Become a Firefighter for Democracy

Wildfires are terrifying. They are especially gobsmackingly horrible when you add in hurricane-style winds. I will never forget the day of the Marshall Fire when my daughter stepped out of the car and literally blew down the street, forcing us to race after her and catch her. In those environments, it’s easy to see how a wildfire can spread so fast and furious. My heart continues to go out to all in Los Angeles who are still navigating the immediate aftermath of this. We in Boulder know that it’ll take a long time to recover – and that even after you rebuild your house, you will still shudder when the wind is strong.

As truly horrible and horrifying as wildfires are, there are people out there who make a big difference in putting a stop to them. These are the organized firefighters on the front line and in the air as well as the individuals who do the best that they can to prevent one structure from burning down. Their work is made possible through resources and community infrastructure, like access to water. But what makes them so inspiring is their will to put their bodies on the line to stop the spread of fire.

Most firefighters do not go at it alone. They work to ensure that they have accurate information so that they can make strategic choices about where to invest in building the fire line. They work as a team, constantly in communication as they divide the work and tackle the small issues to tackle the bigger one.

No firefighter wants to lose a structure, let alone a human life. But when they’re working, they’re focused first on containment. Cuz worse than losing a structure is allowing the fire to spread.

Even a the firefighters are still working a fire, emergency management services are kicking in to support those in need. While there are material needs upfront, many of the deep needs that are provided center on mental health. There is shock and trauma in every direction – especially for those who have lost their homes or loved ones. And unlike other kinds of trauma, this kind of trauma can’t be solved by just having someone find strength in their home because their home is gone.

Sometimes metaphors are helpful as anchors to ground us when we’re doing the work. As I speak to people trying to navigate the various dimensions of what’s unfolding all around us politically, I keep returning to the metaphor of a firefighter tackling a wildfire amidst 80mph winds. We need some people to focus on building the fire line. Others need to tend to those in trauma. Others need to ensure that the communication lines are open and clear. Others need to start investigating the causes of the fire to prevent future fires. And still others are out there working on saving that one house. All of this is important work. In short order, we’re also going to need those who can assess the damage, those who can see what environmental toxins were left behind, are those going to help rebuild.

As people start to come to terms with the shock-from-the-distance of seeing the wildfire play out on nightly TV, it’s now time to figure out which role in this fire do you want to play? If you are not yourself a firefighter, what support can you offer to those who are? How do you prepare to serve in the rebuilding process?

Democracy cannot and should never be taken for granted. It is a struggle. We must collectively work to achieve democracy, not expect it to happen to us. The fires are burning hot right now. The wind is often too fierce to send out firefighters in certain quarters. But that doesn’t mean we can’t prepare. And that doesn’t mean we can’t start imagining what rebuilding might look like.

After watching countless members of the public from across the political spectrum demean and dismiss mission-driven civil servants, I’m dreaming of a future where people understand and appreciate the administrative state and want to step in to help rebuild it. I’m dreaming of a future where our tryst with hate is recognized as the devil’s work. I’m dreaming of a future where we all recognize that we cannot address our global challenges through nationalism. What dreams are you hoping to manifest on the other side of this wildfire?