Holiday Headlines: Free Speech, Self-Care, and Science for the People

December 3, 2025

In today’s newsletter:

• Winter Pledge Drive is Here!

• Self-Care as a Political Act (The Commons Social Change Library) | FSTV Speaks

• Science for the Common Good (Union of Concerned Scientists) | Rising Up For Justice.

• Viewer Impact Survey.

Winter Pledge Drive is Here!

As we move through the first week of our Winter Pledge Drive, many of us are also gathering with family for the holidays. This time of year, we’re reminded just how much the media shapes the conversations happening in our homes, our communities, and our country. And let’s be honest - most of us have that family member. The one quoting conspiracy theories, parroting MAGA talking points, or insisting facts are “just opinions”. 

You may not be able to fix the holiday-table debate, but you can help shift the media landscape. 

This season, dedicate a donation to Free Speech TV in their honor, and transform that frustration you feel into something meaningful for people-powered journalism. 

When you start or upgrade a monthly donation, you’re investing in sustained, reliable funding that keeps progressive media alive all year long.

Feeling the weight of this past year? You’re not alone. This past year, the political environment has been more toxic than ever before, and for many of us, navigating the constant cycle of crises, action, and emotional whiplash has taken a toll. Anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout are real, and they’re showing up more than ever. But as Audre Lorde reminds us, self-care isn’t indulgent; it is a radical act of political resistance. In this video, we explore why caring for yourself is caring for the movement. With support from The Commons Social Change Library, we highlight tools and guidance on sustaining activism long-term, overcoming barriers to self-care, coping with anxiety, grief, and burnout, and finding balance in the marathon of social change. You matter. Your wellbeing matters. Our movements are stronger when you’re supported, grounded, and able to breathe.

Take what you need. Rest when you can. Stay connected. Stay human.

In this episode of Rising Up for Justice, Sonali Kolhatkar speaks with Dr. Jen Jones, Director of Center for Science & Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists (USC). Founded over 50 years ago, UCS is a national nonprofit organization that puts rigorous, independent science into action, developing solutions and advocating for a healthy, safe, and just future. USC is comprised of nearly 250 scientists, analysts, policy experts, organizers, and communicators dedicated to that purpose. More info at www.ucs.org.

Support FSTV by Taking This Survey!

We know that not everyone is in a position to donate during this Winter Pledge Drive. But there’s another powerful way you can support Free Speech TV that costs nothing at all: share your perspective.

FSTV’s Viewer Impact Survey is open now, and your anonymous responses help shape the coverage, storytelling, and community programming we bring to the air. 

By taking just a few minutes to tell us who you are and what issues matter most to you, you’re strengthening the future of independent, people-powered media.

Once you complete the survey, you’ll receive a discount code for the merchandise on our online store (coming soon)!