Our democracy is built on laws, institutions, and norms, but also on our stories. Stories are how we remember our history, how we find empathy and compassion for our neighbors, and where we can find inspiration to keep fighting for what’s right. Use this week’s workouts to help protect the stories of our past, elevate others’ voices, and share your own experiences to advocate for a better future..
Dismantling the Pillars of Authoritarianism
With the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” increasing funding for Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) to levels higher than those of most countries’ entire armed forces, Americans are beginning to understand that we must begin learning the lessons of countering authoritarianism before it is too late. This week, we’re exploring the theory and the practice of dismantling the “pillars” propping up power in the United States.
Save the CFPB
Elon Musk is systematically working to take over or destroy government agencies that regulate his businesses, from the Department of Transportation to the FAA.
One recent casualty is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), an independent agency tasked with protecting everyday Americans from unfair business practices. Through regulatory actions, lawsuits, and investigations, the CFPB has helped recover $21 billion and has provided critical oversight of the banking and lending industries—and would have directly overseen Musk’s proposed “X Money Account.”
Now, the agency’s work has been halted. Use this week’s workouts to help the CFPB fight for its survival.