Indivisible is a grassroots movement of thousands of local Indivisible groups with a mission to elect progressive leaders, rebuild our democracy, and defeat the Trump agenda. They are one of the primary organizers of nonviolent, peaceful demonstrations and protests all across the country.
One of the most important facets of turning the tide from authoritarianism or patriocracy, and back to democracy, is to have those personal, one-on-one encounters with our friends, neighbors, and others when the opportunity arises. Indivisible has published this great information that can help us have productive conversations that could make a difference. Included below in its entirety…
Breaking the Fourth Wall
In order to resist effectively, we must get our message out widely. That means talking to as many people as possible, both inside and outside of our personal networks. Goals include:
- raising awareness
- encouraging inactive supporters to action and connection with groups
- Baby steps first (phone calls to legislators)
Reminders when encountering people you don’t know in real life/over the phone:
- Be chatty and friendly
- Compliment or thank them for something real
- Bring up a political topic to test their response.If they’re receptive, recommend the 5 CALLS free app; if that goes well, mention Indivisible.org. Give links, or give cards with links.
- Acknowledge or account for the situation—e.g., if they’re on a recorded line, tell them you do not need/want them to respond (before #3.) Do not interfere with their work.
- Do not ask for their views. Do not put them on the spot.
Sample opportunities:
- Checkout clerks, hair stylists, appointment schedulers, medical providers, others waiting in line, bank tellers, financial representatives (on phone), providers of any kind of service on phone or in person.
Sample “test balloons”:
- Remark on weather > connect to climate change > mention government privatizing or ending programs that combat climate change or help with climate emergencies
- Remark on prices > connect to downturn in economy or tariffs or boycotts by other nations or CDC’s choice to avoid action on avian flu (eggs), etc.
- Thank people for working for a company that supports DEI (e.g. Costco) or express unhappiness that company no longer supports DEI (“I’m sad that…”)
- Express concern about future of medical services > anti-immunization stance of HHS, risks to Medicare/Medicaid, cancer research, no action on avian flu, etc etc
- Cite stress and attribute to politics (any contact with health care employees)
- Mention taxes > long wait times on phone/delayed refunds > cuts to IRS staff
Ideas for talking with friends/family:
- “I know we’ve avoided this topic in the past. I’m wondering about your thoughts today.”
- Listen with curiosity and compassion.
- If they mention a concern, ask if they can tell you more about it.
- Affirm feelings/find points of connection.
- Avoid arguing or presenting evidence.
Some Selected Resources
- Choose Democracy (Nonviolent action guidance)
- Heather Cox Richardson’s Substack Essays (Political history insights)
- 5 Calls (Political advocacy tool, makes it easy to contact your Reps & Senators, complete with issues and scripts)
- Indivisible (Grassroots activism network)
- Americans of Conscience Checklist (Civic engagement resources)
- Leaving MAGA (Support for former MAGA members)