I will explain my username

Some of us anarchists want radical change now and will not settle for anything less, as in the slogan "if voting changed anything, it would be illegal!"
But I am a patient anarchist.
I vote in elections, because democracy is closer to anarchism than dictatorship is.
My paycheque goes into a credit union, because a credit union, ultimately run by members, is closer to anarchism than a bank is.
I shop at the locally owned grocery store in preference to the big corporate one, and the workers' coop health food store in preference to both, because local is closer to anarchism than corporate, and a workers' coop is anarchism in practice on a small scale.
I dream of a transformed world of free cooperation. I don't expect to see it in my lifetime, but I try to live in that direction.

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SatanBurger · 36-40, F

I am interested too, do you know how I can contribute? Is it wise to switch to the credit unions? And what other things do you do?

Crazywaterspring · 61-69, M

@SatanBurger Credit unions are almost much better for ordinary individuals. You'll vote on officers and they have their own depositer's guarantee - the NCUA. They usually pay better rates on deposits and lower rates on loans (depending on one's credit).

Other things? Buy local when possible. Mutual aid.

ThePatientAnarchist · 61-69New

@SatanBurger I'm so glad you're interested!

And I second everything @Crazywaterspring said.

In Canada, at least, an account in a credit union is insured by the government (oh well lol) just like a bank account, and the rates and the services they provide, including a debit card, are just like banks -- but you are dealing with a local organization that you are a member of, and that cares about the community.

And as Crazywaterspring said, I try to support local businesses rather than chains and big corporations. If you like to read, go to the library or shop at a bookstore rather than going to Amazon. Buy clothing at thrift stores when you can. The more human and the more local the better.

And yes, mutual aid! Where I live there are local give-away groups that you can find on Facebook or whatever. There are volunteer opportunities.

Of course there are also actual anarchist circles, reading groups, etc. to get more into the ideas and possible political activism (and different ideas of what anarchism is aiming for -- I'm just giving one version :) )