OPINION: We thrive when civic involvement is joyful and people exercise their rights

One of the most powerful moments of the national Hands Off protests happened in Coeur d’Alene. Demonstrators lined Highway 95 and, in a striking act of unity, silently turned their backs in unison as counter-protesters drove by. 

A new generation of political opposition is learning what we’ve known for years: Republican agitators crave attention, conflict and fear — denying them the satisfaction is our greatest superpower. 

As the number of people vocally opposed to Republican policies increases, it is crucial to share the lessons North Idaho Democrats have learned.  We are empowered to peacefully speak up and be safe.

These lessons are becoming increasingly important as Republicans ramp up their use of fear as a political tool. Authoritarian government thrives when people are afraid and silent. Democracies thrive when civic involvement is joyful and people exercise their rights. 

Here are some concrete strategies that can empower you to find joy in civic involvement.

First, exercise your right of assembly. Come to events, introduce yourself and get to know as many people as possible at any event. These events are posted on our website, shared in email newsletters and on our social media. 

Democrats watch out for each other, and if we know who you are, we will look out for you. Fellowship not only keeps us all safe, it also empowers us all to build a strong community. 

Whether it's a protest or a potluck, everyone is welcome. You don’t need to make a sign, or be a political scholar, or know everything that’s happening in our nation. Your presence is enough. 

Peaceful protests can be a way to exercise your First Amendment rights. If you are publicly speaking out at a protest, make the decision early to remain peaceful and avoid confrontation. Democrats use our voices, not violence, to make a powerful statement. 

One crucial thing we've learned over the years is that, although North Idaho is overwhelmingly Republican, only a small minority of the extremists seek out in-person confrontation. 

We call on all political parties to face up to the truth: Both Republicans and Democrats are building lives in North Idaho. Regardless of political party, we are neighbors. Trump’s attempts to pit Americans violently against each other is yet another authoritarian tool — and it must fail. 

Now for another hard truth. There are a small handful of operatives in North Idaho who are deeply entrenched in the Republican party and who seek contention, confrontation and clickbait. These people want you to feel uncomfortable. If someone tries to engage you in conversation while holding a phone or camera, simply say, “I won’t have this conversation with you” and turn your back or find another group of people to stand with. If the person gets aggressive, immediately call the police. 

It can be really uncomfortable to stand in silence while someone tries to verbally intimidate you. Never let anyone take away your power. 

As Americans, we share a long and proud legacy of speaking up when something isn’t right with our government. It’s in our DNA. From the Boston Tea Party to the Civil Rights Movement, to every protest, petition, and hard conversation in between — our country was built on the idea that “we the people” have not only the right to challenge injustice, but we have the responsibility.

Right now, it might feel like we’re standing at another one of those pivotal moments. The road ahead looks hard and fearful — fear of what might happen if we speak out, fear of what will happen if we stay silent. But here’s the truth: every major step forward in our history was made by people who felt that same fear, and showed up anyway.

Change doesn’t come from comfort — it comes from courage. And courage doesn’t mean we’re not afraid. It means that we empower each other and find solutions together. 

Democracy isn’t a spectator sport. When we speak up, we carry on the work of those who came before us and fought for a better future. As Democrats who have been speaking up against injustice for many years in North Idaho, we hope we can continue to empower the next generation to carry this important work forward again. 

So yes, the road ahead will be tough. But we’ve been here before. And we’ve made it through.

Let’s hold onto hope. Let’s lean on each other. And let’s keep showing up — even when it’s hard, even when it’s scary. Because that’s how change happens. That’s how progress is made. And that’s how we build a more perfect union. 

For a list of upcoming events, subscribe to our email newsletter at https://bit.ly/KCDemsEmailNewsletter.

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Evan Koch is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.