Turning the tide on draconian Republican policies at the state and national level in 2026 will require smart strategies and motivated volunteers effectively working to counter corporate and billionaire tech bro proposals which would turn back the clock on hard fought advances towards a more just and equitable society.
Reproductive freedom and improved maternal healthcare, sensible safety measures to curb gun violence, full funding for public education, and even the regulations which have long protected clean air and a safe water supply are all on the Republican chopping block if corporations and the billionaire tech bros continue to get their way.
Persistent resistance is key to turning the tide. Please review our Georgia WIN List Activist Alphabet as a reminder of what is at stake and why it is so important to fight back.
A
Advocacy and action by citizens is necessary to hold elected representatives accountable. Citizen activists are absolutely necessary to counter an army of highly paid lobbyists who “wine and dine” elected officials and bureaucrats at all levels. The survival of our 250-year-old Democracy requires active participation by concerned citizens. Seek allies or groups related to the issues which matter most to you and learn how to join them as an effective advocate.
B
Boldly believe in the power of your message! Work to build bridges wherever you find areas of agreement for moving forward.
C
The United States Constitution, written in 1787 and ratified in 1788, is the world’s longest surviving written charter of government. Courage, creativity, and clarity of purpose are required to if citizens are to successfully defend the constitution while at the came time challenging draconian policy proposals which threaten constitutional principles. Change happens when we dig deeply and find the same courage summoned by civil rights leaders in the 1960’s and the leaders of the women’s suffrage movement more than a century ago.
D
Democracy is well worth protecting against those who dream of installing a dictator or demagogue! Collectively and with dogged determination we must protect our increasingly fragile Democracy.
E
Our nation was founded on the premise of equality and the same opportunities for all. We must effectively educate our future citizens and equip them with the tools to become engaged and informed voters. Equal pay for ALL is necessary to support strong families.
F
Freedom is a cornerstone of American Democracy. Generations before us fearlessly fought to win and preserve the freedoms we enjoy. In the United States, citizens flourish because they are free. While “Feminists” have been demonized, women are absolutely entitled to freedom of bodily autonomy for making medical decisions without government interference. All workers are entitled to fair pay without regard to creed, color or sex. A free press is a cornerstone for a strong Democracy.
G
Grassroots campaigns and movements guide us towards better government. Never be afraid to participate in what the late Congressman John Lewis called “Good Trouble!”
H
Hope must always triumph over hate. Human Rights are essential and all hard-working citizens deserve access to affordable healthcare.
I
There is no shortage of inspirational leaders and role models in Georgia’s history as the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement. Current battles on behalf of “Dreamers” and other hard-working immigrants seeking citizenship will continue to dominate political discussions in the months to come as protests and court action against the Trump administration activities which illegally detain and incarcerate immigrants continue.
J
The concept of “Justice for All” is a foundational cornerstone of American government and is demonstrated by the establishment of a strong judicial system as one of the three co-equal branches of government. Statues of “Lady Justice” holding a scale often adorn courthouse architecture.
K
Knowledge is power. A well-informed citizenry is essential to a healthy democracy. As an advocate, verify information and statistics before sharing to preserve credibility.
L
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are mentioned in the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence. More recently, legal protections for the LGBTQ community insure all of us may love whomever we choose. An old adage declares: “All politics is local!” Holding office at the city, county or local school board level is often the first step for aspiring activists and political leaders. How might you be more involved at the local level?
M
Georgia has one of the worst records in the nation for maternal mortality and half of the state’s 159 counties do not have a full-time OB-GYN. Many Georgia women are forced to drive long distances for pre-natal check-ups or to give birth. Further, 65 counties have no pediatrician.
N
Never forget the sacrifices made by activists and military leaders in the generations before us who fought to secure the rights we now enjoy. In their memory, say NO to policies which take us backwards as a state and nation!
O
Organizing to promote progressive goals and policies allows citizens to create opportunities for a better life for themselves and their children.
P
Peacefully protest offensive policies with persistence! Protect yourself and those you love from abuses of power!
Q
Never be afraid to question authority!
R
Resist! If at first you do not succeed, move it up to “rabble rouse” when required. Repeat as necessary! Always remember elected officials represent you!
S
Work with allies to develop smart strategies for political action. Finding your personal “sweet spot” in the sisterhood of strong like-minded women makes you a powerful force for good in the world.
T
Speak truth to power and never backdown! Truth can’t be changed, erased, tarnished or whitewashed.
U
Follow the “unbought, unbossed, and undeterred” example of Shirley Chisholm. Support unions in their unwavering efforts to protect worker’s rights.
V
VOTE to make your voice heard! Register others to vote and vigorously work to protect voting rights!
W
When Women Vote, Women WIN. For 25 years, Georgia Women in Numbers have elected Women In record setting Numbers! Georgia WIN List has worked hard to elect more than 100 women during the past 25 years, with 52 of them serving in 2025. Democratic women legislators in Georgia outnumber their Republican colleagues by more than three to one. Support Georgia WIN List efforts to recruit, train and support women candidates.
X
X marks the spot on a paper absentee ballot; the ultimate exercise in self-eXpression.
Y
Y is for YOU — your body, your choice, your rights, and your future! Yes! Yes! Yes we Can! Make your plan to be more active in 2026!!
Z
Tackle your 2025 resolutions list with ZEAL! Together we will make a difference – creating the world we want our children and grandchildren to inherit!
