For months, I watched with growing horror as threats to our democracy multiplied. Was our country truly unraveling, heading toward fear, ignorance, nastiness and depleted resources? Were we on the brink of an America unrecognizable from the democracy I’d always lived in and, frankly, taken for granted?

I admired the resistance: politicians, journalists, historians, lawyers. But as a newly retired child psychologist, I doubted I had useful skills. Then I saw a Facebook post calling for volunteers for a group, Activate Maine. On impulse, I signed up and felt an instant, unexpected rush of enthusiasm and purpose. I hadn’t realized how deeply I wanted to help until it seemed possible.

I messaged Rachel Flehinger, founder of Activate Maine. She quickly saw ways my skills could be repurposed. I didn’t anticipate how much this work would shift my outlook. I feel the energy of being part of a broader resistance movement throughout Maine, and across the country, even around the world. I feel connected to the long history of people who have stood up for democracy and triumphed over fascism.

If other potential volunteers are doubting whether their skills could be useful, they might consider simply volunteering for one of the many advocacy groups here in Maine. People with a range of experiences, knowledge and perspectives, working together, can make a real difference. Together, we can do this.

Karen Levine Egee, Ph.D.
Brunswick