I was at a very small protest with 5 friends weekend before last. One gal was super upset that it was so small. We decided to use the small ones as the initial invite because they are "safe" and build muscle. We took an oath that we would each invite 6 people to attend the next one with the intention of having 2 out of our 6 attend! The gal that was super upset is now SUPER motivated.
At the protests I've attended so far, there has been no meaningful call to action beyond the noisemaking, sloganeering and hornhonking. When you get group of energized people to gather, the hosts need to have an agenda: take donations on the spot, sign up volunteers for future initiatives on the spot, gather signatures on the spot. Don't tell folks to go home and write their congressperson, get them to sign and post a letter on the spot. Set up a phone bank and have people place calls! Give people a reason to show up and something productive to do.
My local Indivisible chapter hosted a food drive in conjuction with the April 5th "Hands Off!" protest/rally. Per their May newsletter, they collected 4400 lbs of food and $700 in donations. And we have since started a partnership with a mutual aid group in a financially disadvantaged neighborhood with multiple points around town for members to drop off food which will be delivered to their food pantry twice per month.
Indivisible also had a table set up at the Aoril 5 rally site with QR codes to join the Indivisible chapter and to the website which already had a list of actions for people to take. There is also a private facebook group for pop-up protests and dates and times for Tesla Takedowns. (There were issues with counter protesters when they publicly posted the schedule for Tesla events).
I have heard that chapter membership exploded since that protest and registration for their last social event reached capacity at least a week before the event.
At a much smaller protest that I attended on April 19th held in the county seat of a neighboring red county, the organizers had clipboards to sign up for emails about future events and a print out with calls to action.
I've been getting this question and don't have an answer to give: why should people RSVP for a protest? That makes it sound as if they are not welcome to just make a sign and show up.
Also hearing from a lot of people that they don't want their name on a list as a protest attendee, and I can't genuinely tell them they're wrong for that.
So, I don't personally sign up for protests, but, I run a Democratic club in south Orange County, CA and a lot of clubs (including mine) do post our protests online. I don't expect people to sign up, but Mobilize is a great way to get the word out and it is also a platform for signups. Also, while I don't expect signups, it is nice to know that people are attending our event, and it's not going to be five club members standing on a corner.
I'm 70 and I'm embarrassed to say that I was not going to protests because I did not have a sign and was not sure how to make a sign. Eventually, I figured it out!! Since then, every time I have a cardboard box from some delivery or other, I cut it up into pieces that can be used for signs. I also have a large collection of big markers, and posterboard. If a friend wants to come with me to a protest, and the only thing holding them back is a sign, they can choose what they want from my collection. Turns out I was not the only one kind of paralyzed by a very silly issue!
Whew, this reconciliation bill is such a mess. Thanks for the link to the helpful explainer! Here’s the link to a general “screw this whole thing” call to action on 5 Calls, I used it today: https://5calls.org/issue/budget-reconciliation-federal-cuts/
I just forwarded today’s newsletter to my book club, 12 people. I asked them to all come and protest together. To fight for our democracy. I’m hoping some of them come. In the past four of us from book club have gone. It would be great if more of us went. Thank you for the suggestion so I could forward your newsletter with that information included. I appreciate your guidance.
There are a LOT, A LOT of people out there who are deeply disturbed by what's happening in our country, and want to do something, but, for various reasons, they are AFRAID. Sometimes it's because they are afraid of being snatched off the street by The Regime.....sometimes it's because it would cause great grief with their spouse or family....sometimes it's because it could put them at risk of losing their job.....sometimes it's because they don't want to leave a paper trail (electronic or otherwise) documenting their involvement in the resistance. For whatever reason....what can ALL THESE PEOPLE do? What can they do behind the scenes, that they won't fear "getting caught?" There's a whole world of people out there who WANT to do something, but they're SCARED. How can they help without risking their personal safety?
I understand that they may be deeply disturbed about what’s happening, but what is the cost of doing nothing? That’s what they have to ask themselves. There are a lot of ways to stay somewhat anonymous, you can just go to a protest and stand there with a sign but imagine if the people in the beginning of our country had been afraid, we wouldn’t have a country.
I am willing to protest, but I don't want to sign up. I don't want any more texts and emails asking for money--I now receive about 20 a day. And if I don't sign up, I can't see where the protest is being held. So I stay home. I suggest organizers start by telling people when and where the protest is being held and hope that someday, participants will be ready to donate.
I run a Democratic club in south Orange County, CA and a lot of clubs (including mine) do post our protests online. I don't expect people to sign up, but Mobilize is a great way to get the word out and it is also a platform for signups. But, I (and most of the orgs here that plan protests in my area) are public with the location. I have also noticed that some groups aggregate local events and post of Instagram. Our local 50501 group does that here. So, IDK if there is anything like this where you are? I also might suggest contacting the organizer and asking if they can just give you the location. As someone who organizes these types of events, I am very sympathetic to people not wanting to register.
Use this spreadsheet to call/email/write any of our representatives as often as possible. Not just your own state reps, reach out to those in other states. Be as loud as you can and share this. Use your voice and make some “good trouble.”
Jess - I wrote this document to get more people involved. Sent it to hundreds of people who are now forwarding it. Some folks just don’t know where to start so I hoped this would be helpful…
I'm concerned that younger people don't "see" themselves in the protest arena for some reason. It's not that they aren't aware of the issues and don't have concerns. In talking to some of the younger generation, their information/news/perspectives are greatly influenced by social media. Perhaps we need to add a social media platform of protesting (vs being in the streets). Thoughts?
At a recent earth day action a random young man (22) I was chatting with told me he’s not protesting bc (I’m paraphrasing) he’s got his whole life to live ahead of him and is worried about getting “blacklisted”. Protests are something for the “older generation” to do. (I’m 61).
In that young man’s eyes, we have already become what he feared. He’s blacklisting himself. He won’t have anything to be afraid of if all of this stands as is because he’ll be in an authoritarian country. A lot more dangerous than protesting now.
I marched w/the Sackets Harbor NY 1000 April 5th protesting the unwarranted seizure by ICE of a local immigrant family. 2 days later, family freed. Rachel Maddow, Washington Post covered it. ICE director Tom Homan (local resident), on TV, then threatens protesters: "Criminal investigations have begun" and "criminal prosecutions" may follow. Next 2 anti-Trump public rallies my sign said "I marched at Sackets. Arrest me?" Next rally, again in town square of county seat June 14th, 1-3pm., inviting others of the Sackets 1000.
Laurie is right. I don't remember this same type of level of fear during my 5 decades of various political efforts, including protests and as an elected offical. We should be sensitive to others while providing a list of pathways for people to get involved, from most visible to anonymous. Perhaps Jess or a reader can expand upon this option
NOTE: they switched this to be a recurring meeting, so if you sign up once, you will continue to get notified each week. I was slow to realize this, so I am getting reminders in triplicate!
If you missed th meeting, they are posting a replay on YouTube here:
I was at a very small protest with 5 friends weekend before last. One gal was super upset that it was so small. We decided to use the small ones as the initial invite because they are "safe" and build muscle. We took an oath that we would each invite 6 people to attend the next one with the intention of having 2 out of our 6 attend! The gal that was super upset is now SUPER motivated.
Love that!
Just called my representatives. I will continue to keep calling. Thank you!
Me too! Feels good to make those calls. My Representative, her people answer the phone so frequently that they know me! I like that.
I'm glad to hear that. It is so frustrating to live in DC and have NO ONE with voting power to call. Thank the Universe for postcarding!
I can imagine! We have to change that!
Thanks Jess!! IF you're on it, then I have no more worries!!
At the protests I've attended so far, there has been no meaningful call to action beyond the noisemaking, sloganeering and hornhonking. When you get group of energized people to gather, the hosts need to have an agenda: take donations on the spot, sign up volunteers for future initiatives on the spot, gather signatures on the spot. Don't tell folks to go home and write their congressperson, get them to sign and post a letter on the spot. Set up a phone bank and have people place calls! Give people a reason to show up and something productive to do.
My local Indivisible chapter hosted a food drive in conjuction with the April 5th "Hands Off!" protest/rally. Per their May newsletter, they collected 4400 lbs of food and $700 in donations. And we have since started a partnership with a mutual aid group in a financially disadvantaged neighborhood with multiple points around town for members to drop off food which will be delivered to their food pantry twice per month.
Indivisible also had a table set up at the Aoril 5 rally site with QR codes to join the Indivisible chapter and to the website which already had a list of actions for people to take. There is also a private facebook group for pop-up protests and dates and times for Tesla Takedowns. (There were issues with counter protesters when they publicly posted the schedule for Tesla events).
I have heard that chapter membership exploded since that protest and registration for their last social event reached capacity at least a week before the event.
At a much smaller protest that I attended on April 19th held in the county seat of a neighboring red county, the organizers had clipboards to sign up for emails about future events and a print out with calls to action.
Right on! Where are you located?
Charlotte, NC.
I've been getting this question and don't have an answer to give: why should people RSVP for a protest? That makes it sound as if they are not welcome to just make a sign and show up.
Also hearing from a lot of people that they don't want their name on a list as a protest attendee, and I can't genuinely tell them they're wrong for that.
Yeah I often don't RSVP. It's fine either way.
So, I don't personally sign up for protests, but, I run a Democratic club in south Orange County, CA and a lot of clubs (including mine) do post our protests online. I don't expect people to sign up, but Mobilize is a great way to get the word out and it is also a platform for signups. Also, while I don't expect signups, it is nice to know that people are attending our event, and it's not going to be five club members standing on a corner.
I'm 70 and I'm embarrassed to say that I was not going to protests because I did not have a sign and was not sure how to make a sign. Eventually, I figured it out!! Since then, every time I have a cardboard box from some delivery or other, I cut it up into pieces that can be used for signs. I also have a large collection of big markers, and posterboard. If a friend wants to come with me to a protest, and the only thing holding them back is a sign, they can choose what they want from my collection. Turns out I was not the only one kind of paralyzed by a very silly issue!
Love that!
Whew, this reconciliation bill is such a mess. Thanks for the link to the helpful explainer! Here’s the link to a general “screw this whole thing” call to action on 5 Calls, I used it today: https://5calls.org/issue/budget-reconciliation-federal-cuts/
I just forwarded today’s newsletter to my book club, 12 people. I asked them to all come and protest together. To fight for our democracy. I’m hoping some of them come. In the past four of us from book club have gone. It would be great if more of us went. Thank you for the suggestion so I could forward your newsletter with that information included. I appreciate your guidance.
Just wait til you see today's intro! Lots more good resources in it! And thanks!
I have already had multiple positive responses from my book club members. They want to come with me to the protest!
There are a LOT, A LOT of people out there who are deeply disturbed by what's happening in our country, and want to do something, but, for various reasons, they are AFRAID. Sometimes it's because they are afraid of being snatched off the street by The Regime.....sometimes it's because it would cause great grief with their spouse or family....sometimes it's because it could put them at risk of losing their job.....sometimes it's because they don't want to leave a paper trail (electronic or otherwise) documenting their involvement in the resistance. For whatever reason....what can ALL THESE PEOPLE do? What can they do behind the scenes, that they won't fear "getting caught?" There's a whole world of people out there who WANT to do something, but they're SCARED. How can they help without risking their personal safety?
I mean, this newsletter is filled with things they can do.
I understand that they may be deeply disturbed about what’s happening, but what is the cost of doing nothing? That’s what they have to ask themselves. There are a lot of ways to stay somewhat anonymous, you can just go to a protest and stand there with a sign but imagine if the people in the beginning of our country had been afraid, we wouldn’t have a country.
I am willing to protest, but I don't want to sign up. I don't want any more texts and emails asking for money--I now receive about 20 a day. And if I don't sign up, I can't see where the protest is being held. So I stay home. I suggest organizers start by telling people when and where the protest is being held and hope that someday, participants will be ready to donate.
Why can't you attend if you don't RSVP? There are lots of events with locations clearly posted. RSVPs aren't necessary.
I run a Democratic club in south Orange County, CA and a lot of clubs (including mine) do post our protests online. I don't expect people to sign up, but Mobilize is a great way to get the word out and it is also a platform for signups. But, I (and most of the orgs here that plan protests in my area) are public with the location. I have also noticed that some groups aggregate local events and post of Instagram. Our local 50501 group does that here. So, IDK if there is anything like this where you are? I also might suggest contacting the organizer and asking if they can just give you the location. As someone who organizes these types of events, I am very sympathetic to people not wanting to register.
I commiserate with Eva. We could use much more useful info on the deployment of Hands Off rather than financial solicitations.
THAT might well boost attendance
Use this spreadsheet to call/email/write any of our representatives as often as possible. Not just your own state reps, reach out to those in other states. Be as loud as you can and share this. Use your voice and make some “good trouble.”
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13lYafj0P-6owAJcH-5_xcpcRvMUZI7rkBPW-Ma9e7hw/edit
Jess - I wrote this document to get more people involved. Sent it to hundreds of people who are now forwarding it. Some folks just don’t know where to start so I hoped this would be helpful…
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:us:63bc5ed4-c934-4b1c-acd0-9d8878630b71
Carole, this is SO helpful! Thank you so very much for putting it together and sharing it! 🩵
You are welcome. Hope it helps motivate some people on the sidelines of this authoritarian takeover!
CArole this is great! I will put it in the newsletter today!
I'm concerned that younger people don't "see" themselves in the protest arena for some reason. It's not that they aren't aware of the issues and don't have concerns. In talking to some of the younger generation, their information/news/perspectives are greatly influenced by social media. Perhaps we need to add a social media platform of protesting (vs being in the streets). Thoughts?
At a recent earth day action a random young man (22) I was chatting with told me he’s not protesting bc (I’m paraphrasing) he’s got his whole life to live ahead of him and is worried about getting “blacklisted”. Protests are something for the “older generation” to do. (I’m 61).
In that young man’s eyes, we have already become what he feared. He’s blacklisting himself. He won’t have anything to be afraid of if all of this stands as is because he’ll be in an authoritarian country. A lot more dangerous than protesting now.
Yes.
I marched w/the Sackets Harbor NY 1000 April 5th protesting the unwarranted seizure by ICE of a local immigrant family. 2 days later, family freed. Rachel Maddow, Washington Post covered it. ICE director Tom Homan (local resident), on TV, then threatens protesters: "Criminal investigations have begun" and "criminal prosecutions" may follow. Next 2 anti-Trump public rallies my sign said "I marched at Sackets. Arrest me?" Next rally, again in town square of county seat June 14th, 1-3pm., inviting others of the Sackets 1000.
Laurie is right. I don't remember this same type of level of fear during my 5 decades of various political efforts, including protests and as an elected offical. We should be sensitive to others while providing a list of pathways for people to get involved, from most visible to anonymous. Perhaps Jess or a reader can expand upon this option
Thank you
I just got off the weekly Indivisible call which is scheduled every Thursday from 3 - 4 pm ET. Sign up for next weeks call here:
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/773746/
NOTE: they switched this to be a recurring meeting, so if you sign up once, you will continue to get notified each week. I was slow to realize this, so I am getting reminders in triplicate!
If you missed th meeting, they are posting a replay on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/@indivisibleteam/videos