Living by Example

In the spirit of “Good Trouble,” living by example is one of the most powerful tools we have. In times of injustice and uncertainty, our daily choices—what we say, what we share, what we wear, and how we show up—can speak louder than any single speech or protest. Declaring our values proudly is not just about making noise; it’s about making visible the world we’re fighting for. Whether it’s calling out injustice when we see it, speaking up in uncomfortable spaces, or choosing to post truth and hope on social media, our consistent actions remind others that justice is a shared responsibility.

Living our values means using every platform—big or small—to model courage and clarity. Wearing a message on a shirt, carrying a protest sign, or placing a sign in a window tells our neighbors, coworkers, and communities that silence is not an option. It means aligning our dollars with our beliefs, supporting businesses that reflect equity and justice, and divesting from those that do harm. These everyday choices may seem small, but together they create a culture where justice is not just a moment, but a movement.

Social justice and civic engagement demand more than occasional participation, they call for daily practice. By living our values out loud, we give others permission to do the same. We create networks of resistance, resilience, and hope. This is how “Good Trouble” lives on—not just in marches or rallies, but in the way we carry our convictions into the world each and every day.

A few ways to live by example

1. Talk openly to your friends and family about the causes and issues that matter to you - let there be no question what you do (and do not) support.

2. Post messages of solidarity on social media (see various graphics we have provided throughout the site for some ideas)

3. Write a letter to the editor, op-ed, or blog - share your opinions widely to influence others

4. Attend protests and rallies - bring creative signs that are more likely to get snapped in photographs and get more mileage for your message

5. Be visible - wear clothing, buttons, bumper stickers that promote the things you care about - and shop from vendors that support activism. There are many great sources, but we have listed a few stores below, where profits from merch go to a good cause

   • ACLU | https://shop.aclu.org/

   • Amnesty International | https://shop.amnestyusa.org/

   • Common Cause | https://shop.commoncause.org/

   • Human Rights Campaign | https://shop.hrc.org/

   • Social Goods | https://https://social-goods.com/

   • The Outrage | https://www.the-outrage.com/

6. Spend your money with intention. Supporting local buisinesses and cooperatives is a powerful way to resist corporate control and challenge the systems that concentrate wealth and power. Every dollar spent is a vote for the kind of economy and community you want to build.

   1. Use cash whenever you can. Cash purchases keep your money out of the hands (and transaction fees) of big banks, helping to circulate wealth directly within local communities and small businesses.

   2. Preferentially shop at businesses owned by minorities and other marginalized groups. This is a direct act of economic justice, helping to redistribute resources, support community self-determination, and challenge systemic inequalities.

      • See NAACP list of minority owned businesses in Rochester, MN

      • Latino Chamber of Commerce Minnesota business directory

      • Asian American Business Resilience Network (Minnesota)

   3. Avoid spending your money at businesses that go against your values or contribute to injustice. Where you spend your money reflects what you stand for. Supporting businesses that fund harmful policies or oppose social justice only strengthens the systems you're fighting against. Choosing not to shop at places that contradict your values is a powerful way to align your everyday actions with your vision for a more just and equitable world. Suggested tools to inform your choices are below:

      • Open Secrets. Nonpartisan, independent and nonprofit, our mission is to serve as the trusted authority on money in American politics. We pursue our mission by providing comprehensive and reliable data, analysis and tools for policymakers, storytellers and citizens. Our vision is for Americans to use data on money in politics to create a more vibrant, representative and responsive democracy.

      • Grab Your Wallet. Our aim is to hold powerful corporations and other institutions accountable and promote shifts in policies that expand opportunities for systemically marginalized groups.

      • Progressive Shopper. Corporations and their employees donate millions to political candidates each year, but the data from the FEC is often hard to access and understand. Progressive Shopper simplifies that information, showing you which companies support which candidates—and how they stack up against their competitors.