Doing the tedious work of democracy

A few weekends ago I attended the local No Kings protest in Joshua Tree holding a sign that read, “No Wars to Protect Fragile Men’s Egos.” Most people got it, but one man got huffy and told me “I’m not fragile!” a reaction which is, as my friend Susan pointed out, a tell.

Since the protest my inbox was flooded, as it always is, with emails asking “What comes next?” Most of them fundraising for different candidates or causes. I’m sure yours was flooded too.

To those I say: Keep doing the tedious work of Democracy.

Fundamentally, democracy is inconvenient. It is by nature inefficient. It takes a lot of mobilization to get anything done. But in a world where tech oligarchs are trying to ram through AI and the data centers to support under the rhetoric of ease and reducing friction and streamlining your whole life and brain, isn’t a little inconvenience actually a good thing?

I’ve been thinking about this in relation to the writing I’ve been doing for the Desert Trumpet, a hyper local online news source, for nearly a year. My “beat” such as it has touched on issues surrounding local development, local change makers, the Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) board, and most recently the local board of education and their push to potentially close several local elementary schools.

In attending the tourism board’s monthly meetings, I’ve gotten a sense of local stakeholders, elected officials, and people who care deeply about the city of Twentynine Palms. I’ve seen first hand the passions, tensions, ideas, ambitions, and inertia that drive a small piece of city government. While my meeting recap articles may not be the most creative writing I’ve ever done, after the better part of a year, I’ve become something of an expert in one small area of public governance. From one perspective, it’s incredibly mundane. From another angle, I’m getting a (literal) front row seat into how one small desert city is trying to position itself to take advantage of desert tourism (for better or for worse), encourage the growth of local businesses and events, and try to balance the needs of visitors with the needs of locals. This is the tedious work of democracy.

I’m reminded also of the volunteering I’ve done for Tech for Campaigns, writing emails for state house-level candidates in Michigan and Virginia the past two years. It has been again a front row seat to a grassroots campaign and to see the work, hustle, and money that goes into a race at this level. It has left me clear eyed at what it takes to run for office at that level (more money than I can believe) and the intense work that goes into it.

Money is absolutely a barrier to entry for democracy and it should not be. Far too much is spent on political campaigns, vying for eyes and attention. However, I realize that for me, investing my time in candidates who, if elected, will make a concrete difference in the lives of their constituents, is a worthwhile endeavor. This is also the tedious work of democracy.

Of course, there is other work that can and must be done: Direct action to disrupt the many violences of this current system and mutual aid work to support those impacted are also vital right now. And guess what, coordinating those kinds of ventures can also be tedious.

I’ve been thinking about this lately because there is so much that needs our attention and our compassion right now, it’s easy to feel paralyzed and like nothing we do matters. But If we can plug in our skills to a place where they’re needed and can have a small benefit, not only is that satisfying, but if we do this consistently we can make a difference, however small.

I’m curious about how you’re finding ways to plug in, find hope through action, build community, and to participate in civic life right now? What feels tedious, but ultimately worthwhile, to you?

For those in the Morongo Basin, I hope you’ll join me this Sunday (tomorrow!) at my dear friend Sharon’s house for a meet and greet with Tessa Lynn Hodge. Tessay is a licensed clinical social worker and community builder born and raised in the high desert. She is running for congress to defeat MAGA-ghoul Jay Obernolte and is endorsed by the California Democratic Party.

I truly believe that flipping California 23 is possible and while I know some disagree with me, I think challenging incumbents even when it seems like a long shot is so important. In democracy, we need options and to show that not everyone is falling for the line that those currently in office are towing. I know it can feel futile when so much money goes into these races (and Obernolte is one of the richest members of congress). However, these races are not just about the candidate running, but all the conversations that take place and connections and momentum that are built along the way. That too is the tedious work of democracy. You can RSVP for more information and the address (or just ask me). See you there.

On a personal note, I’m looking for creative, responsible, cat-loving people who want a low-cost retreat to do focused, creative work this spring and summer. If you need a serene, comfortable place to work on a project or just slow down a bit, my house in the California hi-desert is available May 13 - June 9 (open to shorter stays within that date range) and September 3 to 11 in exchange for taking care of my teenaged kitten Pan Dulce and watering plants.

Maybe you want to attend the Mojave Zine Fest on May 15 and 16 and stay awhile? Maybe you want to admire the stars from an official dark sky area? Maybe you want to see why desert summer really is the best kept secret?

You: Creative, responsible, animal lover looking for space and time to work on a project or just chill. You’ll need to provide your own transportation.

The space: One-bedroom, one-bath, fully equipped kitchen, great AC, fenced yard, native plant and cactus garden, 15 minutes from downtown Yucca Valley. No other pets please.

Interested? Questions? Let me know! Please feel free to share with responsible friends.

Thank you, friends.

xox,

eleanor

Currently reading/just read: Hemlock by Melissa Faliveno. The first novel from one of my favorite writers! A story of middle-aged haunting that wrestles with identity, purpose, family, and addiction. I loved how Faliveno built tension throughout, how the woods itself is a character, how she avoids easy answers, how the book centers queer women and non-binary people, and how you’re not sure what is a dream, a ghost, a vision, and real (and ultimately, it may not “matter”). I read most of it in my garden one sunny afternoon because if you live alone in a cabin in the middle of nature well, you may not want to read this one at night.

Whole Holy Hot by Chrissy Martin and Southwest Reconstruction by Raquel Gutierrez. Two books of poetry by two incredible writers, both very differently wrestling with identity, culture, family, and bodies. I have started reading poetry at the dining room table, ingesting it with food, letting it nourish me in short bursts. I recommend.