Jesus Christ
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Mahatma Gandhi
Jesse Jackson
Bernice King
Coretta Scott King
James Lawson
John Lewis
Nelson Mandela
Benjamin E. Mays
Reinhold Niebuhr
Barack Obama
Rosa Parks
A. Philip Randolph
Bayard Rustin
Henry David Thoreau
Howard Thurman
Paul Tillich
Andrew Young
Oprah Winfrey
How many of you actually have the Five Calls app? When was the last time you used it? Not enough of us, and that’s why I teach these classes. A lot of people say they want to use it, but then no one shows them how to make those phone calls. Get app at your app store.
How many of you actually have the Five Calls app? When was the last time you used it? Not enough of us, and that’s why I teach these classes. A lot of people say they want to use it, but then no one shows them how to make those phone calls. Get app at your app store.
How many of you actually have the Five Calls app? When was the last time you used it? Not enough of us, and that’s why I teach these classes. A lot of people say they want to use it, but then no one shows them how to make those phone calls.
We all know that those phone calls are some of the most efficient and effective tools we have as constituents to influence decisions about budgets that could significantly impact our country. So we need to get on board with this now because they’re getting ready to vote on important issues.
If you know how to use it, are you teaching others? The usual call volume in D.C. is only about 40 calls per minute for 435 Congress members—that’s just one call for every ten Congress critters! With Five Calls, we once got that number up to 3,000 calls per minute; however, it’s fallen off recently at a time when it’s crucial for us to be making these calls.
When I was in Chewelah, WA, I showed everyone how easy it is to use Five Calls—65 people were making calls at once! It was awesome! When I asked them if they thought it was easy many raised their hands affirmatively while others seemed unsure or hadn’t used it yet.
So here’s what you need: download the Five Calls app from your Play Store or Apple Store right now—this is your most effective tool for reaching out to your Congress members! Changing my language has been key in my success when communicating with officials; it’s essential that we speak their language if we want our voices heard.
Now, have you downloaded the app onto your phone? Great! Are you looking at the issues? Is it helpful? Can I get an amen?! Remember that each phone call represents approximately 10,000 voters because people often feel too intimidated or unqualified to confront someone directly about their concerns.
Five Calls provides information about current issues being voted on—it cuts through unnecessary topics and helps focus on what truly matters right now. Once you’ve made a call through this tool, remember you’re representing thousands of other voters!
If you’re nervous about talking directly with someone call after hours—call after 2 PM PST (5 pm EST) when they’ve likely gone home and leave a message instead!
When using Five Calls again today or tomorrow—or whenever—you’ll see your representative and senators listed, 3 in Washington state – one Congressman and two Senators; don’t forget those Senators even if they seem aligned with our views—they still need feedback from us!
It’s vital that we communicate our preferences clearly before votes happen so Congress knows where constituents stand—otherwise they might assume there’s no clear majority opinion and vote accordingly based solely on assumptions rather than facts.
Emails hold less weight compared with phone calls since they’re valued at around 1,000 voters each simply because there’s little chance anyone will respond personally—and canned responses don’t help either!
An actual letter carries slightly more value but requires far more effort than simply picking up a phone—it may take days before anyone sees your thoughts by which time decisions may already be made!
So let’s commit today: teach someone else how easy using Five Calls can be within five days.
We cannot remain comfortable anymore—we must start doing things differently starting today—and tomorrow we’ll share knowledge further afield until everyone understands its importance!
To find out more about 5 Calls contact Cynthia Hamilton and I’ll help connect you to class sessions available soon: bugsmind@comcast.net
comprehensive strategies to regain control and protect democratic institutions from systematic dismantling
1. Legal and Constitutional Mechanisms
2. Civil Society Response
3. Institutional Protection Measures
4. International Cooperation and Support
Long-term Strategic Approaches
1. Develop a National Democracy Strategy
2. Build Cross-sector Alliances
3. Public Education and Engagement
4. Media and Technology Strategy
Success Indicators from Historical Examples
Historical examples show that democratic institutions can recover from systematic dismantling attempts. Key lessons include:
1. Post-WWII Germany and Japan: Successful reconstruction required:
2. Eastern European Transitions: Demonstrated the importance of:
The success of these strategies depends on coordinated action across multiple sectors and sustained commitment to democratic principles. The research suggests that combining legal mechanisms, civil society action, and international support provides the most effective approach to protecting and restoring democratic institutions.
CORE’s (Congress of Racial Equality) Rules for Direct Action became a model for nonviolent resistance worldwide. Their emphasis on preparation, discipline, and moral clarity ensured that their actions were both effective and ethically grounded. These principles continue to influence modern social movements, from environmental activism to racial justice campaigns. By combining strategic planning with cultural tools, CORE and similar organizations demonstrated the power of nonviolence in achieving systemic change.
CORE’S Rules for Direct Action full article CLICK HERE
History and Influence of CORE article CLICK HERE
Founded in 1942 by James Farmer and an interracial group of students in Chicago, the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) pioneered the use of nonviolent direct action in America’s civil rights struggle.The Congress of Racial Equality’s (CORE) Rules for Direct Action had a profound impact on the advancement of social justice, particularly during the civil rights movement in the United States. These rules, rooted in nonviolent resistance, shaped the strategies and outcomes of social justice movements by providing a framework for challenging systemic oppression while maintaining moral authority. Below is an analysis of how these rules influenced social justice efforts.
CORE’s rules emphasized nonviolent direct action as a way for marginalized communities to assert their rights and demand justice without resorting to violence. This approach:
For example, CORE’s early sit-ins in the 1940s and 1950s successfully desegregated restaurants and public facilities in northern cities, proving that nonviolent action could achieve tangible results.
CORE’s rules were inspired by Gandhian principles of nonviolence, which emphasized the moral high ground in the fight for justice. This approach had several key impacts:
By adhering to nonviolence, CORE and other civil rights organizations were able to frame their struggle as a fight for universal human rights, forcing the U.S. to confront its contradictions between democratic ideals and racial inequality.
CORE’s rules and tactics became a blueprint for other social justice movements, both in the U.S. and globally:
CORE’s rules emphasized the importance of investigation, documentation, and negotiation before taking direct action. This structured approach ensured that protests were well-organized and focused on specific goals:
However, as CORE’s influence waned in later years due to internal divisions and shifts in leadership, some critics noted that a lack of organization and functional leadership hindered its ability to sustain participation in social justice efforts.
CORE’s decentralized structure allowed local chapters to address specific issues in their communities while contributing to the broader civil rights movement:
This dual focus on local and national action demonstrated how grassroots organizing could drive systemic change.
While CORE’s rules for action had a significant impact on social justice, they also faced challenges:
CORE’s rules for action also shaped the cultural dimensions of social justice movements:
CORE’s Rules for Direct Action had a transformative impact on social justice by providing a disciplined, nonviolent framework for challenging systemic oppression. These rules empowered marginalized communities, established nonviolence as a powerful tool for change, and inspired movements worldwide. While CORE faced challenges in sustaining its influence, its legacy continues to shape the strategies and principles of modern social justice efforts.
CORE’S Rules for Direct Action full article CLICK HERE
The Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and its Rules for Direct Action were foundational to the civil rights movement in the United States. These rules were inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of nonviolence and were instrumental in shaping the strategies of CORE and other civil rights organizations, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership in the broader movement. Below is an overview of CORE’s Rules for Action and how they compare to the principles of other organizations.
CORE’s Rules for Direct Action were designed to guide activists in their efforts to challenge racial segregation and discrimination through nonviolent resistance. These rules emphasized preparation, discipline, and a step-by-step approach to achieving change.
Other civil rights and social justice organizations adopted similar principles, though their approaches varied depending on their goals and leadership structures.
CORE’s leadership structure combined top-down guidance with grassroots participation:
During mass protests, leadership was often structured but flexible, allowing for both coordination and organic participation. For example:
CORE, like other civil rights organizations, used cultural tools to inspire and mobilize people:
CORE’s Rules for Direct Action became a model for nonviolent resistance worldwide. Their emphasis on preparation, discipline, and moral clarity ensured that their actions were both effective and ethically grounded. These principles continue to influence modern social movements, from environmental activism to racial justice campaigns. By combining strategic planning with cultural tools, CORE and similar organizations demonstrated the power of nonviolence in achieving systemic change.
History and Influence of CORE article CLICK HERE
By Robert Lloyd
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.
This situation represents a significant threat to democratic institutions and the rule of law, which are fundamental to a functioning democracy.
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:
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.
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.
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.
While violent revolution might seem like an option, it’s important to note that:
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.