Good Morning Friends
I have spent the last few weeks repeating to myself “action is the antidote to despair” over and over again. I also have to remind myself that non-violent direct action is the historically winning strategy. Non-violent action brings in more supporters and numbers matter. It’s not easy to self-regulate and maintain control when our comrades are doing everything right and are still being murdered in cold blood in front of us. It’s even harder to maintain control when we are being gaslit by leadership from all sides.
That said, the fascist playbook tells us that these murders are the plan. They are hoping their violence leads us to violence so that they can declare an insurrection, deploy the military, and cancel the elections (at minimum). Reminding myself of that helps keep me focused on self control as my resistance strategy.
I lean into action. I take trainings again and again. I take breaks from social media. I definitely don’t watch any mainstream press. I sleep. I exercise. I rehearse scenarios and work on regulating my breathing while I practice how I should respond (versus how I might want to respond in the moment).
It’s exhausting. But I don’t need to tell you that. We are all exhausted.
I’ve developed a super fun twitch in my right eye. Doctor says it’s just stress. Ha.
I have some actions you can take today from anywhere. Action is the antidote to despair. Do what you can with what you have today. Do it again tomorrow and the next day.
Let’s start with what you can do to support Minneapolis. As Minneapolis goes, so goes the nation.
» ACTIONS «
1) Knit or Crochet a ‘Melt the ICE Hat’
I'm sure you all know about the Melt the Ice resistance hats that have sprung from Minneapolis. If not, here is a rundown. If you want to make one, you can buy the pattern (all proceeds go to MN mutual aid groups) from Needle & Skein Yarn Shop.
2) Donate to on-the-ground work and mutual aid efforts in Minneapolis
This website has what you need to decide where to funnel your donations. https://www.standwithminnesota.com/
3) Make a donation to States at the Core
https://www.stacup.org/ and follow their Substack: States at the Core
States at the Core has been hosting alllll of the ICE Watch trainings I have been sending you to. That is a small fraction of their work. That team has been on the ground in every city that has been confronting ICE and the white christian nationalist movement. They have been invited in to support the resistance and help guide local organizers in their strategic responses. They have been working in Chicago, Minneapolis, North Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, and more.
I am in awe of their work. So much so, that I am now working as a consultant for them. This won’t impact the rest of my work but I feel compelled to throw down even harder and this is one way I can do that.
The more funds they have, the more work they can do. They are the only ones doing this level of organizing right now. They saw what was coming, planned for it, and now they are delivering.
4) Register for an ICE WATCH Training
These ICE Watch trainings are being updated in real time based on the changing tactics of ICE. If you took one a few months ago, take it again.
➢ January 28, 2026 - Community Defense & ICE Watch (Nationwide)
5) Plan An Event for International Analog Day
International Analog Day is on 2/28 and it is meant to give everyone the opportunity to bring community together to connect IRL without screens and devices. This is a crucial part of the work. Community connection!
Maybe now you want to host a balaclava-making event at your local library or craft shop? There are no limits. Here’s all the information you need to start planning: https://www.badasscrossstitch.com/international-analog-day
6) Make a Trump Voodoo Doll
Here are the instructions: https://www.patreon.com/posts/surprise-trump-148048051
Remember: we stab fabric because stabbing people is frowned upon. I promise you this activity is very cathartic. You’re welcome
7) Join The Joyful Menace Society
One of the features of the Joyful Menace Society is our book club. This quarter we are reading Humankind by Rutger Bregman.
I learned of this author years ago when he wrote an incredible article on the real Lord of the Flies. Bregman believes that humans are actually pretty good at heart and I think he does an excellent job of convincing the reader of this truth through historical context and revisiting well-known psychological studies. Bregman helps us remember why it's important that we view our fellow humans through a generous lens.
If you can’t tell, I’m doing everything I can to help us stay positive, hopeful, and focused.
8) Host an Event / Attend an Event
Being in community, making new friends, learning something new, using your hands, thinking creatively is a big flex under the rise of fascism. Never forget that.
First off, you can host an event for International Analog Day on 2/28. That’s the most fun! Here’s all the details: https://www.badasscrossstitch.com/international-analog-day
Chicago Area Events
January 26 // 4pm // Intro to 3-D Embroidery for Teens // North Austin Library // Registration
February 28 // 11am - 4pm // International Analog Day Crafternoon // Maydel // Details Coming Soon
March 4 + 5 // I will be keynoting, presenting, leading a workshop, and doing a book signing at the National Art Education Association Conference. If you are going to be there…I better get a hug! // Details
March 14 // 10-12pm // Intro to Craftivism // Messenger Public Library Aurora, IL // Register
Zoom Events
February 1 // 2-4pm CT // Community Crafternoon for the Joyful Menace Society // Details
February 14 // 1-2:30pm CT // Intro to Embroidery // Register
February 15 // 2-3pm CT // International Analog Day Office Hours // Details
February 18 // 7-8pm CT // The Story of Rita’s Quilt // Roselle Library // Register
March 7 // 1-2:30pm CT // Intro to Embroidery // Register
March 29 // 2-4pm CT // Community Crafternoon for the Joyful Menace Society // Details
Colorado Events
I am going to be in Colorado the first week of April.
April 10 // 6-8pm MT // Embroidery Workshop // Firehouse Art Studio, Longmont, CO // Details Coming Shortly
April 11 // 9-12pm MT // Intro to Embroidery // Handweavers Guild of Boulder, Boulder, CO // Register
April 11 // 2-5pm MT // Embroidery 2.0 // Handweavers Guild of Boulder, Boulder, CO // Register
April 13 // 10 - 12:30pm MT // Talk: Craft as a Tool of Activism // Handweavers Guild of Boulder, Boulder, CO // Register
April 14 // 7:30 - 10pm MT // Book Talk: Let’s Move the Needle // Handweavers Guild of Boulder, Boulder, CO // Register
*Also, I will be attending my friend Samira Mehta’s book launch in Denver, CO on April 13th from 6-8pm at Cider & Coffee. Her book, God Bless the Pill is definitely going to be a hot read. Come join us!!
9) Read My Book
I wrote a whole book on how to use creative pursuits in your community building, organizing, and activism. It’s fun, hopeful, full of ideas and art, and most importantly, it will teach you so much about change making.
You can buy it anywhere books are sold. Of course, you can always rent a copy from your local library! There’s also an audiobook.
I hope this helps.
In Solidarity and With Love,
Shannon