America's Real Power: Communities Step Up When the Government Shuts Down

Fuel your fire with these stories of activism

The government may be standing still, but our grassroots democratic movements are moving swiftly along.

Here are a few communities that are inspiring me this week:

Food networks looking out for federal workers

Federal employees are challenged to make ends meet without a paycheck right now, and community food advocates are stepping up to help. Local networks of farmers, retail stores, and food banks are specifically working to gather and distribute fresh food for government workers.

In DC, the Capital Area Food Network is reaching out with donations, and local restaurants are offering discounts and free meals to residents affected by the shutdown. Similar efforts are ramping up across the country, especially in places where there are high concentrations of federal employees.

In Arlington, Texas, Bodega owner Ralph Loya is offering discounts for those affected by the shutdown, including service members from a nearby military base. He said, “We’re going to try our best to pay forward what we can — for the community, for our soldiers, for our furloughed government employees. We’re here for you.”

Eyes on Everglades

Environmental advocates, nearby residents, and members of the Miccosukee Tribe are leading the fight to protect the Everglades from Alligator Alcatraz. They led the legal effort to shut it down, and they won. They also sounded the alarm when ICE began resuming activity at the site early this month, violating a host of environmental laws.

While the legal proceedings are still in full swing, ICE is carrying on as if it is accountable to no one.

So, while community members document, gather information, and fight in court, they also have to resume protests at the site. Now, Friends of the Everglades and partners are hosting a peaceful gathering to build their coalition and show lawmakers that they will be held accountable. While the event is built by locals, its outcome will influence national policy and procedure.

I hope the turnout reflects this monumental importance.

The Hands Across Lands protest will be held on October 26 from 2-5pm at the entrance to the detention center (54575 Tamiami Trail).

Big win in NY’s Adirondacks

Locals are celebrating a step forward for New York’s Adirondack Forest Preserve. In response to steadfast community advocacy and a looming threat of a property sale, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signaled that the state is seeking to buy a valuable piece of untouched wildland. And protect it in perpetuity!

Environmental advocacy group Protect the Adirondacks has long hoped for a 32,000 acre tract of untouched land to add to its adjacent preserve. The property, known as Whitney Park, was being sold to a Texas-owned property development company. Now, that outcome is uncertain.

Executive Director of the Adirondack Council Raul J. Aguirre explained:

“The Governor’s clear statement of intent removes any doubt about the state’s readiness to be a strong conservation partner. Ultimately, the decision rests with the Hendrickson estate and their willingness to embrace a solution that benefits the Town of Long Lake, the Adirondack Park, and the people of New York State. Until then, we will continue to advocate for lasting protection of these extraordinary lands and waters so they may one day become accessible to all New Yorkers—residents and visitors alike.”

While the decision of where the land will go has yet to be made, New York’s acknowledgement and validation of local environmental advocates is big. Grassroots efforts can be the most effective at finding solutions that work for our big, complex communities and their sustainability.

Getting the word out for Public Lands Rule comment period

In the latest deregulation attempt from Trump and his Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, the BLM has announced that it intends to rescind the Public Lands Rule. In short, taking away this rule would eliminate conservation as a “legitimate use” of public lands. So, if an area were set aside for protection and the Public Lands Rule were not intact, the land could now be used for logging, grazing, or mineral extraction.

Yikes.

They’re doing this EVEN THOUGH they were met with resounding disapproval with a very similar move last month (ahem…625,737 public comments for Roadless Rule).

With a little less than 3 weeks to object via public comment, environmental advocates are heavily publicizing the need for public pushback. The message from everyone is the same: get loud, participate in public comment, and don’t let anything slip under the radar.

If you need a guide for writing public comments, check out this post from last month. The deadline is November 10, 2025. You got this!

About today…

I know the No Kings protests are full of alot of mixed feelings.

Hope in the fact that millions of Americans are joining together to defend the greater good. Fear about all the things that are going wrong in our country, or that could go wrong today. Gratitude for those standing against political abuse, and resentment that we have to.

As you go bravely through the day, carry with you the knowledge that good people are showing up every single day and fighting for our rights. The inspirational shots you will see of crowds across the country is just a snippet and symbol of what is going on to stop Trump’s takeover. Stay safe out there!

With love and hope for the future,

Stephanie

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