In a year where so many of us feel the spectre of fascism looming larger than it has in recent memory, RFC activists have a unique vantage point. We asked them to reflect on the current state of the country, how they feel, and what keeps them going.

“The risks and consequences of our action or inaction feel increasingly high. The danger is immediate and pressing for so many people,” says Jordan, an activist mom in the South. “I am most concerned about how many people are being rounded up, how we support and protect the people and communities most at risk. The ICE raids at home and genocide in Gaza are on my mind day and night.”

When asked to name their most pressing concerns at the moment, most activists we interviewed talked about personal and community safety.

“I’m scared,” writes Bea, a racial and environmental activist mom in the Pacific Northwest, “Just scared, all of the time.”

Has this fear changed the way activists are approaching their work?

“Yes and no,” says Clara, an environmental justice organizer. “I proceed with more caution, but my messages are the same.”

“Things are done more quietly,” writes Aliyah, a labor activist who echoes a sentiment we heard from many.

“As someone who has outstanding charges,” says Emily, a radical organizer, “I am no longer in the streets as I am afraid of being scooped up randomly.”

“We keep our heads down more, don't want to be in large crowds, don't want to be out as much.” Bea agrees.

When asked whether the current political climate has affected the way activists parent their kids, most respondents said yes.

“Absolutely,” says AJ, a trans rights activist. “We have had to have conversations about escape and safety plans… conversations no parent should have to have with their child.”

“My kids are really scared and I try to acknowledge and make space for that,” says Deb, a Catholic worker and lifelong peace activist. “Sometimes I choose not to go to a street protest because I know how scared my kids will be for me if I go.”

“I once wanted my kid to go to university far away from home,” Emily reflects. “Now we are committed as a family to stay close together."

But despite the fear, RFC activist families are not backing down.

“I believe now, more than ever, in my children’s participation in activism,” says Avery, whose entire family has been targeted for protesting genocide, “and I am not afraid anymore… because change is so very needed. We must all step up to make it happen, no matter what.”

We asked these activist parents what gives them hope and helps them feel supported during such a tumultuous and dangerous time. Their answers: their children, their communities, the resistance of oppressed peoples worldwide, the natural world and communities of support like the RFC.

“The work of the RFC, my comrades, my dog, and my kid,” Emily says.

Now more than ever, giving up cannot be an option. We will not falter in our commitment to stand with targeted activist families around the country, and we will continue to draw inspiration from the amazing organizers and justice workers we support. In the words of Kaya, an activist grandmother, “Never doubt and never give up. Never, ever, ever.”