Something You Can Do

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Spokane, like many cities in the United State has seen its share of protests over the years. And year after year thousands show up at the Martin Luther King Rally and March. Who’s who of Black Spokane will show up. Black organizations and community centers show up. Church groups show up. Local press shows up. Politicians show up. They are ethnically and economically diverse. In 2011 there was a bomb found along the MLK March route. For the following year thousands more turned out for the march.

One of the current cliches is that we are all in it together. But how is this expressed in terms of social justice? In the constitution it says liberty and justice for all, but Blacks were counted as only 3/5ths of a person. The diversity of the nation has increased through immigration but we still all live in our silos and everyone was not and is not considered equal. One of most segregated organizations are our churches. But now when we are on the verge of a tyranny when everyone is losing their rights suddenly we are all in it together. But our protests are still segregated. The only diverse marches and rallies here in Spokane are the Martin Luther King rally and march in January of each year.

Thousands Turn Out in Spokane and The Nation

Our protests are not diverse. Think of these examples:

Civil Rights Movement (1960s -1970s)
Vietnam War Protests (1960s -1970s)
Environmental Movements (1970s – present)
Indigenous Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Black Lives Matter (2010s – present)
Protest Anti-Semitism
Protest Anti-Muslim
Open Housing
Homeless Rights
Economic and Labor Protests
Anti-Trump Protests
Women’s March

How do we all work together? When people leave the meetings and rallies they return to their homogeneous communities. Check out the following links for things that can be done in-between the significant emotional events of major protests.

198 Methods of Nonviolent Action:

Pass this out at every march, rally and meeting you attend

Practitioners of nonviolent struggle have an entire arsenal of “nonviolent weapons” at their disposal. Listed below are 198 of them, classified into three broad categories: nonviolent protest and persuasion, noncooperation (social, economic, and political), and nonviolent intervention. A description and historical examples of each can be found in volume two of The Politics of Nonviolent Action, by Gene Sharp

If It Doesn’t Affect Me Why Should I Care?

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I haven’t lost my Social Security check yet.

I’ve got health care.

DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) doesn’t affect me.

I’ve got a job.

I’m not an immigrant.

Addressing the question “if it doesn’t affect me directly, why should I care?”, it’s crucial to understand the broader impact of community organizations. Understanding and evaluating community organizations requires a multifaceted approach. By considering their effectiveness, transparency, coalition-building efforts, and legitimacy indicators, you can make informed decisions about which organizations to support and engage with. Remember that while an organization’s impact may not always be immediately apparent to you personally, their work often contributes to broader societal improvements that can benefit everyone in the long term.

For full article We Need Organizations CLICK HERE

Actions and Strategies

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For full article CLICK HERE

IN TIMES OF TRUMP DISMANTLING AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 

Comprehensive Strategies to Regain Control and Protect Democratic Institutions from Systematic Dismantling

# Immediate Action Strategies

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.

Celebrating Women in History

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CLICK HERE for full Timeline

Famous Firsts by American Women

Obama Warned You

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Obama Speech July 13, 2012 in Roanoke Virginia

President Barack Obama’s Speech July 13, 2012 in Roanoke Virginia

Why Is There DEI – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion?

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Executive Order

Why Has the Engine of Progress Stalled?

Persistent inequality is obviously serious, and if discrimination were the primary problem, then race-conscious remedies might be appropriate. But while white racism was central to the story in 1964, today the picture is much more complicated. Thus while blacks and whites now graduate at the same rate from high school today and are almost equally likely to attend college, on average they are not equally educated. That is, looking at years of schooling in assessing the racial gap in family income tells us little about the cognitive skills whites and blacks bring to the job market. And cognitive skills obviously affect earnings.

In the decades since affirmative action policies were first instituted, the poverty rate has remained basically unchanged. Despite black gains by numerous other measures, close to 30 percent of black families still live below the poverty line. “There are those who say, my fellow Americans, that even good affirmative action programs are no longer needed,” President Clinton said in July 1995. But “let us consider,” he went on, that “the unemployment rate for African Americans remains about twice that of whites.” Racial preferences are the president’s answer to persistent inequality, although a quarter-century of affirmative action has done nothing whatever to close the unemployment gap.

100 Years of American History in Black and White

Thinking Critically with Community Organizing

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If you want to be empowered or empowering you may want to start with critical thinking. If you do this we can build our own table.

Click here for a guide to critical thinking.

Encouraging Adoption in Grassroots Organizations and Individuals

Critical thinking is essential for making informed decisions and solving complex problems within communities. It enables individuals to navigate complex social issues, make sound decisions, and develop effective solutions to communal problems [4].

Research indicates a strong correlation between critical thinking and enhanced problem-solving abilities, which is crucial for addressing community challenges [4].

strategies for thinking critically

To promote the use of critical thinking skills in grassroots community organizations several strategies can be employed:

  • Promoting Engagement: Encourage individuals to engage with different levels of understanding. This involves teaching them to question assumptions and consider multiple viewpoints [5].
  • Implementing Innovative Teaching Approaches: Use active learning strategies that encourage participation, discussion, and the application of knowledge in real-world scenarios. 5].
  • Addressing Psychological Barriers: Provide training and workshops that address psychological barriers like biases and social pressures. This can help individuals become more open to critical thinking and challenge existing beliefs [6].
  • Developing Community-Based Learning Programs: Create learning programs tailored to the specific needs and contexts of the community. These programs should focus on critical thinking and make the skills relevant to the community’s challenges [5].
  • Facilitating Open Discussions: Create environments that encourage open discussions and the acceptance of diverse views. This can help overcome resistance to critical thinking and promote a culture of respect and inclusivity [5].
  • Utilizing Effective Teaching Methods: Employ teaching strategies specifically designed for participants and community organizations, such as:
  1. Active Learning: Engage participants directly in the learning process through case studies, role-playing exercises, and group projects [7].
  2. Experiential Learning: Use simulations, field trips, and problem-based learning to help participants apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings [8].
  3. Collaborative Learning: Encourage group work to achieve common goals, fostering teamwork and communication skills [9].
  4. Problem-Based Learning: Challenge participants to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems, fostering critical thinking and creativity [10].
  • Incorporating Real-World Applications: Design case studies and problem-solving exercises that mirror workplace and community challenges. This makes learning more meaningful and actionable for participants. [11].
  • Providing Regular Feedback: Offer constructive feedback to help participants understand their progress and areas for improvement. This can be achieved through interactive quizzes, assessments, and one-on-one coaching sessions [4].

Conclusion

By implementing these strategies, grassroots organizations and individuals can develop a stronger foundation in critical thinking skills. This will lead to more effective decision-making, problem-solving, and overall community development. The key is to make critical thinking relevant, engaging, and applicable to real-world situations that community members face daily.

Click here for a guide to critical thinking.

We’re All In It Together

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In times like these, when government may not be supportive of us, it is important that we use every communication vehicle available. Many of us are wondering, what is it that we can do to protect our families and community when our government does not care.

When democracy is being stolen by the elected president and a billionaire that bought him the election what are the tools of resistance that are nonviolent?

Things You Can and Need To Do

Nonviolent Tools of Resistance Against Democratic Erosion

When democracy is undermined by an elected leader and powerful financial backers, nonviolent resistance becomes a critical tool for citizens to reclaim their rights and protect democratic institutions. Research and historical evidence show that nonviolent methods are often more effective than violent ones in achieving lasting political and social change. Below are some key tools and strategies for nonviolent resistance:

1. Mass Mobilization and Protests

Organizing peaceful protests and demonstrations is one of the most visible and impactful ways to resist authoritarianism. Large-scale, sustained protests can draw attention to the erosion of democracy and pressure those in power to change course. For example, movements like the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. and the People Power Revolution in the Philippines successfully used mass mobilization to achieve democratic reforms.

2. Civil Disobedience

Civil disobedience involves deliberately breaking unjust laws or refusing to comply with government policies that undermine democracy. This can include actions like boycotting government programs, refusing to pay fines, or staging sit-ins. Such acts disrupt the normal functioning of an illegitimate regime and highlight its lack of moral authority.

3. Building Broad Coalitions

Uniting diverse groups—across political, social, and economic lines—creates a stronger resistance movement. Broad coalitions can amplify the voices of marginalized communities and demonstrate widespread opposition to anti-democratic actions. This approach is emphasized in the “Democracy Playbook,” which outlines strategies for strengthening democratic institutions and resisting illiberal forces [1].

4. Protecting Voting Rights

Efforts to protect and expand voting access are crucial in resisting democratic backsliding. This includes fighting voter suppression, ensuring fair elections, and educating citizens about their voting rights. Organizations like the ACLU have highlighted the importance of combating disenfranchisement and ensuring that elections remain free and fair.

5. Strategic Use of Media and Technology

Using social media, independent journalism, and other communication tools can help spread awareness, counter disinformation, and mobilize support. Activists can use these platforms to expose corruption, document abuses, and share stories of resistance. However, it is essential to verify information and avoid spreading misinformation, which can undermine the movement’s credibility.

6. Non-Cooperation with Illegitimate Authorities

Refusing to cooperate with leaders or institutions that undermine democracy can weaken their power. This can include strikes, boycotts, or resignations from government positions. Non-cooperation disrupts the functioning of an authoritarian regime and demonstrates widespread dissent.

7. Training and Preparation

Participating in nonviolent resistance training can equip activists with the skills and strategies needed to resist effectively. Democracy training programs prepare individuals to respond to undemocratic power grabs and organize collective action.

8. Supporting Independent Institutions

Strengthening and supporting independent institutions, such as the judiciary, media, and civil society organizations, is vital for resisting authoritarianism. These institutions act as checks on power and provide avenues for accountability [1].

9. Funding and Supporting Opposition Movements

Opposition movements often lack the resources to effectively challenge entrenched power. Providing financial and logistical support to these groups can help level the playing field and ensure they are prepared to advocate for democratic governance.

10. International Solidarity

Building alliances with international organizations, governments, and activists can bring global attention to the erosion of democracy and apply external pressure on authoritarian leaders. This can include sanctions, diplomatic efforts, or public campaigns to hold leaders accountable.

Why Nonviolence Works

Research by Harvard Professor Erica Chenoweth shows that nonviolent resistance is more likely to succeed than violent campaigns. Nonviolent movements are more inclusive, attract broader participation, and are less likely to provoke violent crackdowns that alienate the public.

By employing these tools, citizens can resist the erosion of democracy and work toward restoring a government that reflects the will of the people.

Resources

Get Your Phone Apps

Jerry LeClaire email list:
https://jerrysindivisible.substack.com

Bob Lloyd website
4comculture.com

Cynthia Hamilton’s local librarys discussion groups. Contact her for details. Bugsmind@comcast.net

Washington State Poor People’s Campaign
https://www.washingtonppc.org/

Breaking Bread: An Exhibition and Talk

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This talk and exhibition was presented to the Spokane South Hill Rotary Club during Black History Month 2025.

Part 1

The pictures are illustrations of crucifixions. Historically Black men have been crucified. It may have been dying stacked in slave ships, it may have been hanging from a tree during slavery, it may have been jailing after Reconstruction, it may have been in the media, it may have been psychological. The talk that went with these images was about my personal psychological crucifixions.

Part 2

Women have been crucified through time also, be it body shaming, be it cultural taboos, be it cultural appropriation, be it political correctness.

Part 3

When your dad gives you millions of dollars you think that they are toys for you to play with. Because you’re rich you think you have access to women that you can fondle, sexually abuse and dominate. You think you can trample on the American flag and on democracy. You’ve been a thug all of your life. Any Black person who did any of these things would have ended up in prison garb.