.

I want to know what this step looks like to YOU. Share in the comments why you care, how you’re taking action, and how you’re helping others understand what comes next.