We need local chapters to belong to, connecting people, informing them about local events, and coordinating volunteer opportunities. You solicit ideas but you need to respond to them too. Volunteers could help with that.
A good tactic in repressive regimes that we might benefit from here: establish the custom of a noon "walk for freedom." Everyone, wherever they are, just goes out for a walk at noon. Head for the hardware store, walk the dog, go pick up the dry cleaning. No central coordination required; no organizers to arrest; no incriminating record in anyone's cell phone. Just a silent vote with the feet against the authoritarian powers. We may someday need it here; meanwhile we could practice, and in a very simple way, on special days, show our numbers.
I love your idea. I also have been thinking that we need some way to protest, to show solidarity, more often. After the "no hands" protest, I found small inexpensive stickers (an inch or so) of hands, and wanted to suggest sticking one on clothing, to subtly affirm one's solidarity with others who wanted the authoritarian to keep "hands off" our universities, judges, funds authorized by congress, etc. People might ask, "What's that on your shirt?" giving the person an opportunity to explain, and offer a sticker.
I hope that these protests spur on some lifestyle changes. Similar to folks who only vote in federal elections, showing up for one protest doesn't save democracy. Joining *any* civic, advocacy, or volunteer organization, even to do just one action or event a month, can change the way we relate to our government at all levels.
I went to many protests in the 2010s, but it wasn't until I became regularly involved with an advocacy organization in the 2020s that I really began to engage with democracy meaningfully. It has changed my outlook on our country. Despite having many problems with our federal government, I now feel more patriotic and more inclined to engage in problems to make our country a better place, rather than just sit in cynicism and throw barbs on social media.
Ben I appreciate you unpacking the 3.5% and clarifying that it's not a "magic formula." People always look for that magic pill or bullet, even while our lived experience tells us it's mythical. Some may be feeling discouraged that we didn't hit that number on June 14, but in my opinion, we have hit the "critical mass," because it's more than the crowds who showed up with protest signs. It's also all of the people who drove by and honked in support. At the event I attended, there were hundreds of those. And it's all of the people who couldn't show up because a) they were working, or b) taking care of children or other family members, or c) they have mobility issues/are immune-compromised. I personally can count at least 2 dozen people I know who fall into one of those groups, who are "supporters in spirit." If each of us who protested publicly can count even 2 more supporters in spirit, then we're way over the 3.5%!
We need local chapters to belong to, connecting people, informing them about local events, and coordinating volunteer opportunities. You solicit ideas but you need to respond to them too. Volunteers could help with that.
A good tactic in repressive regimes that we might benefit from here: establish the custom of a noon "walk for freedom." Everyone, wherever they are, just goes out for a walk at noon. Head for the hardware store, walk the dog, go pick up the dry cleaning. No central coordination required; no organizers to arrest; no incriminating record in anyone's cell phone. Just a silent vote with the feet against the authoritarian powers. We may someday need it here; meanwhile we could practice, and in a very simple way, on special days, show our numbers.
I love your idea. I also have been thinking that we need some way to protest, to show solidarity, more often. After the "no hands" protest, I found small inexpensive stickers (an inch or so) of hands, and wanted to suggest sticking one on clothing, to subtly affirm one's solidarity with others who wanted the authoritarian to keep "hands off" our universities, judges, funds authorized by congress, etc. People might ask, "What's that on your shirt?" giving the person an opportunity to explain, and offer a sticker.
I hope that these protests spur on some lifestyle changes. Similar to folks who only vote in federal elections, showing up for one protest doesn't save democracy. Joining *any* civic, advocacy, or volunteer organization, even to do just one action or event a month, can change the way we relate to our government at all levels.
I went to many protests in the 2010s, but it wasn't until I became regularly involved with an advocacy organization in the 2020s that I really began to engage with democracy meaningfully. It has changed my outlook on our country. Despite having many problems with our federal government, I now feel more patriotic and more inclined to engage in problems to make our country a better place, rather than just sit in cynicism and throw barbs on social media.
Ben I appreciate you unpacking the 3.5% and clarifying that it's not a "magic formula." People always look for that magic pill or bullet, even while our lived experience tells us it's mythical. Some may be feeling discouraged that we didn't hit that number on June 14, but in my opinion, we have hit the "critical mass," because it's more than the crowds who showed up with protest signs. It's also all of the people who drove by and honked in support. At the event I attended, there were hundreds of those. And it's all of the people who couldn't show up because a) they were working, or b) taking care of children or other family members, or c) they have mobility issues/are immune-compromised. I personally can count at least 2 dozen people I know who fall into one of those groups, who are "supporters in spirit." If each of us who protested publicly can count even 2 more supporters in spirit, then we're way over the 3.5%!
Superb analysis. May I quote some of it my own SubStack and blog? Jeff.Orenstein@savingdemocracyinstitute.org