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Mission Statement
To leverage our economic power in support of democratic principles by providing resources for intentional spending, keeping dollars local as much as possible.Mission Statement
Intentional Buying Decisions
Intentional Buying Decisions
Educated and intentional consumer spending allows us to synchronize our spending with our values and priorities.
We will use our economic leverage to disrupt the American economic system in which massive right-leaning businesses—like Amazon, Target, and Walmart—use our consumer dollars for purposes we oppose. Our goal is to take a bite out of their profit margins by boycotting them. We encourage buying instead from retailers whose ideologies correspond with ours, from locally owned businesses whose dollars fuel our area’s economic strength, and from secondhand stores where our purchases benefit worthy causes.
Boycotts
Boycotts
Would you prefer to spend your money with businesses whose missions and practices align with your democratic principles? And do you want to do that visibly, as part of a national movement?
The People’s Union USA is behind an organized and highly successful nationwide effort to boycott “corporations known for tax avoidance, poor labor practices, lobbying against workers’ rights, or manipulating pricing during inflation” and to spend instead at companies that have “taken steps toward fair wages, ethical sourcing, and supporting workers or communities.”
Boycotts Work!
Boycotts Work!
This infographic shows the effects of the consumer boycott of Target. There is power in intentional spending.
Shop Blue
Shop Blue
Online tools that classify businesses as Blue- or Red-leaning are a good start for deciding where to buy. However, they can be outdated, inaccurate, and/or conflict with each other. Rise Up Frederick does not endorse these tools. Rather we offer them for your own research and evaluation. Take time to understand the type of data each uses and how they evaluate it.
Please note that we continue to update this page and add new tools as we discover them.
Learn more about how corporate donations can further their own objectives here. Remember that organizations themselves cannot contribute to federal political candidates and party committees. Rather the funding must come from the organizations’ members, employees, or owners, and those individuals’ immediate family members.
Provided here are some Blue-leaning alternatives to Amazon, Target, and Walmart, for instance. Online sources, such as those listed above, use the following criteria in their research.
Is not a Project 2025 advocate
Is politically neutral or democratic leaning
Displays DEI policies
Employs sustainable and ethical practices
Keep in mind that the resources shared here and elsewhere on this site are changing all the time. It’s important to do your own research and use your best judgment.
(Scroll down to view the full contents of the Amazon Alternatives spreadsheet.)
Buy Local
Buy Local
Buying locally benefits the community by supporting small businesses, creating employment opportunities, reducing transportation and environmental impact, and helping to keep the money within your area. Plus, it just feels good!
Economic Benefits
Supports local businesses. Shopping locally helps small businesses grow.
Creates jobs. Business owners hire people who live here, which fosters a stronger workforce where we live.
Stimulates the local economy by keeping money close to home. Much of your money stays in the community, supporting local jobs, businesses, and infrastructure.
Funds public services. Local sales tax helps to fund many of the public services that are vital to our community, including police, firefighters, schools, roads, and trash collection.
Environmental Benefits
We reduce the carbon footprint as locally grown food and other goods are not transported long distances.
Local farmers and business owners may be more involved in the use of sustainable practices.
Employing a local workforce reduces the number of workers leaving the community for work.
Product Quality
Buying locally helps to financially support local farmers, producers and artisans.
Local farmers and producers offer a variety of in-season products that are fresher and can be acquired at their peak ripeness.
You know exactly where your food comes from when you connect with the producers.
Community Benefits
These businesses are invested in the community and often support local charities, non- profits and other community fundraising events.
Shops are unique and sell products often made by local artisans.
Owners and staff have expertise in the products they sell.
Local owners tend to provide better service because they take personal pride in their business and the products sold. They take the time to get to know their customers and their needs.
Statistics from Sustainable Connections
Residents who shop locally log 26% fewer automobile miles.
Small businesses donate almost 2.5 times more per employee to local charitable causes than national competitors.
Up to 90% of net new jobs are created by locally owned businesses.
For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, approximately $50 recirculates and remains in the local economy. When it’s spent at a national chain, only around $15 remains in our community.
Sources:
Sustainable Connections Website
https://sustainableconnections.org/why-buy-local/
Metro Family Magazine Oklahoma: 15 Reasons to Shop Locally
https://www.metrofamilymagazine.com/15-reasons-to-shop-locally/
Forbes: 7 Reasons to Shop Local and Support Small Business
Michigan State University Center for Community Economic Development: Why Buy local https://ced.msu.edu/upload/reports/why%20buy%20local.pdf
Remember to thank merchants—especially those who support DEI and democratic principles!
Thank them personally, perhaps in the presence of other customers.
Give positive reviews on surveys and social media posts.
Recommend businesses to friends or bring in friends.
Shop there again—repeat business is the best compliment.
Thrift for Yourself, Donate for Others
Consider altering your spending habits by buying fewer things “new.” Look for items sold through online sources or special group events. Visit brick-and-mortar thrift and consignment shops in Frederick County.
To support their missions, nonprofits and charities often hold tag sales, book fairs, or rummage sales. Check community calendars for these events.
Donate or dispose of things you no longer have use for. Items in good condition can be given to resale stores whose shoppers are looking for affordable secondhand goods. Recycle old, worn-out textiles such as clothes and towels rather than take up valuable space in the landfill.
Tell Businesses Why You're Not Shopping With Them
Tell Businesses Why You're Not Shopping With Them
Here are two Word templates that give you a place to begin. Email, U.S. mail, or carry these letters to businesses and let them know you're not shopping with them and you are encouraging others to do the same.
The first is a letter to Target; we know the boycott is working. Let's be clear and let Target know why we aren't shopping with them and what we're doing to encourage others. And the second letter is more general; choose the business you wish to contact and personalize the letter.
Downloading Letter Templates:
Hover over the letter you want to download.
Click on the arrow in the upper right corner. This will open in a new page.
Choose the download icon in the upper right on the newly opened page.
This will download the Word document to your computer and you can edit is as you like.
Letter-to-Target-from-consumer.docxLetter-to-business-from-consumer.docx
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