Kali Hera

No Sidelines

the revolution is not a game you can watch, no sidelines to stand. we are all in the fire, whether we choose it or notPoem by Kali Hera
artwork by kali hera

I used to think I could stand on the edges, watching the world unfold without getting too close to the heat. It felt safer that way, less messy, less complicated. Lately, however, I’ve realized there are no sidelines in this life. Whether we like it or not, we’re all part of the fire.

It’s not always comfortable to admit. A weight comes with knowing you can’t just sit back and observe, that your choices—or lack thereof—are part of something bigger. But there’s also power in it. If we’re already in the flames, why not fight to shape what emerges from them?

I’ve been asking myself what it means to truly engage, to stop pretending I’m separate from the struggles around me. It’s not easy, and it often feels overwhelming. But ignoring it doesn’t make it go away—it just means I’m letting others carry the burden while I stand still.

So here I am, trying to step into the fire with intention, trying to understand where my voice fits and how my actions can matter. It’s daunting, but it’s also liberating. Once you accept there are no sidelines, you realize you have the power to help shape the revolution instead of just watching it burn.

Ways to Join the Resistance

  • Start Small and Local: Create banners for protests, distribute radical literature, or organize informal meetings with friends to brainstorm ideas for action.

  • Engage Civically: Attend town halls, call your representatives, sign petitions, and vote to make your voice heard in structured environments.

  • Support On-The-Ground Activists: Provide supplies like water, snacks, mobile chargers, and first aid kits to those actively participating in rallies and protests.

  • Join or Form Groups: Connect with local organizations working on causes you care about. Facebook is a great place to find groups like this. If none exist, form your own group and start organizing actions together.

  • Donate or Fundraise: Contribute money to grassroots organizations or host fundraising events to support legal fees, supplies, and other movement needs.

By taking these steps, you can actively contribute to building collective power and sustaining social movements.