Why Indivisible Chico Stands for Non-Violent Action

There's a place for everyone in this moment, and our place is holding a line for peace.

At Indivisible Chico, we believe in the power of people to shape our democracy. You've seen us at marches, rallies, and community events, standing up for what we believe in. People really have asked us, "What's the point in walking around in circles?" A fundamental question often arises: Why do we commit so strongly to peaceful, non-violent civil engagement? The answer is rooted in both our core values and the proven effectiveness of this approach.

The Strength of Non-Violence: It Works!

It might sometimes feel like a march or a peaceful demonstration isn't "doing enough." But history, and even recent research, tells a different story. Political scientists Erica Chenoweth and Maria J. Stephan, in their study of over 300 resistance campaigns, found that nonviolent movements are twice as likely to succeed as violent ones. In fact, they identified a "3.5% threshold," suggesting that when just 3.5% of a population actively engages in sustained, nonviolent protest, governments rarely withstand the challenge.

Why is this so effective?

• Broader Appeal: Non-violent action welcomes more participants from diverse backgrounds and capabilities, including families, elders, and those who might be hesitant to join a confrontational event. This broadens our base and strengthens our collective voice.

• Hold the High Ground: Peaceful protest maintains the moral authority of the movement, making it harder for opponents to dismiss or discredit our message.

• Coalition Building: It fosters trust and collaboration with other community organizations, amplifying our impact far beyond what any single group could achieve.

• Focus on the Message: When actions are peaceful, the focus remains on the issues and demands, rather than being overshadowed by conflict or property damage.

The value in peaceful, non-violent protests, such as rallies, marches, and community gatherings is not only the unity of the events themselves, but the inspiration to stay involved and to contribute that follows the initial action.

Navigating Challenges with Care

We understand that engaging in public demonstrations in modern American society can present challenges. Law enforcement responses to protests can vary, and even peaceful assemblies can sometimes encounter difficult situations. We are sensitive to these realities and prioritize the safety and well-being of our participants above all else.

Our commitment to non-violence is also a commitment to your safety. By adhering strictly to peaceful conduct, we aim to reduce risks for everyone involved. We strive to equip our volunteers, especially those in public-facing roles, with de-escalation techniques and clear safety protocols (as outlined in our event planning guidelines). We believe in proactive planning to ensure our events are as safe and effective as possible.

Our Values in Action

We proudly exercise our First Amendment rights to gather peacefully, recognizing the immense value in practicing this fundamental freedom. By doing so, we strengthen the very fabric of our democracy. Our commitment to peaceful civil engagement is a cornerstone of Indivisible Chico's core values, including:

• Inclusivity: We welcome and uplift all voices, creating a safe space for everyone to participate.

• Peaceful Action: We firmly believe in fostering change through lawful, non-violent means.

• Respectful Dialogue: We strive to engage with civility, even when opinions differ.

These values guide every decision we make, from planning events to interacting with the community and elected officials. We are not here to incite conflict, but to inspire change through the undeniable power of unified, peaceful action.

When you join Indivisible Chico, you're not just showing up; you're contributing to a movement that believes in the enduring strength of peace, the power of collective voices, and the fundamental principles of democracy. 

Inspired by the enduring wisdom and courageous example of leaders like John Lewis, Indivisible Chico members are steadfast in their commitment to non-violent action. We understand that there is true power in protest that comes not from aggression or destruction, but from the unwavering moral clarity and collective determination of a peaceful movement. Our members do not engage in violent actions, property damage, or any behavior that would undermine the integrity of our message or the safety of our community. We stand for change that builds, not destroys.

Join the Movement: Your Role in Peaceful Change

Every single person has a vital role to play in strengthening our democracy. Whether you're able to join us at a march, make calls to your representatives, share information with your networks, or simply stay informed, your engagement matters. The challenges we face are significant, but so is our collective capacity to create positive change.

We invite you to learn more about our upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and how you can contribute to our mission. Together, we can build a more just, equitable, and democratic future for Chico and beyond. Your voice, your presence, and your commitment are the fuel for this ongoing journey.

Let's continue to make "good trouble" – peacefully, powerfully, and together.