Resistance to the MAGA agenda is all around us. It is heartening to see so much activity—but it can be hard to figure out what will be most effective! Since you can't participate in all the activities, below are some we recommend.
Our affinity group of 9 Eastern Mass activists will review the activities of some major progressive organizations (see the list below) and regularly recommend those which we believe could be most effective. We will prioritize using criteria derived from studies of the most successful social movements.
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Highly Recommended
Boycott Target during Lent - African American clergy are asking shoppers to go to Black-owned businesses instead of Target, a company that rolled back its DEI commitments and donated to the Trump campaign and other Republicans: TargetFast
Picket Tesla showrooms - We are especially excited about the Tesla Takedown campaign. It has an obvious target (guess who!), is easy to participate in, and can have a clear impact: Tesla sales are down in the US and around the world, even while EV sales are increasing! You can participate by picketing a Tesla showroom, or divesting from Tesla stock in your investment or pension fund, or asking an institution you’re connected with to divest. There are demonstrations at Tesla dealerships most Saturdays at 10 am (457 Pleasant St Watertown), 11am (840 Providence Highway Dedham), and noon (888 Boylston St. Boston). (Please check website for latest information)
Upcoming Actions
Saturday, April 5 - 11am – 2pm - HANDS OFF rally At Boston Common - Parkman Bandstand. Based on the sponsors and early publicity, this may prove to be the biggest rally so far.
Saturday April 19 - Hold signs at the 250th anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord - No Kings / Rehire National Park Rangers at Minute Man National Historical Park, where politicians and patriots will be gathered.
Resources We Recommend
Choose Democracy - great tacticians and activists with ongoing recommendations for action.
One of their projects is Boycott Central - So many boycotts! Which will be effective? Here’s what has worked historically.
And here’s their annotated list of boycotts. Look for the ones with lots of green check-marks.
Anne-christine d'Adesky - writes about resisting Project 2025 and how to survive 4 years of Trump
Robert Hubbell substack - advocates for grassroots resistance actions and analyzes developments.
Blue Sky - social media for progressives; includes much you will not find on NPR or the NY Times, for example
Chop Wood Carry Water substack - often lists resistance actions
Pro-Democracy Organizations we are monitoring
Showing Up for Racial Justice - “First 100 Days Training and Action program”
I'd like to suggest that you post this event:
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HARVARD Kennedy School
ASH CENTER for Democratic Governance and Innovation
"What Is An Effective Protest Today?"
MAR 27
HYBRID EVENT
JFK Jr. Forum
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT
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My understanding is that people with Harvard IDs can register to attend in person, and that remote attendance is open to everyone.
Thanks Alan for co-creating this group!