What is a “One Million Rising” Community Resistance Gathering?
As outlined in “Refusing, Together” (at IMHK’s July 30th meeting), we now in a period of autocratic breakthrough — a window in which the would-be authoritarian attempts to consolidate power and operate with impunity. So, Indivisible is centering a new, larger mission — One Million Rising. This is a nonviolent civil resistance movement that engages people across society, encouraging them to refuse to do what the regime expects, and to put pressure on the many pillars of society, encouraging them to refuse to do what the regime expects.
There are many pillars of society: Business, Labor, Faith, Education, Military, Police, and others. Workers can withhold their labor. Faith communities can refuse to allow their religion to be a tool of fascism. Civil servants can refuse to carry out illegal orders.
Authoritarians are weaker than they appear. They depend upon the cowardice of Columbia University, the greed of CBS/Paramount, the obedience of law firms like Paul Weiss. They depend upon people and institutions volunteering their obedience.
But you do not have to surrender to bullies, kneel to wanna-be-tyrants, or obey unjust laws. Instead, disrupt. Refuse to do what is expected of you. Do what is not expected of you. Put pressure on others not to cooperate.
Here’s one way to get started. Host a community gathering — of people with some kind of connection to each other. And discuss what you can do, and form a plan of action.
- How is your pillar upholding the regime?
- In your pillar, what kind of defiance is already happening and what could more look like?
- What kinds of defiance — protest, persuasion, non-cooperation, building alternatives — could you imagine in your workplace, congregation, union, or school?
Guides for hosts
- One Million Rising, Resistance Gathering Event Host Toolkit. Google doc.
- One Million Rising, Community Resistance Gathering #1: Host Guide. This is a Google doc. And ignore the dates. You can hold these gatherings at any time!
- One Million Rising, Community Resistance Gathering #2: Host Guide. Also a Google doc. And, again, please ignore the dates. Community resistance gatherings can be held any time.
Note: These are guidelines. You can adapt them. Does the recommended 2-hour meeting seem like too large an ask? Make it 90 minutes. Enlist a co-host or co-hosts to help you. As the saying goes, many hands make light work.
Printable materials for hosts
- One Million Rising: Resistance Gathering Sign-in Sheet. Google doc.
- Gathering Handouts on Pillars and Non-Cooperation. Flyers, handouts, templates, graphics.