Press Release: Indivisible Chico Joins May Day 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Indivisible Chico Joins Nationwide Strike; Mass Protest Set for Forest Avenue May 1st

Local Coalition Demands “People Over Profits” with Economic Boycott and High-Visibility Hwy 99 Overpass Action

CHICO, CA — On Friday, May 1, 2026, Indivisible Chico will join thousands of organizations across the country for  May Day 2026, a coordinated day of collective action. Organizers are calling for a total disruption of "business as usual" through a "No School, No Work, No Shopping" strike to demand an end to the billionaire takeover of the government and a reinvestment in working people.

The Family Pledge: "Mind Your Money" 

At the heart of the movement is "The Family Pledge," a commitment to not spend a single dollar on May 1st. This economic boycott specifically targets major corporations, with organizers urging the community to avoid Target, Amazon, and national retail chains like those at the Chico Marketplace. Don't even buy gas on Friday the 1st.

“The economy is us,” said Lindsey, a volunteer with Indivisible Chico. “And it's scary to do something on our own sometimes, but together, we can take that chance. So on Friday we speak up for our values by withdrawing our consent from a rigged system. And then on Saturday, we put our money where our hearts are.” 

To support this, the community is invited to participate in  "Support Small Saturday" on May 2nd, making a point to shop at the Farmers Market or locally owned storefronts to reinvest in the local families that make Chico home.

Mass Protest and Hwy 99 Overpass Action 

Friday’s activities will culminate in a high-visibility public protest at 4:00 PM. Community members are encouraged to spread out along the sidewalks along Forest Avenue and 20th Street with their own signs reminding the community where financial power resides. 

Additionally, the local Defenders of Democracy coalition—including the Chico Peace Alliance, CC4J, the Re-Sisters, and the Veterans Action Group—will each display a focused series of messages along the Hwy 99 Overpass, asking the collective question: “Are We Great Yet?” 

If community members would like to be a part of the bridge display, reach out to Laurel with the Chico Peace Alliance for more information at (530) 519-0389.

Core Demands for the Future 

The May Day 2026 movement is centered on three unified demands to move the pillars of power:

• Tax the Rich:  Ensure families, not billionaire fortunes, come first.

• No ICE, No War:  End the use of private armies for authoritarian power and stop the escalation of reckless foreign conflicts.

• Hands Off Our Vote:  Expand democracy and defend free and fair elections against billionaire rigging.

Logistics, Safety, and Mutual Aid 

Indivisible Chico emphasizes a commitment to nonviolent action and lawful protest. To ensure a successful structure test of local power, participants are advised:

• Avoid Mall Parking:  Do not park in shopping center lots; the Chico Marketplace has indicated they may tow vehicles at the owner's expense.

•  Mutual Aid Transport:  In response to record-high gas prices ($5.75/gal), organizers are facilitating a  Carpool & Bike-Train network . Participants are encouraged to use lawful street parking in residential areas and walk or ride together to the protest site.

•  Student Solidarity:  Students are encouraged to wear  red or green  to show solidarity with workers and families.

“Organized people are the only force that has ever stopped authoritarian takeovers,” said Cody Borders, Media Liaison for Indivisible Chico. “When working people move together and practice mutual aid, we prove that we don't need the billionaires. They need us. That's where we can take action.”

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