Each of us is at a different place in our lives, so the specific acts we undertake as citizen-activists will necessarily be shaped by our individual circumstances.  There is, however, no such thing as an “armchair activist.”  Our acts are limited only by our ingenuity and imagination, our conviction and commitment.  Every single one of us can make a difference.  We all have the power to change the perspectives and behaviors of our relatives, friends and coworkers as well as local schools, businesses and clubs.  Our actions can affect one individual at a time or a dozen; they can cause one organization to rethink its harmful behaviors or force several of them into more human- and planet-friendly policies and procedures.  

Those outcomes are important in and of themselves, but they are only half our commitment.  We recognize that the challenge is enormous, so we also assemble in formal and informal groups to extend and magnify our impact.  These groups may have a single, specific goal or a larger purpose, but always their focus is the same: to advance the understanding and engagement of our elected officials at the municipal, state and federal level; the leaders of large corporations and civic institutions; and the icons, role models and trend setters in our culture.  We recognize that such initiatives have historically taken a great deal of time to succeed, but we also know that the leading edge of the Titanicity is already upon us, so we will use our collective voices, wallets and votes to achieve large-scale results right now and day-by-day, week-by-week into the future.

The first step for all of us, therefore, is to figure out how we can get involved.  The following examples will help you think through what you can and are willing to do as a citizen-activist.  No act is too small or insignificant, so begin wherever you feel comfortable and then build on that foundation.

Whatever course you decide to take, your act will yield three important results.  First, it will add to the rising tide of understanding and transformation in the country at large and, as a consequence, to our general preparedness for the approaching threat.  Second, it will give you the insight and wisdom to ready yourself and your loved ones for both the challenge and the opportunity that lie ahead.  And third, it will add to your store of confidence and experience, enabling you to expand the role you play and the difference you make as a citizen-activist.

Acts to Combat the Technological Singularity

As an Individual

Take a second job staying current on the state-of-the-art in artificial intelligence (AI) and its application in super capable machines.  It won’t earn you another paycheck, but it can protect the one you have – it will help make sure you’re not hit with a bolt-out-of-the-blue pink slip when a machine suddenly takes your job.  So, make it a part of your work to read at least one article or online post every week.  The goal is not to turn yourself into an AI expert, but instead to stay current on the technology’s emerging capabilities and how they are likely to affect the human world of work in general and your career in particular.

As Part of a Group

Organize and/or participate in a “Company Watch” where you’re employed.  Much as Neighborhood Watches do in local communities, this group will monitor the status of a locale by collecting information from multiple perspectives.  In this case, the Watch keeps an eye on what’s happening in your employer regarding its introduction of automation and artificial intelligence by tapping the insights of workers around the company.  The goal is not to acquire confidential information or spread rumors, but to track actual changes in company plans and practices so employees are informed about the direction the organization is taking in deploying technology and how that move might affect their jobs.

Acts to Combat the Climatic Singularity

As an Individual

Reduce the carbon footprint of your lifestyle and its impact on the biosphere.  The goal is to walk the talk that every person matters in the effort to reduce global warming.  For example, if you’re driving a gas guzzler, get rid of it and purchase a more energy-efficient vehicle.  Better yet, if possible, use public transportation, a bike or old-fashioned foot power to commute to work.  And even better than that, if your employer hasn’t yet done so, urge it to institute remote working so you don’t have to commute at all.  But whether or not you work at home, make it a climate-friendly habitat.  Update the windows, HVAC system and even the appliances to improve their energy efficiency; be conscientious about recycling and disposing of pollutants; and plant a tree or two to suck up some of the carbon dioxide you’re creating each and every day.

As Part of a Group

Organize and/or participate in a Climate Watch where you live.  The goal is to abate global warming by collecting and acting on information about local polluters and energy gluttons, especially companies and stores as well as restaurants, bars and dry cleaners.  Try first to educate offenders so they change their climate-harming behaviors on their own.  Set up meetings with the owners of the establishments, talk to them about their role and responsibility in abating global warming and encourage them to visit this site and read Neonaissance.  Then, exert the group’s economic power.  Reward those organizations that implement appropriate adjustments to their practices with patronage and public recognition.  And punish those that don’t.  Obey all laws and local regulations, but within those limits, organize boycotts as well as in-person and online protests to impose a financial penalty that cannot be ignored.