I refuse to be complicit (links + resources for today's world)
This post is republished and updated from my original post I shared on Instagram on February 23, 2025, which was one of my most popular, “liked,” and shared posts ever. I wanted to expand on it and include links elsewhere for those (like me) who would like to spend fewer hours in their day scrolling social media.
With all the misinformation, disinformation, and quite frankly propaganda in the world I also wanted to expand the original post with new resources, as well as places where you can find hope in a hard world. I also hope this is a post (or the Instagram post) you can share with loved ones or neighbors, or can find a specific article, podcast, video, or social media post that helps you find the language or information to share with others.
We’re going for contagion for the greater good here! You also may want to check out my follow up post on how to have hard conversations.
The original caption read:
I refuse to be complicit. Every time I hear someone say they’ve tuned out, it fires me up a bit more. It’s not the time to be quiet and look away. There is a new level of darkness looming over us. Humanity is at stake. History has shown us this path before. This is not going away without our resistance. Change is possible but is going to take collective awareness and action. It’s time to get creative and find OTHER WAYS.
Your voice matters. We all have different roles to play.
I’ve realized not everyone is operating with the same information or understanding of the issues. I put together a mini guide of voices you can follow to stay informed and engaged without losing yourself to the endless scroll. More importantly I hope you can share it with others who may not be aware of the severity of the situation or find original sources.
Please share any resources you’ve found helpful and sources of truth.
In the original post, I’ve attempted to tag all the accounts on the slides, but a few don’t allow @ tags (and there’s a limit of 20). If social media is not your thing, keep in mind that you can find many of them on other platforms such as Substack (click through the messages—most key information is not paywalled, so start with the free plan, and then support the platforms as they resonate with you. or podcasts.
Keep in mind this post prioritizes Instagram voices, where I initially discovered them, but you also may want to check Blue Sky, the least problematic of the social platforms. I’ve also expanded the blog post to include websites, and additional links of where you can find the voices depending on how you best like to receive and absorb information.
While there is a lot of information, prioritize one or two that resonate with you rather than overwhelming yourself. Stay informed and take action.
[NOTE: At the bottom of this post I’ve included additional names and resources which were shared by others in the original Instagram post as well—there was a goldmine worth checking out in order to find voices that resonate with you.]
@heathercoxrichardson also writes a Substack called “Letters from an American” with over 2 million subscribers and shares a daily podcast with the same title.
@sharonsaysso wrote a book called The Small and the Mighty. Her Substack is called “The Preamble.”
@rbreich also is on Substack (his publication is his name).
@mainandvine provides daily tips written on a white board as a concerned citizen that you can screenshot. She also cross posts key messaging.
@5calls provides phone numbers and sample scripts you can use to call your representatives to make your voice and concerns heard. Visit the official website at 5calls.org. (I follow them on Threads too for additional messaging and updates)
@votesaveamerica for ideas on how to get involved
Sample posts from @sharonsaysso, @mainandvine, and @lizaminnella (on Threads).
Not every politician is effective at using their platform or representing the people and needs. These politicians have been using their voices for good.
@repjasmine – Rep Jasmine Crockett of Texas
@chrismurphyct @senchrismurphy – Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut
@senwarren @elizabethwarren – Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts
@aoc @repaoc – Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York
@berniesanders – Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont (his messaging has been consistent for decades)
Kara Swisher (@karaswisher @onwithkaraswisher) is a tech journalist by profession (she’s been following Elon Musk for 30 years and has lots to say), her work has expanded, particularly through her podcasts On With Kara Swisher and Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway. She’s a straight shooter in written and audio form, and also reverberates other voices.
Matt Bernstein (@mattxiv) is a queer, jewish pop culture reporter with his own platform. His Instagram posts with a pink and blue gradient tell stories through screenshots and headlines, up rooting traditional narratives shared in the media. He also hosts his own Patreon community, as well as his podcast “A Bit Fruity” which always opens my eyes to issues in the world (start with the Wicked episode!).
Taylor Lorenz (@taylorlorenz) is an independent freelance journalist whose independent status allows her to break and tell the stories that need to be told without gate keepers. Her platform @usermagazine supports her work. She’s also a regular guest on Matt Bernstein’s @abitfruitypod podcast.
@altnationalparkservice is the truth telling account out of the National Park Service. Also on Facebook.
@ezraklein (Ezra Klein) is a NYT columnist and podcaster. Look for his video features often shared on the NYT accounts.
@tressiemcphd’s writing came into my field of vision when I was assigned an essay from her book Thick for a writing class. Tressie McMillan Cottom is an American writer, sociologist, and professor. She regularly contributes to the NYT, and don’t miss this clip from The Daily Show.
@thedailyshow @weeklyshowpodcast are excellent reminders that comedy shows (John Stewart, John Oliver, Jordan Keppler, and more) often are key sources of truth and bring in different experts and sharing information in a way that resonates. Keep in mind that the the comedic aspects are all linked to reality.
@meidastouch is the media and podcast network who dethroned Joe Rogan for the #1 spot. In addition to social media and the podcast, you can subscribe to their updates on Substack. They have surpassed FOX and MSNBC. The independent pro-democracy network was founded by three brothers. Follow them on Instagram for breaking news through short videos.
@rollingstone shares direct reporting without getting stuck in the dance of mainstream media which often misses the mark or perpetuates unhelpful narratives. In print and web at rollingstone.com.
@teenvogue is one of the first media outlets that learned how to cover politics with an honest voice years ago. Don’t be fooled by their target audience! More at teenvogue.com.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Under the Desk News – V Spehar originally found a following on TikTok, but is also active on Instagram (great for easily digestible, succinct news coverage), and more recently has been building up Substack as a hub and where you support the powerful network (lots of great info available at the free tier too). V hosts big names and politicians too. One of my favorite voices since I wrote this post!
The Ink by Anand Giridharadas hosted on Substack (@anandwrites on IG). A regular voice on major news networks and the NYTimes (and author of Winner Takes All: The elite charade of changing the world) he regularly hosts interviews and conversations with other experts who you may not see on mainstream media. “Watch an actual plan to beat fascism” as a good one to start.
@couriernewsroom – Courier Nesroon
@motherjonesmag – Mother Jones Magazine
@senatortinasmith – Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota
@jessicayellin + her News Not Noise Substack
Chop Wood, Carry Water by Jessica Craven on Substack
Rebecca Solnit (@rebeccasolnit) on Facebook and MeditationsInAnEmergency.com newsletter
@mspackyetti on Instagram
@qasimrashid on Instagram
@brianderrick_ on Instagram
@jbouie on Instagram
@groundnews on Instagram
@shannonrwatts on Instagram
@ariella.elm on Instagram celebrates wins each day
Dave Troy, technologist
Timothy Snyder’s Substack from the perspective of a history professor with expertise on Russia/Ukraine
Indivisible — national org with local chapters
Please share additional resources and voices worth amplifying in the comments of this post. Together we can change the world.
For more ideas on navigating life and these times, check out my book, OVERRIDE! What if there was another way? A pocket playbook for possibility. 📓 I will be hosting free monthly Substack banana mapping workshops for these times inspired by my book. 🍌✍️
Sign up to be notified of my next Mapping Your Path 3-mo workshop + community. The next cohort kicks off in May.