Happy New Year.In our first episode of the year, we decided to do something a little different: we zoomed out and asked the question, “What’s our political action plan for the whole year?”

Because let’s be honest: this moment isn’t about one phone call, one protest, or one election. It’s about endurance. It’s about showing up consistently, in ways that are sustainable, meaningful, and aligned with our values.

We begin the episode by acknowledging the deeply troubling and illegal actions taken by the Trump administration in Venezuela. Whatever one thinks of Nicolás Maduro as a leader, unilateral military action without congressional approval sets a dangerous precedent—one that undermines international law, weakens democratic norms, and erodes any moral authority the U.S. claims on the world stage. We reference Heather Cox Richardson and her recent video that highlights these concerns. That reality is sobering, and it makes the need for civic engagement feel even more urgent.

From there, we walk through how we’re thinking about political action quarter by quarter:

* January–March: calling members of Congress, demanding accountability, reinforcing our identity as voters, and responding quickly to unfolding events

* April–June: protest season, voter registration, canvassing, and finding ways to get involved that stretch us just enough

* July–September: shifting into pre-election mode, supporting turnout efforts, and helping where the margins are tight

* October–December: election protection, ballot curing, and—hopefully—celebration and repair after months of sustained effort

A big theme of A Couple Thinks has been and continues to be: doing something is better than doing nothing. Not everyone needs to do the same thing. Some people will make phone calls. Others will canvas. Some will travel. Some will help behind the scenes. The point isn’t perfection, it’s participation and progress.

Here are some of the resources to use to help you participate:

* 5Calls.org for scripts and phone numbers to call your electeds.

* Postcards to Voters for content and addresses to mail to voters around the country

We also talk about how to frame these conversations with elected officials in a way that transcends party labels. This isn’t about Democrat versus Republican. It’s about the Constitution, the rule of law, and the basic guardrails of democracy.

And because this is A Couple Thinks, we close, as always, with joyful moments—including our anniversary getaway to Santa Cruz, a reminder that rest, connection, and beauty aren’t distractions from the work. They’re what make the long haul possible.

🎧 Listen to the full episode for a practical, honest, and hopeful conversation about how to plan your political action for the year ahead—and how to stay engaged without burning out.

If you want to share how you’re planning to show up this year, or if you’re looking for ideas that fit your comfort level and capacity, we’d love to hear from you. You can email us at [email protected] or take our listener survey at survey.acouplethinks.com.

We’re in this together. Let’s plan accordingly.

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