When It’s All on the Line, Do Everything You Can (And Then Some)

Written By Tyler Chapman

Yesterday marked the inauguration of Donald Trump, and if you’re like me, you might have sighed, rolled your eyes, and muttered something unprintable under your breath. But let’s be honest: we’ve done hard things before, and we can do them again. This isn’t the time to wallow; it’s the time to act. The Kentucky legislature may be on break until February 4, but that doesn’t mean we take a break. Now is the time to channel that frustration into action: meet with our representatives, organize in our communities, and prepare for the fights ahead.

Taking Care of Yourself (and Why It Matters)

I’ve learned the importance of taking care of myself so that I can continue to show up for this work. Therapy is part of my weekly routine—it keeps my mind healthy and gives me space to process everything going on. I go to the gym almost every day because staying active helps me focus. With the start of my final semester of graduate school, life is busy, but I make time to unwind by reading, playing video games, and hanging out with my dog, Gemma.

If you’re reading this, I hope you’re finding ways to take care of yourself too. Whether that means going for a walk, talking to a friend, or simply taking a moment to breathe, it matters. We need you—your energy, your voice, your strength. This work isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon, and we need everyone to pace themselves so we can keep going.

Holding Our Representatives Accountable

Yesterday, I spent part of my day writing an email to my state representative, Nancy Tate, to request a meeting. Why? Because she made a campaign promise to listen to her constituents, and it’s time for her to deliver. I proposed bringing together a group of farmers and small business owners from our district to discuss how proposed legislation will affect their livelihoods. Given the committees Nancy sits on, like those related to small business and agriculture, this is a chance for her to step up and make good on her word. This kind of grassroots engagement is how we ensure that the needs of our community are front and center.

Lessons from MLK and Cecile Richards

Reflecting on yesterday’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I shared this quote in my post: "Unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word. Right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant." It’s like a reminder from history that even when things feel bleak, the good stuff—truth and love—eventually wins out, even if it takes a while. His words remind us that power without principle is fleeting, but truth and love endure. Doing what’s right will always matter, even when the path feels difficult.

This sentiment feels even more poignant today as we remember Cecile Richards. For those who may not know, Cecile was a trailblazing advocate for reproductive rights and social justice. She served as the president of Planned Parenthood for over a decade, during which she tirelessly fought to protect access to healthcare and championed equity for all. Cecile believed deeply in the power of grassroots movements and the strength of communities coming together to create change. Her words echo in my mind: "One day, our children and grandchildren may ask us, 'When it was all on the line, what did you do?' And the only acceptable answer is, 'Everything we could.'" Cecile didn’t just speak these words—she lived them. Her relentless dedication to justice and equity inspires me to keep going. If she could face down everything she did with grace and grit, I can write a few emails and show up to meetings. Perspective, right?

Join Me: Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be attending a few key events to build momentum:

These events are great opportunities to connect, strategize, and amplify our voices.

Let’s Get to Work

We all have a role to play. Some of us march, some organize, some donate, and some rally. Whatever your role is, it matters. We’ve taken those first steps before, and we will take them again—because we can do hard things. We’ve done them before, and we’ll do them again.

So, take care of yourself. Rest if you need to, but don’t give up. Now is the time to act, to organize, and to ensure we’re ready for what lies ahead. If you need help finding your role or resources, reach out to me. I’m here to support you in every way I can. I’ll link the events where they’re highlighted above. If there are other events you think I should attend or share, send them my way, and I’ll add them to the blog. Let’s show up, stand together, and keep pushing forward—because the future of Kentucky depends on it.

Tyler Chapman
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Something's in the Water in Frankfort and it Ain’t Common Sense.