One Million Rising: Indivisible's Strategy for Sustained Change

You've likely seen or heard about large-scale demonstrations like the "No Kings" protests, where millions of Americans have taken to the streets to make their voices heard. These powerful moments of collective action are vital, showcasing widespread dissent and a clear demand for change. 

But what comes next after the signs are put away and the crowds disperse? How do we effectively translate that immense energy and outrage into lasting, systemic change?

That's where One Million Rising comes in: a significant national initiative launched by Indivisible in partnership with groups like No Kings. It's our strategic answer to building a sustained, empowered movement right in our local communities, designed to exert continuous pressure far beyond single days of mass mobilization.

What is One Million Rising?

At its core, One Million Rising is an ambitious program with a clear, transformative goal: to train one million people in the strategic logic and practice of non-cooperation, as well as the fundamental principles of community organizing and effective campaign design. This initiative is about empowering everyday citizens with the essential tools and deep knowledge needed to effectively challenge authoritarianism and consistently resist policies that undermine democracy and civil rights.

The initiative recognizes a crucial truth: while large protests generate immense energy and widespread dissent, it is sustained pressure that succeeds against authoritarian regimes. This pressure requires ongoing, coordinated action at the local level. The success of any authoritarian agenda, whether through unjust laws or erosion of democratic norms, ultimately depends on public and systemic compliance. We will not comply. 

By training a large, organized number of people in strategic non-cooperation, the goal is to create a resilient force capable of disrupting, delaying, and even making it impossible for harmful policies to be fully enacted or enforced. 

Strategic non-cooperation can involve tactics like targeted consumer boycotts, organized refusal to comply with specific unjust mandates, or collective workplace actions. This approach aims to expose the weaknesses of oppressive systems and empower citizens to reclaim their agency.

Building on the Momentum of "No Kings"

The "One Million Rising" project directly builds on the powerful energy generated by events like the "No Kings" protests. "No Kings Day" (such as the demonstrations on April 17 and June 14, 2025, and earlier "No Kings on Presidents Day" events) were massive, nationwide mobilizations organized by Indivisible and its partners. 

These events powerfully demonstrated that millions of Americans will not bow to fascism and that power ultimately resides with the people. The sheer numbers, the widespread geographic participation across diverse communities, and the significant media attention garnered by these protests sent an undeniable message of widespread opposition.

One Million Rising represents the strategic next step in this evolution of grassroots power. It transforms the palpable outrage and collective energy witnessed in these large-scale protests, channeling it into a more structured, long-term approach. 

Instead of simply reacting to events as they unfold, participants learn to proactively organize, meticulously plan campaigns, and engage in sustained, non-violent resistance that builds momentum over time. This crucial transition from episodic demonstrations to continuous, strategic engagement is key to achieving lasting change.

The Training and Its Impact

The initiative typically involves a comprehensive series of online organizing sessions and accessible resources that cover vital aspects of effective activism:

• Understanding the Moment: These sessions help participants make sense of current political challenges, dissecting complex issues and authoritarian tactics. This crucial understanding informs their role in coordinated action, ensuring their efforts are strategic and impactful rather than reactive.

• Strategic Non-Cooperation: This core component teaches the principles and practical application of non-violent resistance. Participants learn how to effectively disrupt unjust systems without resorting to aggression, property damage, or any behavior that undermines the moral authority of the movement. This includes exploring various tactics, understanding their implications, and practicing disciplined execution.

• Community Organizing Basics: Equipping individuals with fundamental skills in grassroots organizing is paramount. This involves learning how to identify pressing local issues, recruit and retain members, facilitate effective meetings, build strong coalitions with other community groups, and ultimately establish durable local power structures.

• Campaign Design: Providing guidance on how to plan and implement local campaigns is essential for turning ideas into action. This involves setting clear, achievable goals, identifying specific targets for advocacy, choosing the most effective non-violent tactics, and developing methods to measure success and adapt strategies as needed.

By empowering a large number of individuals with these diverse and practical skills, One Million Rising builds a resilient, interconnected network of activists. This network enables consistent, impactful change from the ground up, effectively moving people from passive 'doomscrolling' and frustration to active, strategic resistance that truly shapes our democratic future.

Your Role in a Sustained Movement

The One Million Rising project underscores a core belief of Indivisible: that ordinary people, when organized, trained, and equipped, possess extraordinary power. 

It's a profound commitment to the long haul, understanding that defending and strengthening democracy requires ongoing engagement and a disciplined, strategic approach to civic action. Authoritarian efforts are often persistent and incremental, meaning that effective resistance must also be sustained and adaptable.

If you're looking for a way to turn your concern into effective action, to learn how to make a sustained impact, and to be part of a movement that builds power from the ground up, our initiatives with One Million Rising offer invaluable training, a supportive community, and a clear path to meaningful participation. 

Are you ready to rise? Explore how this campaign of sustained organizing with us can empower our community and how you can contribute to this vital effort.