Indivisibles,

The same poisonous ideology that built the Confederacy, sabotaged Reconstruction, and instituted Jim Crow is slithering its way through Republican states to suffocate representative democracy. That’s why this past weekend, I was out in Montgomery, Alabama for All Roads Lead to the South, rallying with Black Voters Matter, civil rights and voting rights leaders, and thousands of patriotic Americans who believe in fighting for democracy. Here’s what I’m taking back.

No Kings is part of the long fight for a real democracy in America. The name “No Kings” has always been an intentional nod to the 250th anniversary of the first “No Kings.” American patriots rejected a king back then, but everybody reading this knows we didn’t get a real democracy until much later. It was just 61 years ago that John Lewis and Dr. King and thousands of other patriotic Americans marched across Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. They organized and marched and demanded an end to apartheid and the beginning of a real democracy in America. 

The Voting Rights Act was not a gift from the powerful. It was a victory wrested from the powerful by ordinary people with extraordinary courage. 

All monarchists, oligarchs, and fascists fear mass organized nonviolent people power because it’s the only real threat to their control. The Epstein Class, the fascist tech bros, the warmongers, the Klansmen -- they’re attacking Black and brown political power and coming after the rest of us too. They want us divided, because when we’re divided, we’re not a threat. 

But we beat King George, we beat the Confederacy, we beat Jim Crow, and we beat Donald Trump once before.

We did it by organizing, and we’ll do it again.

At Indivisible, we treat an attack on one like an attack on all. A decade ago, in the original Google Doc Indivisible Guide, Leah and I predicted that Trump would attempt to “reshape America in his own racist, authoritarian, and corrupt image.” 

We knew all authoritarians try to divide and conquer. We believed our only chance was to unify and organize with our brothers and sisters across lines of difference. 

“Indivisible” -- the name of the original guide, of the movement with now nearly 3,000 local groups across every state, and of the national organization that supports them comes from this basic insight about strategic solidarity. We do not wait our turn to be in the crosshairs -- we link arms and organize.

That’s why I was in Montgomery, that’s why Indivisible threw down for All Roads Lead to the South, and that’s how we’re going to win. Wherever you are, I hope you find a way to organize this week too -- and we’ve got some ideas.

In solidarity,
Ezra Levin
Co-Executive Director, Indivisible

Your weekly to-dos

1. These are the final days to call your Republican senator(s) and Republican representative to demand they oppose $70 billion in ICE funding. We’ve kept this funding blocked since January, but Republicans are now trying to rush it through and hoping everyone is too distracted by other news to notice. We must be as loud as possible and show the GOP that we won’t be fooled into complacency when lives are on the line.
2. If you have Democratic Members of Congress, demand that they HOLD THE LINE in opposition to ICE funding. Republicans will do anything they can to fast-track this funding, including possibly keeping the House in session this upcoming weekend. Democrats need to use every tool they’ve got to delay, obstruct, and build public opposition to this bill.
3. Make calls for the No War Wednesdays Phonebank on Wednesday, May 20 (2:30pm ET/11:30am PT) to reach voters in key states and urge them to demand their Members of Congress block any more funding for Trump’s unjust, unauthorized war on Iran. We are weeks past the 60-day deadline for congressional authorization, and Congress must do its duty and hold the Trump regime accountable.
4. Join our From Group Chats to Grassroots Power: Organizing with Signal & WhatsApp virtual training on Tuesday, May 26 (8pm ET/5pm PT). We’re partnering with D-Hub for a practical how-to on organizing with virtual tools to build stronger, safer, and more effective grassroots movements. Together, we’ll learn how to strategically use Signal and WhatsApp to organize securely, communicate at scale, and strengthen your local campaigns.
5. Phonebank for Randy Villegas, Indivisible’s endorsed candidate for Congress in CA-22 on Thursday, May 21 (8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT). Randy’s primary is just over two weeks away, on June 2, and AIPAC is spending heavily against him, while the Dem establishment has put its thumb on the scale to support his status-quo opponent. Villegas is the kind of fighter we need in Congress, and he needs our support to get there. Electoral phonebank events paid for by Indivisible Action. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

P.S. We won’t sugarcoat it: Fundraising has been slow this month. We know donations might be the last thing on your mind right now -- gas and groceries cost more than ever. But grassroots, small-dollar contributions are what make Indivisible’s work possible, no matter how much you’re able to give. Your small-dollar donation adds up with your neighbor’s, and with their neighbor’s, to create momentum to support our movement. If you’re in a position to chip in, even $3 or $5, it helps fuel our fight against authoritarianism.

Our latest endorsement: Justin J. Pearson for TN-09

On Friday, Indivisible endorsed Justin J. Pearson in the Democratic primary for TN-09. Pearson is a frontline fighter for Tennesseans and a champion for civil and voting rights. From skyrocketing to national prominence as one of the “Tennessee Three” to organizing against corporate abuse and environmental racism, Pearson has remained committed to returning power to working people.

Emboldened by the Supreme Court’s gutting of the Voting Rights Act, the GOP attempted to lock Black voters out of political power by redrawing Tennessee's House map, including the district Pearson was running in. Refusing to give in to this blatantly undemocratic, white supremacist power grab, Pearson immediately re-launched his congressional campaign in the new TN-09.

In the fight against fascism, we need leaders like Pearson in Congress. He’s got an uphill battle to win in this gerrymandered district, but he’s truly the best candidate for the job -- and we believe this race is winnable.

Want to get involved to help Pearson win his primary? Keep an eye on our primaries page for future phonebank opportunities.

Paid for by Indivisible Action. Not authorized by any candidate or committee.

What's the Plan?

The Trump regime’s chaos, confusion, and corruption is designed to distract and overwhelm us. With so many stories and scandals making headlines each week, how do we know how to take action? That’s where What’s the Plan comes in! Each Thursday, Indivisible co-founders Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin host a virtual event to talk about important news of the week and how we can make real change in our own communities. A portion of each week’s chat is dedicated to Q&A.

If you’re new to Indivisible -- or if you haven’t joined What’s the Plan in a while -- this week is a great time to join. This Thursday, in a special segment brought to you by Indivisible Action, Leah and Ezra will be joined by Brad Lander, our endorsed candidate for Congress in NY-10. A lifelong public servant, Lander is a champion for working people and will be instrumental in Congress in the continued fight against fascism. RSVP for this week’s event here!

Indivisibles On the Ground

Spotlight of the Week: Indivisible Baton Rouge, Indivisible Hammond, Indivisible New Orleans

Our Indivisible groups in Louisiana have been mobilizing across the state to push back on authoritarianism. People have been organizing day and night against the governor’s decision to suspend congressional primaries and his calls for redistricting.

Group leaders from Indivisible Baton Rouge and partners at the Louisiana State Capitol

Our groups have been following the lead of Black movement leaders, clergy, and activists, and have partnered with entities like the Power Coalition, ACLU of Louisiana, Step Up Louisiana, the NAACP, and many more organizers on the ground. Louisiana is on the forefront of the resistance to voter suppression and white supremacy.

 Upcoming events + Election shifts

These nationwide events, calls, training sessions, and electoral volunteer opportunities are coming up soon. For even more Indivisible happenings, check our national calendar and get in touch with Indivisible groups near you!