Non-participation

As we begin to see what Trump‘s mandates looks like it becomes clear to the kinds of disruption he is going to create once he takes power. We are beginning to see the plans for tariffs, and we understand how that is going to affect the supply chain of goods, food and services. I will be writing another blog about that soon. This particular blog is going to be a non-participation and some of the nonviolent and effective ways we can use to prevent the imbalance of power.

It’s easy to go straight to the place of protest and pushing back. You’re making a lot of noise and doing all the things to disrupt the oppressor. It can be a powerful emotional release. That has a place in all great revolutions. It is effective in grabbing attention and creating media content today that drives the narrative. It shows the true nature of the oppressor’s laws and actions. In this digital age,public protesting can have undesirable consequences by putting people at risk through surveillance. It is in my opinion that having a more stealth approach during this period will be more effective.

We have to be able to blend in and not comply to laws and actions meant to limit and squash our humanity. This form of protest is meant to turn the tables and frustrate the ones in power. It is one of the many tactics that Gandhi used to over throw the British Imperialism in India.

In social media there’s been a lot of talk about not giving permission in advance. This comes from the book, On Tyrrany by Timothy Snyder. I think that’s that we should never ever comply to anything that is an unjust law or action. Just because we feel like we’re doomed, does not mean we to have to give in. Doing that empowers the oppressor. We can take a page out of Gandhi’s work about noncompliance and we don’t have to participate in what they want us to do. It’s simple and straightforward. Don’t do the thing. No matter what they try to do to make you do it. That can hard when faced with violence. In this country we have become entrenched and entrained to respond towards pleasure and dopamine. This has eroded the inner will to absorb pain and transform it to resilience. That will be hard for many. We have to be willing to overcome our selfish desires and pleasures for the greater good of others. If we cannot overcome these entrench flaws, no amount of revolution or noncompliance will help in this situation. In fact the oppressors have already won at that point. To absorb violence and transformed into love, it’s not only a noble act, but it is the most powerful act we can do as a human being. And I don’t say this lightly and I don’t say this without a whole lot of thought behind it because I realize this is a hard thing to ask anybody to do.

Noncompliance can look like not turning over immigrants to I.C.E. or refusing to participate in acts of violence against marginalized people. It can be growing food and sharing it with others to not participate in the high tariffs of food coming in and out of this country. Building and maintaining sustainable communities that support each other‘s needs in ways outside of the disruption and the violence of the regime. Ignoring unreasonable demands that are meant to humiliate others. Sit-ins at places where you might be told only certain people can be. This is similar to the civil rights lunch counter sit-instead that were done in protest to segregation.

Here is a list of strategic methods for nonviolent protest based on principles of civil resistance, activism, and peaceful dissent. These methods are categorized for clarity and cover a broad range of approaches:

1. Protest and Persuasion

These methods are focused on raising awareness and expressing dissent.

• Demonstrations and Marches: Organizing peaceful marches or rallies.

• Sit-ins: Occupying spaces (public or private) without causing disruption or damage.

• Public Speeches: Delivering talks or speeches to educate or rally support.

• Petitions: Collecting signatures to show public support for a cause.

• Vigils: Holding quiet, solemn gatherings, often with candles or signs.

• Boycotts: Refusing to buy products or support businesses tied to the issue.

• Symbolic Actions: Wearing specific colors, symbols, or armbands to show solidarity.

2. Disruption and Intervention

These methods aim to disrupt systems or bring attention to injustice without harm.

• Strikes: Refusing to work to disrupt economic systems.

• Walkouts: Leaving institutions such as schools or workplaces en masse.

• Blockades: Peacefully blocking roads, entrances, or access points.

• Slow-Downs: Reducing productivity without completely halting work.

• Boycott of Elections: Refusing to participate in elections to delegitimize them.

• Tax Resistance: Withholding payment of taxes that fund objectionable policies.

3. Education and Awareness

Focused on informing and mobilizing people.

• Teach-ins: Hosting public discussions or lectures on specific issues.

• Media Campaigns: Creating and sharing content online or in traditional media to spread awareness.

• Art Activism: Using art, music, and theater to convey messages.

• Social Media Movements: Using hashtags, videos, and posts to garner global support.

4. Civil Disobedience

These actions challenge unjust laws or systems directly.

• Refusal to Obey Laws: Breaking laws peacefully to draw attention to their injustice.

• Non-Cooperation: Refusing to comply with government or corporate policies.

• Occupation: Staying in spaces to challenge the status quo, such as government buildings.

5. Economic Noncooperation

Targeting financial and economic systems.

• Divestment Campaigns: Encouraging institutions to withdraw investments.

• Consumer Boycotts: Avoiding specific products or companies.

• Selective Buying: Supporting ethical businesses or those aligned with your cause.

6. Symbolic Acts

Creative ways to express dissent.

• Mock Funerals: Symbolizing the “death” of values, freedoms, or rights.

• Flag Displays: Raising or lowering flags as a symbol of resistance.

• Street Art: Graffiti, murals, or installations to communicate messages.

• Theatrical Protests: Staging performances or dramatizations in public spaces.

7. Solidarity and Support Networks

Building and maintaining a movement.

• Mutual Aid Groups: Supporting affected communities with food, shelter, or services.

• Coalition Building: Partnering with like-minded organizations.

• Training Workshops: Preparing participants for nonviolent action and de-escalation.

8. Legal Resistance

Leveraging the law to advance the cause.

• Court Challenges: Filing lawsuits against unjust policies or practices.

• Advocacy Campaigns: Lobbying legislators for change.

• Legal Observation: Monitoring protests to ensure rights are upheld.

9. Digital Activism

Utilizing technology to enhance protests.

• Email and Letter-Writing Campaigns: Sending coordinated messages to officials or organizations.

• Online Petitions: Creating campaigns to collect digital signatures.

• Crowdfunding: Raising money for causes or legal support.

• Hacktivism: Ethical hacking to disrupt harmful systems (e.g., information leaks).

10. Community Resilience

Creating alternatives to unjust systems.

• Building Parallel Institutions: Creating grassroots alternatives like community banks or schools.

• Sustainable Practices: Promoting environmental and social sustainability as resistance.

• Cultural Preservation: Protecting endangered traditions or languages under threat.

Key Principles for Success

• Nonviolence: Maintaining peace in action and language.

• Clear Goals: Defining specific, achievable outcomes.

• Inclusivity: Ensuring diverse participation and voices.

• Preparation: Training participants to stay calm under pressure.

• Persistence: Sustaining efforts over time.

• Media Engagement: Managing narratives to reach a broader audience.