Quickstart Guide: What You Can Do Now
Quickstart Guide: What You Can Do Now
You've read the vision. You understand the stakes. You're ready to act.
Here's exactly what to do - organized by how much time and commitment you can offer.
Why it matters: Personal stories break through abstract policy debates. Every documented case of "AI augmentation" becoming "AI replacement" undermines corporate rhetoric.
What to do:
Write 3-5 paragraphs about your experience with AI in your workplace
Include: your role, how AI was introduced, promises made, what actually happened
Post to LinkedIn, Twitter, Medium, or Facebook with #AgeOfArtsAndScience
Email your story to stories@ageofartandscience.org for our documentation project
Template: "I worked as [role] at [company]. When AI tools were introduced, management said they would 'augment' our work. Instead, [what actually happened]. This is why we need the Age of Arts and Science."
Why it matters: You can't influence legislators you can't identify. State-level policy is where change happens first.
What to do:
Go to openstates.org or your state legislature website
Enter your address to find your representatives
Note their names, districts, committee assignments
Look for legislators on: Labor, Technology, Economic Development, Arts & Culture committees
Save their contact info (office phone, email, district office address)
Why it matters: We'll notify you when legislation is introduced, votes are scheduled, or action opportunities arise in your area.
What to do:
Enter your email at [signup link]
Select your state for localized alerts
Choose your primary interest: Worker, Artist, Scientist, Athlete, Educator, Parent, or General Supporter
Confirm subscription and whitelist our email
Why it matters: Legislators respond to constituent contact. A handful of emails on the same topic signals an issue they need to address.
What to do:
Template Email for Initial Contact:
Subject: AI Displacement in [Your District] - Request for Meeting
Dear [Representative/Senator Name],
I'm your constituent from [city/neighborhood]. I'm writing about AI-driven job displacement affecting workers in our district and across [State].
In 2025, over 54,000 U.S. workers lost jobs explicitly because of AI. Tech companies cut 245,000 positions between October and January. [Add personal connection if relevant: "This affected me directly when..." or "I work in [industry] and see this happening..."]
I'd like to discuss policy solutions that capture AI productivity gains for public benefit rather than allowing them to concentrate as private profit. Specifically, I'm interested in exploring:
Progressive taxation on AI-driven automation
Transition support for displaced workers
Funding mechanisms for arts, sciences, and community programs
Would you or a member of your staff be available for a brief meeting (15-20 minutes) to discuss this? I can come to your district office at your convenience.
Thank you for your service to our community.
[Your name] [Your address - proves you're a constituent] [Your phone number]
Follow up in 1 week if no response.
Why it matters: Individual voices get ignored. Organized coalitions representing thousands of workers, artists, educators, etc. get meetings with decision-makers.
What to do:
If coalitions exist in your area:
Search for: "[Your city/state] tech workers union," "[Your city] arts council," "[Your state] labor coalition"
Attend a meeting or event
Introduce the Age of Arts and Science concept
Offer to present at next meeting
If coalitions don't exist:
Start with 3-5 people who share your concern
Schedule monthly meetups
Pick one achievable goal (petition, town hall, legislative meeting)
Document your work and share with movement@ageofartandscience.org
Why it matters: Local media shapes local discourse. Op-eds from constituents influence legislators and build public support.
What to do:
Template Structure (600-800 words):
Hook: Local angle ("When [Local Company] cut 500 jobs last month citing AI efficiency...")
Problem: AI displacement is happening now, not eventually
Current path: Gains go to shareholders, workers face poverty
Alternative: Age of Arts and Science - capture gains, fund transition
Working models: Iceland (shorter weeks), Alaska (resource dividend)
Local action: "Our state legislators should explore..."
Call to action: "Contact [Representative Name] and demand..."
Submit to:
Local daily newspaper (op-ed editor)
Weekly community papers
Local business journals
University newspapers (if you're in a college town)
Why it matters: Face-to-face conversations build deeper understanding and commitment than digital engagement.
What to do:
Find a venue:
Public library meeting room
Community center
Church/religious community space
Coffee shop back room
University classroom
Invite attendees:
Post on Nextdoor, local Facebook groups, Meetup
Flyer at coffee shops, libraries, community centers
Email contacts who might be interested
Target: 15-30 people for first event
Presentation outline (45 min + 30 min discussion):
The crisis (10 min): Show AI displacement data
The vision (10 min): What Age of Arts and Science looks like
The evidence (10 min): Iceland, UBI pilots, Alaska/Norway funds
The opposition (10 min): Corporate resistance, $50M lobbying
What we can do (5 min): State-level action, coalition building
Discussion (30 min): What resonates? What concerns? What actions?
Download presentation materials: [presentations@ageofartandscience.org]
Why it matters: We're building a public database tracking companies claiming "augmentation" while cutting jobs. This data becomes ammunition for legislative fights.
What to do:
Track these data points:
Company name
Number of jobs cut
Date announced
Official explanation (especially if mentions AI)
CEO statements about AI
Stock price movement post-announcement
Executive compensation that year
Sources:
Company press releases
SEC filings
News coverage
Glassdoor/Blind (employee reports)
LinkedIn (track former employees posting about layoffs)
Submit findings: database@ageofartandscience.org
We'll compile into public tracker showing:
Companies with largest AI-driven cuts
Gap between "augmentation" rhetoric and replacement reality
Executive compensation tied to cost-cutting
Geographic impact (useful for state legislators)
Why it matters: Sustained social media presence keeps the concept visible and attracts new supporters.
What to do:
30-day content calendar:
Week 1 - The Problem:
Monday: Share Geoffrey Hinton quote on 2026 tipping point
Wednesday: Infographic showing 54,000 jobs lost to AI in 2025
Friday: Personal story or news article about AI displacement
Week 2 - The Vision:
Monday: "What if we..." post describing Age of Arts and Science
Wednesday: Quote about sports as art + science fusion
Friday: Comparison: Agricultural → Industrial → Information → Arts & Science
Week 3 - The Evidence:
Monday: Iceland results (86% coverage, 5% GDP growth)
Wednesday: UBI pilot results (improved wellbeing, maintained work)
Friday: Alaska Permanent Fund explainer
Week 4 - The Action:
Monday: "Contact your state legislator" with template
Wednesday: Success story from coalition or pilot program
Friday: "Join the movement" call-to-action
Hashtags: #AgeOfArtsAndScience #AIDisplacement #FutureOfWork #ShorterWorkWeek #UniversalBasicIncome #AITaxation #ArtsAndScience
Tag: @[Movement handles once established]
Why it matters: Sustained legislative engagement is how bills actually get introduced and passed.
What to do:
Month 1: Build relationships
Meet with state legislators (in-person at district office)
Meet with legislative staff
Introduce yourself as constituent concerned about AI displacement
Don't ask for anything yet—just build rapport
Month 2: Educate
Send articles about AI displacement
Share Iceland data
Provide one-pagers on specific policy proposals
Position yourself as resource, not lobbyist
Month 3: Make specific asks
"Would you consider introducing bill to study AI's labor impact in our state?"
"Could you co-sponsor legislation requiring AI deployment reporting?"
"Would you support pilot program compensating parents/caregivers?"
Ongoing:
Attend committee hearings where relevant bills are discussed
Submit written testimony
Bring other constituents to meetings
Thank legislators when they take positive action
Hold accountable when they oppose
Download: State Advocacy Toolkit (includes draft bill language, talking points, testimony templates) at policy@ageofartandscience.org
Why it matters: Organized local groups can influence city councils, county boards, and state legislators more effectively than individuals.
What to do:
Core team (5-10 people):
Identify roles: Coordinator, Communications, Legislative Liaison, Community Outreach, Fundraising
Weekly or bi-weekly meetings (can be virtual)
Clear short-term goals (petition, town hall, legislative meeting)
Expand coalition:
Recruit from: unions, arts organizations, universities, parent groups, religious communities
Each organization sends 1-2 representatives
Monthly general meetings
Working groups for specific projects
Activities:
Host quarterly town halls
Coordinate constituent contact campaigns
Track local AI displacement
Submit testimony to city/county/state hearings
Organize protests/demonstrations when appropriate
Run petition drives for ballot initiatives
Register your coalition: coalitions@ageofartandscience.org
We'll list you on our map
Connect you with other local groups
Provide resources and coordination
Why it matters: The most direct path to policy change is electing supporters.
What to do:
Run for office yourself:
City council
School board
County board
State legislature
Or support candidates who embrace the vision:
Volunteer for campaigns
Donate within your means
Host house parties/fundraisers
Make the Age of Arts and Science a campaign issue
Platform language for candidates:
"I support capturing AI productivity gains for public benefit through progressive taxation and investing those revenues in:
Shorter work weeks with maintained pay
Expanded arts, sciences, and athletic programs
Compensation for care workers and parents
Universal basic services
Transition support for displaced workers
The choice isn't between AI and jobs. It's between AI profits going to shareholders or society."
Immediate actions:
Introduce Age of Arts and Science at next union meeting
Propose resolution supporting AI productivity taxation and profit-sharing
Coordinate with other unions (especially tech workers, educators, artists, care workers)
Demand contract language addressing AI deployment (advance notice, profit-sharing, retraining)
Organize "AI displacement teach-ins" for members
Download: Union Organizing Toolkit at unions@ageofartandscience.org
Immediate actions:
Join or form artists' coalition in your area
Advocate for sustainable arts funding at state/local level
Frame yourself as essential infrastructure (not luxury) in public comments
Document how current system forces artists into poverty despite creating enormous value
Connect with labor unions—artists are workers too
Download: Artists' Advocacy Guide at artists@ageofartandscience.org
Immediate actions:
Study local/regional economic impact of AI displacement
Model costs of mass unemployment vs. Age of Arts and Science implementation
Publish findings in accessible formats (op-eds, blog posts, not just journals)
Testify at legislative hearings with data
Connect research to policy proposals
Download: Research Agenda and Data Sources at research@ageofartandscience.org
Immediate actions:
Articulate how sports represents peak human achievement AI can't replicate
Advocate for public investment in athletic facilities and programs
Frame sports as essential for human flourishing, not entertainment luxury
Connect with youth sports programs facing funding cuts
Join coalition as voice for physical/competitive pursuits
Download: Athletics Advocacy Brief at sports@ageofartandscience.org
Immediate actions:
Question: Why are we educating kids for jobs that won't exist?
Advocate for curriculum emphasizing creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence
Push back against standardized testing and "job training" mentality
Join or form parent groups focused on education transformation
Support teachers unions demanding smaller classes and arts/PE restoration
Download: Education Transformation Guide at education@ageofartandscience.org
Immediate actions:
Pilot shorter work weeks in your organization
Implement profit-sharing from AI productivity gains
Document results (productivity, retention, recruitment, morale)
Become case study for other businesses
Join "Age of Arts and Science Employers" certification program
Download: Business Case and Implementation Guide at business@ageofartandscience.org
General questions: hello@ageofartandscience.org
Strategic advice: strategy@ageofartandscience.org
Media training: media@ageofartandscience.org
Legal questions: legal@ageofartandscience.org
One-pagers for different audiences
Presentation slides
Draft legislation
Social media graphics
Letter templates
Petition language
All resources: resources.ageofartandscience.org
Pick ONE thing from this guide and do it this week:
Email a legislator
Write your AI displacement story
Share an article on social media
Contact a local organization
Host a coffee meeting with 3 friends
Then pick another next week.
Momentum builds through consistent small actions, not perfect grand gestures.
The window is narrow. Hinton's 2026 tipping point is now.
Corporate resistance is organized, funded, and operating on clear timelines. Your response needs to be equally persistent - just differently motivated.
They're fighting to privatize $1.2 trillion in productivity gains.
You're fighting for human flourishing in the age when machines can think.
Get started. Today.
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