MY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

To Become a Resistance Evangelist

By Susan Wagner

It’s January 12th, 2026 and I am a dozen days into my New Year’s Resolutions. So far, so good.

I have called my mom every other day and have not had a chip or fry since I started my New Year’s diet. But this year, I am making an additional resolution. I am going to switch from being a surrogate activist to a Resistance Evangelist. For a grassroots activist like myself, there is no better resolution in 2026 than to bring more people into the fight to save Democracy. And I have a plan, quite simple and in my wheelhouse. I hope you will join me.

I can’t tell you how many times I have been out to dinner or in a supermarket parking lot where people approach me with an expression that says, “I’ll make her feel that she is a fountain of information and get enough material about politics to go about my day.” The conversation goes something like this:

• “Tell me what I need to know about politics.”

• “You are my friend who I tell everyone is so involved.”

• “I’m in the know because of you.”

And the person proceeds to tell me how concerned they are about Trump’s unlawful acts, his viciousness, and the future. Then, against my better judgment, I fill them in with whatever is on my mind that day. It could be local or national, about a policy issue or a member of Congress. I then mention all the opportunities that exist for them to get involved. But all too often, neither one of us follows up. The next time I see them, it’s the same rigamarole. I am guessing each of you has had similar experiences.

If we are to win in 2026, we can’t allow for the concerned but inactive. We need every person to step up and be engaged.

As the saying goes, ‘Democracy is not a spectator sport.’ This year I’ll no longer be anyone’s ‘stand in’ or surrogate activist. Instead, I’m going to help them get involved.

Here’s how I plan to move from surrogate activist to Resistance Evangelist.

1. When asked to update about politics, I will answer, then add, “but I want you to commit to some form of activism in the next two weeks. I am happy to introduce you to opportunities that suit your skills and interests, but I need your commitment to make time for this activity. And I will follow up. Persistence will be necessary.

2. I will offer to participate with them on a Zoom or in-person meeting. I will offer to introduce them to group members, so that their first entry is pleasant and they feel welcome.

3. I plan to carry palm cards with a QR code linked to websites like Indivisible, Red, Wine and Blue, and Swing Left which have listings of opportunities and link interested volunteers with local groups.

4. I will monitor those I have engaged and check in with them periodically. I am hopeful that many will catch the bug and stay involved.

5. I will introduce them to Substacks such as. . . The Grassroots Connector! And then, of course, Robert Hubbell’s “Daily Edition” and Jessica Craven’s “Chop Wood, Carry Water.” I will show them how to download the Substack app and subscribe (for free) to those publications and others.

6. I will offer to be their activist sherpa.

I am committed to having five such engagements in the next month. I hope you will join me in making a similar resolution to actively engage the concerned but inactive. Just think! If each of us makes a similar commitment, the opposition can grow exponentially. And of course, losing some weight and exercising are also laudable goals. And remember: CALL YOUR MOTHER.