Millions of people marching in the streets across the United States and 10,000 – 20,000 marching here in Spokane. The marchers are asking a fundamental question: How do we preserve democracy when so many of our neighbors seem willing to trade it for the promise of security?
It appears that there is a great deal of fear dividing our country in two. Why these fears, what needs to be done, and how can we do it? What do our readers think? What does our community think? What do others think?
This is a three part series. The first part describes the fears and what needs to be done to address them. The second part addresses why Black people should resist the loss of democracy, the third part deals with what needs to be done. Later articles can follow the progress of the Spokane fight for democracy.
The articles discuss various evidence-based approaches to enhance democratic resilience and social cohesion at government, institutional, and individual levels. They highlight the importance of economic interventions, leadership strategies, educational reforms, media responsibility, and personal engagement. The text outlines measures for specific demographic concerns while emphasizing the need for systemic changes and the importance of measuring success. Key factors for success include authenticity, inclusivity, patience, consistency, local focus, and bipartisan support.
Feedback from social media posts and interactions can be used to invite them to remove the fear, save democracy and participate in building a better community they want to live in.
Read the first article in the Fighting Fear series:
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October 18th millions marched. They said NO TRUMP! In order to stop tyranny now what do you want to do?
When the choice is tyranny or revolution, to keep your head in the sand is to choose tyranny. If you choose revolution the question is nonviolent or violent.
The Scenario
A presidential candidate has won the election and gained control over all branches of government.
The new administration refuses to follow court rulings and historical norms.
Democratic processes and checks and balances have broken down.
The leadership style is modeled after authoritarian regimes like Russia, North Korea, and China.
This situation represents a significant threat to democratic institutions and the rule of law, which are fundamental to a functioning democracy.
Can We Trust This Man?
Options for Grassroots Movements
In such a scenario, grassroots movements and civil society organizations face a critical decision: whether to accept the new regime or to resist. Based on historical examples and research on civil resistance, there are several potential courses of action:
Nonviolent revolutions have endured longer
Nonviolent Revolution
Historically, nonviolent revolutions have been more successful and led to more stable democratic outcomes than violent uprisings. Research by Erica Chenoweth and Maria J. Stephan has shown that nonviolent campaigns are twice as likely to succeed as violent ones.
Strategies for nonviolent revolution could include:
a) Mass Mobilization: Organizing large-scale protests, strikes, and boycotts to demonstrate widespread opposition to the regime. This was effectively used in the Philippines People Power Revolution (1986) and the U.S. Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s).
b) Civil Disobedience: Engaging in coordinated acts of nonviolent resistance, such as sit-ins, blockades, or refusal to pay taxes. The Indian Independence Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi successfully employed these tactics.
c) Alternative Institutions: Creating parallel governance structures or “shadow governments” to challenge the legitimacy of the regime and provide essential services to the population.
d) International Solidarity: Appealing to international organizations and foreign governments for support and sanctions against the regime. This strategy was crucial in the South African Anti-Apartheid Movement.
Civic Engagement and Grassroots Organizing
Even in challenging political environments, there are legal and peaceful methods to resist authoritarianism:
a) Stakeholder Engagement: Identifying and mobilizing key stakeholders who can influence the political process.
b) Effective Communication: Using clear, consistent messaging to articulate grievances and demands.
c) Technology and Social Media: Leveraging digital platforms for organizing, information sharing, and mobilizing support.
d) Educational Interventions: Implementing programs to promote civic engagement and democratic values.
e) Building Trust and Relationships: Establishing networks of trust within communities to strengthen resistance efforts.
Seeking International Support
Grassroots movements can appeal to international democratic support systems and diplomatic channels:
a) International Organizations: Engaging with bodies like the UN, OSCE, and International IDEA to highlight democratic backsliding and seek support.
b) Foreign Diplomatic Pressure: Encouraging democratic nations to exert diplomatic pressure on the regime, similar to Sweden’s “Drive for Democracy” initiative.
c) NGO Partnerships: Collaborating with international NGOs like Freedom House to document and publicize human rights violations and democratic erosion.
Violent Revolution as a Last Resort
While violent revolution might seem like an option, it’s important to note that:
Violent uprisings are statistically less likely to succeed than nonviolent movements.
They often lead to prolonged conflict and instability.
Violent revolutions can delegitimize the movement in the eyes of both domestic and international observers.
They may provide justification for increased repression by the regime.
Conclusion
In the face of democratic breakdown and the rise of authoritarianism, grassroots movements have historically been most successful when employing nonviolent strategies. These strategies, combined with effective civic engagement and international support, offer the best chance for restoring democratic norms and institutions.
The choice between accepting tyranny and forming a revolution is a complex one, with significant consequences. However, the historical record suggests that nonviolent revolutions, when well-organized and widely supported, can be effective in challenging even the most entrenched authoritarian regimes.
It’s crucial for grassroots movements to carefully consider their options, build broad coalitions, and maintain a commitment to nonviolent tactics to maximize their chances of success and minimize the risk of further destabilization or violence.
When tyranny and revolution appear to be the choices, which do you think we ought to choose? The choice should be made with deep thought. If you keep your head in the sand and refuse to recognize the current conditions, you have chosen tyranny. But if you choose revolution the question is nonviolent or violent.
If you want suggestions on what we must do in addition to protesting in the streets, subscribe to 4comculture.com. Go to the top of the sidebar and send us your email address.
Here’s a Burma-Shave-style series of signs with a **social justice theme**, ending with the message “No Kings.” Each line would appear on a separate sign, spaced out along a road:
Equal rights For every voice Justice fair Should be the choice No Kings
They hold the crown You hold the load Stand together Change the road No Kings
The power’s yours It’s in your hands Build a world That truly stands No Kings
Truth and love Will light the way No one rules We all have say No Kings
Each set of signs uses the rhythmic, rhyming style of the original Burma-Shave ads while conveying social justice themes like equality, collective power, and rejecting authoritarianism or hierarchical rule. The final line, “No Kings” delivers a punchy, memorable conclusion in the same way Burma-Shave signs ended with their product name.
Maybe you would like to add these to your protest signs.
Write your own rhyming verses and share them with us in a comment below.
A veteran civil rights attorney outlines key legal and practical guidance for protesters. He emphasizes understanding definitions—civil disobedience, “actions,” illegal conduct—and organizing ahead of time rather than relying on spontaneous events. Rights aren’t enforceable on the street; they take effect in court. Drawing on Martin Luther King Jr.’s advice, he urges nonviolent protesters not to defy orders, not to evade arrest, and to accept penalties. He covers interactions with police—knowing when you’re free to go, invoking counsel, and staying calm—and shares jail survival tips: remove jewelry, manage medications, track your property, and communicate respectfully. The talk concludes that preparation, clear objectives, and disciplined nonviolence are essential for safe, effective protest.
To transform community energy into collaborative solutions that address our shared fears and build the inclusive, thriving community we all want to live in. Many of us have experienced being the sole representative of our demographic in professional or community settings, or have attended meetings where predetermined agendas don’t align with our authentic concerns. As someone who has navigated being part of a small percentage of African Americans in a predominantly white city, I’ve observed how organizations often approach inclusion through tokenism rather than meaningful engagement—a reality that can feel both frustrating and isolating. This plan leverages the energy from recent demonstrations and channels it into constructive, solution-focused action.
Phase 1: Foundation Building (Weeks 1-3)
[A] Digital Outreach Strategy:
Website landing page with clear campaign overview and sign-up
Social media campaign targeting both demonstration groups with bridge-building messaging
Email templates for stakeholder outreach
Digital toolkit with shareable graphics and talking points
Educational: Eastern Washington University, Community Colleges of Spokane, Spokane Public Schools
Faith-based: Interfaith Council, individual congregations from diverse traditions
Community: Libraries, YMCA/YWCA, community centers, neighborhood councils
Business: Chamber of Commerce, downtown business associations
Civic: City Council members, county commissioners, local nonprofits
Media: Spokesman-Review, local radio stations, community newsletters
Please specify any thoughts or ideas on individuals or organizations you would like to see participate. Add them in the white Thoughts and Ideas box at the end of the document, including topic letter [B].
[C] Develop Letter Template for Stakeholders
Phase 2: Session Design & Launch (Weeks 4-6)
[D] Meeting Structure (2-hour format):
Opening (15 minutes):
Welcome and ground rules for respectful dialogue
Brief overview of campaign goals
Icebreaker: “One thing you love about our community”
Solutions Overview (45 minutes):
Present research-backed solutions (using our conversation as base)
Focus on local applications of broader strategies
Interactive elements: polling, small group discussions
Action Planning (45 minutes):
Break into working groups by interest area
Develop 3-month action plans with specific commitments
Identify next meeting dates and responsibilities
Wrap-up (15 minutes):
Share group commitments with full room
Sign-up for follow-up communications
Evaluation forms
[E] Working Group Categories:
Economic Solutions: Job training, small business support, cooperative development
Educational Initiatives: Civic education, media literacy, cross-cultural programs
Community Building: Interfaith dialogue, neighborhood connections, cultural events
Policy & Governance: Local government engagement, voting access, transparency
Youth & Families: School programs, childcare, mentorship
Health & Wellness: Mental health, substance abuse, community safety
Phase 3: Technology Integration
[F] Digital Tools Setup:
Registration system (Google Forms or Eventbrite)
Live note-taking (Google Docs collaborative editing)
AI transcription (Otter.ai or similar for accessibility)
Summary generation (ChatGPT or Claude for quick summaries)
Communication hub (WhatsApp groups or Slack channels by working group)
Are you using any AI software? Do you have any opinions?
Documentation Process:
Pre-session: Share background materials via email
During session: Take notes on provided worksheets and share them
Post-session: AI-generated summary distributed within 24 hours
Follow-up: Action item tracking and progress updates
Phase 4: Sustained Engagement (Ongoing)
Monthly Cycle:
Week 1: Working group meetings (action planning)
Week 2: Implementation activities
Week 3: Cross-group coordination meeting
Week 4: Community-wide progress sharing
Quarterly Milestones:
Month 3: First major collaborative project launch
Month 6: Policy proposal presentation to city council
Month 9: Community festival celebrating progress
Month 12: Annual report and expansion planning
Budget-Conscious Implementation
[G] Free/Low-Cost Resources:
Venue partnerships (free space in exchange for programming)
Volunteer facilitators from community organizations
Grant opportunities (community foundation, civic engagement grants)
[H] Potential Funding Source Examples:
Spokane Community Foundation
Washington State Community Engagement grants
Local business sponsorships
Crowdfunding for specific projects
[I] Messaging Strategy
Core Messages – Discussion:
“From demonstration to collaboration”
“Solutions, not just problems”
“Building the community we all want to live in”
“Every voice matters, every action counts”
Bridge-Building Language Examples:
Focus on shared values (safety, prosperity, opportunity)
Use inclusive pronouns (“we,” “us,” “our community”)
Emphasize local identity (“Spokane strong,” “Inland Empire values”)
Avoid partisan language or blame
Success Metrics
Short-term (3 months):
Number of organizations partnering
Attendance at sessions
Working groups formed
Action commitments made
Medium-term (6-12 months):
Projects launched
Policy proposals submitted
Cross-demographic relationships formed
Media coverage and community awareness
Long-term (12+ months):
Measurable community improvements
Sustained participation
Model replication in other communities
Institutional changes adopted
Risk Management
[J] Potential Challenges – Examples:
Polarization: Some may see this as naive or partisan
Burnout: Volunteer fatigue after initial enthusiasm
Capture: Single-issue groups dominating agenda
Resources: Scaling beyond initial capacity
[K] Mitigation Strategies:
Clear ground rules and professional facilitation
Rotating leadership and shared responsibility
Diverse steering committee with broad representation
Phased growth rather than rapid expansion
This approach transforms post-demonstration energy into sustained, solution-focused community building. It’s scalable, technology-enhanced, and designed to bridge divides rather than deepen them. The key is starting small, proving the concept, and growing organically based on community response.
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The psychological traits of true believers in mass movements can be observed in the followers of contemporary political figures like Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and Bernie Sanders.
Social media platforms are central tools in organizing, amplifying, and documenting protest movements, including both legal demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience. Their influence extends to nearly every phase of modern activism.
Key Functions of Social Media in Protests
Organization and Mobilization
Rapid Communication: Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram enable instant alerts and updates to large audiences.
Event Coordination: Details about protest times, locations, and changes can be distributed quickly.
Recruitment: Movements reach new supporters, often beyond traditional activist circles.
Information Sharing
Education: Infographics, videos, and threads explain protest goals, legal rights, and safety tips.
Real-Time Updates: Live streams and posts provide on-the-ground news, especially when mainstream media coverage is lacking.
Resource Distribution: Legal aid contacts, medical help, or transportation details are easily shared.
Public Awareness and Narrative Control
Framing the Message: Movements can frame their demands and actions, independently of government or traditional media narratives.
Viral Content: Hashtags and viral posts can bring national or global attention to local issues quickly.
Documentation and Evidence
Recording Events: Videos and photos document both peaceful protest and any incidents of violence or repression.
Accountability: Livestreams and real-time sharing can deter misconduct by authorities and provide evidence for legal defense.
Solidarity and Morale
Community Building: Supporters express solidarity, encourage one another, and build a sense of collective purpose.
International Support: Protests in one country can inspire or support similar movements elsewhere. Risks and Challenges
Surveillance and Infiltration
Monitoring: Law enforcement may monitor public posts or infiltrate private groups.
Data Collection: Social media data can be used in prosecutions or to target activists.
Disinformation and Smear Campaigns
False Narratives: Opponents may spread misinformation or attempt to discredit the movement.
Trolling and Harassment: Activists may face online abuse or threats.
Privacy Concerns
Doxxing: Personal information may be exposed.
Platform Policies: Posts or accounts can be removed, limiting reach or erasing documentation. Best Practices for Protesters on Social Media
Use Encrypted Messaging Apps: For sensitive coordination, prefer Signal, Telegram (private chats), or similar platforms.
Limit Location Sharing: Disable geotags and avoid posting live locations unless necessary.
Use Pseudonyms: Protect personal identity where possible.
Fact-Check Information: Prevent spread of rumors or unverified claims.
Backup Important Content: Download key videos/photos in case accounts are suspended or content is removed. Conclusion
Social media is a double-edged sword: It empowers protest movements with unprecedented coordination and amplification, but also exposes activists to risks. Effective protest training now always includes a section on digital security, smart communication, and narrative control through social media.
-Legal consultation: Connect with civil rights attorneys familiar with local protest laws -Venue selection: Choose accessible locations with proper facilities -Materials: Prepare handouts on legal rights, emergency contacts, and safety protocols
Workshop Agenda Structure
Session 1: Legal Rights and Responsibilities (60 minutes)
Know your constitutional rights (1st Amendment protections)
Understanding permit requirements and legal protest zones
Historical context and effectiveness of peaceful protest
De-escalation techniques
Maintaining discipline under pressure
Building coalition and inclusive messaging
Session 3: Safety and Security (45 minutes)
Personal safety protocols
Communication systems and emergency contacts
Identifying potential risks and exit strategies
Medical considerations and first aid basics
Digital security and privacy protection
Session 4: Effective Organization and Messaging (60 minutes)
Clear goal setting and achievable objectives
Media engagement and public communication
Social media strategy and documentation
Building sustainable movements
Coordination with other groups
Session 5: Practical Scenarios and Role-Playing (45 minutes)
Simulated interactions with counter-protesters
Practice with media interviews
Response to various law enforcement scenarios
Group decision-making under pressure
Key Training Components
Facilitator Requirements:
Experienced organizers or civil rights advocates
Legal experts familiar with protest law
Conflict resolution specialists
Community leaders with grassroots experience
Follow-up Support:
Ongoing legal hotline access
Regular check-ins with participants
Resource sharing networks
Mental health and trauma support
The most effective protest training emphasizes peaceful, legal, and strategic action while ensuring participants understand both their rights and responsibilities as citizens engaging in democratic processes.
