There are a lot of stories and topics swirling through our newsfeeds. We are constantly inundated with information and narratives, good and bad, stirring emotions of all kinds. Some are presented through articles or videos, some as simple posts shared from friend to friend.

At Women's March Minnesota aim to speak out on some of these major topics, especially those regarding human rights, racial inequality, women's rights and many more that touch on our Unity Principles—principles that are at the core of our work.

We do this in an effort to create change—change that can only happen through our collective efforts by contacting our congresspeople at both the federal and state levels and sharing our opinions about legislation about which we are passionate.

But with all the information and noise, sometimes it can be hard to cut through to understanding or action. Here are a few resources or ways to do just that:

1. Subscribe to a variety of news sources. Get your news from more than one place to understand different perspectives or understandings of a story. Don't stick to one source, this will only reinforce the same ideas over and over.

2. Follow Women's March Minnesota on Twitter and Facebook and stay tuned to our website where we'll do our best to give you the resources you need to stay informed and take action.

3. Check out this Action Checklist from Americans of Conscience. The checklist is intended for citizens of all political backgrounds. The weekly action checklist provides clear action items and further resources for deeper reading on important topics from the week.

4. Stay up to date on what Congress is up to. Check out the Wake Up to Politics newsletter. The daily email gives a rundown of what important events or topics are happening day-to-day, presented in a clear, simple way. Don't want to subscribe? Check out the daily archives.

5. Learn how to effectively call your representatives, from Echo Through the Fog.

6. Read up on these 5 ways to effectively protest, according to activist Carmen Perez.

7. Check out these other news resources:

   • Grassroots actions on national legislation from Indivisible.org.

   • Swear-y updates on all things politics from Pod Save America.

   • Follow Watch Your Reps Minnesota to stay up-to-date on Minnesota legislators.

   • Sign up for local calls-to-action from Indivisible Minnesota Local.

8. Be skeptical of news or comments from unverified sources. Even if a source is provided, question the legitimacy of that source. This is just one way to spot and combat fake news. Want more tips? Check out this guide from FactCheck.org.

9. Get in touch with your representatives, even just for more information. If you aren't sure about the status of a bill or want to understand next steps, call the assistant to your Senators or Representatives. Not sure who to contact? Check out this site—all you need to do is put in your zip code and you'll get a list of your state and federal representatives as well as their contact info.

10. Finally, acknowledge that this is a lot of work. Guard yourself from resistance fatigue and persist as best you can. Read more here.

Below are just a few bills that were introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this year that are still waiting in the wings. 

• HR 861 - Terminate the Environmental Protection Agency

• HR 610 - Vouchers for Public Education

• HR 899 - Terminate the Department of Education

• HR 69 - Repeal the Rule Protecting Wildlife

• HR 354 - Defund Planned Parenthood

• HR 785 - National "Right to Work"

• HR 83 - Mobilizing Against Sanctuary Cities Bill

• HR 147 - Criminalize Abortion (“Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act”)

While these bills have been introduced, they haven't reached the floor yet. That said, if you feel passionate, keep an eye on a bill and make sure to speak up and say something to your congressperson.