How to find things on this site

Table of Contents

Site Organization

There are two main purposes for this site:

  1. Where are events, and what can I do?
  2. Where can I find more information to dig deeper? Resources, books, articles, organizations

There are many ways to find information on this site. Most of the items on this site are organized as posts rather than pages. The advantages of this style over only pages:

  • Events, books, videos, etc., are single posts, so they can be found in multiple ways.
  • Categories and tags can be used to quickly bring up related posts.
  • Categories and tags also help with training the AI Chat Bot
  • Standard keyword searching can also be used.
  • Custom RSS feeds can be created with the tags, so our posts can be shared with other sites and RSS readers.

The posts are in date order. The dates are the publication dates of the articles, books, or videos they reference. Articles that are unique to this site will be the “post’s date.” “Organization” posts will be set to the organization’s “founding” date.

Event posts are an exception; they will have the date they were added and will expire after the event’s date.

Events

Upcoming events will be listed when you select the “Events and Meetings” menu. Or when you click on the “event” tag. It is usually best to follow the links to the main event’s site or sign up. Also, an “Add to Calendar” button might be available to add the event’s date/time to your calendar. Click the button, then select your calendar type.

When the event/meeting date passes, the post will be removed or updated with photos from the event or the meeting minutes.

Claude Chat

This is an experimental interface to Anthropic’s Claude AI model. Let us know how it worked for you. The link to this can be found under the menu Finding Information.

The menu is in the left column, or if the window is narrow (on a mobile), look for the menu icon (≡ or ⋮) in the upper right.

The menus will take you to special pages or select important posts.

Events and Meetings – selects the active “event” posts. Most events will expire after the event’s date. (see event tag)

Featured Posts – (under Finding Information) selects important featured posts. (see feature tag)

Current News – (under Finding Information) will select current event news posts. News posts could have an expiration date set. The date will likely depend on the relevant interest period: weeks, months, or the end of an election period. (see news tag)

Category or Tag

Clicking on a category or tag name will list all the posts with that category or tag name.

The “active” categories and tags are in the left column. Or, if the window is narrow (on a mobile device), the categories and tags will appear after the menu items.

The post’s categories and tags are listed at the bottom of the post and can be clicked to view related posts.

List All Categories and Tags

Search Forms

Searches can include keywords, categories, tags, and date ranges.

RSS Feeds

If you use these in an RSS reader, or you can include the feeds from our site, you can find them here:

RSS icon

Archive – Find or browse by date

If you know the year and/or month of a post, you can filter to show the posts for that year or month.

Latest Posts

The latest 100 posts, sorted by date, are listed here. Posts are organized with the date of a book or article, not the posting date. However, events are set with the posting date, then they expire after the event’s date. After an event, any photos or videos may be added to the event’s post, and the post’s date will be set to the event date.

  • RWC Parade: Dancing for Democracy (past event)
    Save the date: Saturday, July 4, 2026, 9AM Show up at 9:00 am wearing red, white and blue. We’ll be singing, dancing (or come in your wheelchair — we’ll gladly push you), playing instruments, waving our flags & make a showing for democracy in celebrating our country’s 250th anniversary! RSVP to get directions and songs we will be singing: joannloulan@gmail.com The annual Fourth of July Parade in downtown Redwood City, the largest Independence Day parade in Northern California, attracts thousands of spectators. It brings entries from across the state. Most of the budget for the Parade is used for cash … Continue reading RWC Parade: Dancing for Democracy (past event)
  • On Courage
    How to Be a Dissident in an Age of Fear – A Pulitzer Winner’s Guide to Personal Courage in an Age of Authoritarianism By: Julia Angwin and Ami Fields-Meyer Publisher: Simon & Schuster Recommended by: Steve G. The United States is only the latest country to face a leader who wields fear as a weapon, punishes political enemies, disappears people off the street, and undermines free and fair elections. Today nearly three out of four people on earth live under authoritarianism, the highest rate since the late 1970s. But even under repressive conditions, each of us holds the power to … Continue reading On Courage
  • Biden Is Trying to Jolt Us Out of Learned Helplessness About Trump
    NY Times, JANUARY 8, 2024 by Michelle Goldberg, Opinion Columnist “Whether or not it was savvy for Biden to center his first campaign speech of the year on the danger Trump poses to democracy, his words had the virtue of being true. ‘Trump’s assault on democracy isn’t just part of his past,’ Biden said in the speech. ‘It’s what he’s promising for the future. He’s being straightforward. He’s not hiding the ball.’”
  • Recommended by Cindi
    Enough by Cassidy Hutchinson Hutchinson was faced with a choice between loyalty to the Trump administration or loyalty to the country by revealing what she saw and heard in the attempt to overthrow a democratic election. She bravely came forward to become the pivotal witness in the House January 6 investigations, as her testimony transfixed and stunned the nation. In her memoir, Hutchinson reveals the struggle between the pressures she confronted to toe the party line and the demands of the oath she swore to defend American democracy. INTERVIEW: Cassidy Hutchinson talks with Alyssa Farah Griffin in NYC
  • Midnight in Washington
    Midnight in Washington: How We Almost Lost Our Democracy and Still Could The vital inside account of American democracy in its darkest hour, from the rise of autocracy unleashed by Trump to the January 6 insurrection, and a warning that those forces remain as potent as ever – from the congressman who led the first impeachment of Donald J. Trump. Adam Schiff in conversation with Michael Waldman, Brennan Center for Justice
  • Recommended by Bob
    Possible: How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict The author of the world’s best-selling book on negotiation draws on his nearly fifty years of experience and knowledge grappling with the world’s toughest conflicts to offer a way out of the seemingly impossible problems of our time. INTERVIEW: William Ury talks to Kathy Caprino of Finding Brave
  • Recommended by Bob
    The Deficit Myth: Modern Monetary Theory and the Birth of the People’s Economy Stephanie Kelton’s brilliant exploration of modern monetary theory (MMT) dramatically changes our understanding of how we can best deal with crucial issues ranging from poverty and inequality to creating jobs, expanding health care coverage, climate change, and building resilient infrastructure. Any ambitious proposal, however, inevitably runs into the buzz saw of how to find the money to pay for it, rooted in myths about deficits that are hobbling us as a country. David French discusses his book with Jonathan Rauch hosted by Institute for Humane Studies  INTERVIEW: … Continue reading Recommended by Bob
  • Regime Change
    Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump By: Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan Publisher: Simon & Schuster Recommended by: Steve G. From the two reporters who have covered him more closely than perhaps anyone else over the past decade comes this definitive portrait of Donald Trump in the White House. Regime Change covers the first year of Trump’s second presidency—a term liberated from every constraint that defined his first. The generals who once told him “no” are gone, and the lawyers who remain have learned to pick their battles. His administration has flouted court orders, and he has claimed powers … Continue reading Regime Change
  • Overcoming Citizens United
    Getting corporate money out of politics Report by: David S Hawai’i: Hawaii has enacted a law that prohibits corporations from spending money on political campaigns, effectively redefining the powers granted to corporations within the state. This legislation, signed by Governor Josh Green, is set to take effect on July 1, 2027, and positions Hawaii as the first state to limit corporate political spending in this manner, aiming to restore integrity in the electoral process. Key Features of the Law Montana: The Transparent Election Initiative is a national organization that has sponsored two initiatives in Montana known as the Montana Plan. … Continue reading Overcoming Citizens United
  • “Know Your Rights Kits” Workshops
    Usually on Fridays from 3-5 PM (Sometimes on Saturdays) We have made over 21,000 to support people who need protection from ICE.It’s a very uplifting experience.  Donate if you can (cost is $1 per kit) blueforyou.org (Organized by Democratic Messaging Project and Indivisible Portola Valley)  For the Portola Valley Address–email JoAnn: joannloulan@gmail.com Confirmed Dates June 19, June 26, July 17, July 31 No workshop July 3, July 10, July 24 JoAnn on CBS 5 on Friday during their May 1st Coverage
  • Full interview: Trump says Iran ‘is not an endless war’ as conflict reaches 100 days
    Publisher: NBC News In an exclusive interview with Meet the Press, President Trump talks about the economy, the ongoing war with Iran and the possible path to peace.
  • The Fix
    Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government By: Barbara McQuade Publisher: ‎ Seven Stories Press Recommended by: Steve G. In The Fix, Barbara McQuade draws on her decades of experience as a federal prosecutor to show us the detrimental effects of a government that uses corruption, cruelty, and chaos as tools of control. As a US Attorney, McQuade became all too familiar with corruption cases, prosecuting former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, the “underwear bomber” Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, and Volkswagen, among others. Here, she exposes how rampant corruption and cruelty are being weaponized to manipulate every facet of American … Continue reading The Fix
  • This Is the Formula That Defeated Orban. It Would Defeat Trump, Too
    By M. Gessen, an Opinion columnist, and Mr. Bartha reported from Budapest. Publisher: The New York Times Recommended by: Bob B. and Bruce R. Starting early in the morning on the second Saturday of May, first hundreds and then thousands of people gathered in the square in front of Hungary’s majestic Parliament building to celebrate the start of a new political era. This was the square where tens of thousands gathered in 1956 and 1989 to demand an end to the Soviet occupation and in 2006 to protest a discredited government. It was the square on which Prime Minister Viktor … Continue reading This Is the Formula That Defeated Orban. It Would Defeat Trump, Too
  • All We Say
    The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches Author: Ben RhodesMay 26, 2026Publisher: Random HouseRecommended by: Steve G. What does it mean to be American? Who gets to decide? This sweeping history of the United States told through fifteen speeches relives the battle over American identity, from a New York Times bestselling author and one of President Barack Obama’s former speechwriters. “At a time of moral and political drift, Ben Rhodes reminds us what American greatness actually sounds like, and what it means.”—Ayad Akhtar, author of Homeland Elegies For 250 years, we have debated what it means to … Continue reading All We Say
  • Actually, Democracy Dies in H.R.
    New research sheds light on how mediocre employees help would-be authoritarians maintain power. By Amanda Taub Recommended by: Bob B. and Bruce R. Bob’s Comments This article on authoritarianism and power shows why the broad topic of “civil discourse” has many dimensions. Which is why IPV has a “Books, Ideas, and Research Committee” to be on the lookout for significant and practical ideas useful for all of us in our democracy-building work. This is in the NYT this morning, by Amanda Taub, “Actually, Democracy Dies in H.R.” The subtitle is a quick summary of what the article covers: “New research … Continue reading Actually, Democracy Dies in H.R.
  • Focus for Democracy
     Focus for Democracy primarily raises funds for other organizations, such as Working America and Galvanize Action. Because the need to preserve our democracy is urgent, its leadership works pro bono, researching, synthesizing, and presenting recommendations on where to direct our political dollars to achieve the greatest impact. 
  • Next IPV General Meeting
    Wednesday, July 8 from 7-8:30pm Location: Zoom What should we do next?
  • May Day Strong
    FRIDAY, MAY 1ST, 5:00-6:30, Redwood City, El Camino at Jefferson. Speakers at 5:15 on the northeast corner, elected officials and labor leaders. Photos and Videos at ProBonoPhoto (Some will be posted here shortly) Speakers Demands for May 1st Tax the rich. Our families, not their fortunes, should come first. No ICE. No war. Hands off our vote. Expand democracy, not corporate power In 2025, billionaires paid an average federal individual tax rate of 3.4%- 8.2%. Their fortunes grew an average of 33%. Meanwhile, the poorest among us have lost SNAP (food stamps), children in schools who qualify no longer receive … Continue reading May Day Strong
  • What is IPV-BIR?
    IPV – Indivisible Portola Valley BIR – Books, Ideas, and Research The Books, Ideas, and Research Committee is an informal working group of Indivisible Portola Valley. Its purpose is to scan for and make accessible practical ideas (from books, websites, articles, etc.) to inform the work of IPV and make it more effective. We do this through sharing the results of our scans and discoveries in periodic Zoom meetings and through working in small working teams focused on such topics as: We also look for opportunities to share what we’ve learned with other Indivisible groups and others working to improve … Continue reading What is IPV-BIR?
  • How to Be a Dissident
    By Gal BeckermanApr 21, 2026Publisher: CrownRecommended by: Bruce R An invigorating guide to fighting back—part philosophy, part history, and part manual for living with integrity in an age of conformity and authoritarian drift How do we push back in a world where political leaders wield fear and intimidation? Where digital technology dehumanizes and flattens us? We need role models, and in this engaging book, acclaimed writer Gal Beckerman goes looking for them. Drawing on the stories of dissidents from around the globe and across time, from Socrates to Ai Weiwei, and thinkers like Hannah Arendt and Iris Murdoch, Beckerman reveals … Continue reading How to Be a Dissident
  • Swalwell/Why?
    The Axis–“The battle isn’t about left versus right” by Darcy Burner burnery@substack.com Subscribe here for more JoAnn Loulan’s additions in italics Eric Swalwell got away with what he was doing for almost twenty years. And was ahead in the race for Gov of California A congressman, a prosecutor before that, a man who spent two decades in public life, with a staff, with donors, with reporters on his beat, with colleagues who saw him at every fundraiser and floor vote. For two decades, according to reporting in the San Francisco Chronicle, CNN and NBC, he was allegedly sexually harassing, assaulting, and in … Continue reading Swalwell/Why?
  • 2026-03-28 NO KINGS 3 Only Love is Stronger than Hate (past event)
    Time: Saturday, March 28, 2 – 4pm PDT Location: El Camino Real and Jefferson Ave, Redwood City, CA 94062 Video by Bruce Rafnel About this event No Kings 3 is on March 28. Thousands will be out along El Camino across the Peninsula showing outrage at the administration, the illegal ICE actions, taking health care from millions to give tax breaks to billionaires, taking away rights from women over their own bodies, protecting pedophiles–the list goes on. Courage is contagious as we take back the House and Senate AND OUR COUNTRY! We will meet once again at El Camino and … Continue reading 2026-03-28 NO KINGS 3 Only Love is Stronger than Hate (past event)
  • Bay Area Against Detention Camps (past event)
    Photos are from probonophoto.org photographers at this event were Sonny Mencher and Ed Ebert. Protest! Saturday, February 28th, from 11am -12:30pm, RWCCorner of Jefferson and El Camino! It’s hard to believe we’re living in a country that is buying warehouses to actually house HUMANS! Their plan is to house 10 million people without Due Process! They are going to use warehouses that are not meant for humans. To deal with that, they are going to put in porta-potties (NOT actual bathrooms) and with NO RUNNING WATER, so they will truck in water–which is a long-term risk for disease. We must … Continue reading Bay Area Against Detention Camps (past event)
  • MAGOlympics
    Kash Patel, Donald Trump, and the gold-winning U.S. men’s hockey team just showed us, again, exactly who they are. By Alex Kirshner Publisher: Slate Recommended by: Cindi S. The director of the FBI got a Make-a-Wish experience over the weekend. You and I paid several hundred thousand dollars (at least) to send Kash Patel to Milan, where he watched from a suite as the American men’s hockey team beat Canada in overtime for the Olympic gold medal. Whether by inviting himself or getting the call from members of the team, Patel then got to live every 45-year-old’s dream and celebrate … Continue reading MAGOlympics
  • The Most Powerful Crime Syndicate in History
    Lawrence: Nothing has separated voters from Trump more than the Epstein ‘cover-up’ Publisher: MS Now Recommended by: Bruce R. After The New York Daily News called the Trump administration “the most powerful crime syndicate in history,” MS NOW’s Lawrence O’Donnell explains why a new poll shows more voters believe Donald Trump is covering up Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes. 
  • The key to defeating Trump? Mass non-cooperation
    Our studies in civil resistance offer insight into the level of popular organizing needed to repel assaults on democracy. by Mark Engler and Paul Engler Publisher: The Guardian Recommended by: Bob B. In the wake of two horrifying killings of legal observers in Minnesota, on top of the abduction of countless immigrant community members, the country has reached a turning point. Backlash against ICE’s lawlessness and aggression has reverberated so loudly that even Trump has heard it. But the effects on ordinary Americans contemplating what they would do if they lived in Minneapolis or St Paul is perhaps even more … Continue reading The key to defeating Trump? Mass non-cooperation
  • 2025-06-14 No Kings Day – Palo Alto (past event)
  • 2026-02-13 Portola Valley: Work Party for Making “Know Your Rights” Kits (past event)
    Indivisible Portola Valley has made about 5000 Know Your Rights Kits and aims to make 3000 more at this work party at a private residence. These photos or videos may be downloaded and used freely for non-commercial purposes or by bona fide media services, provided that the photographer and Pro Bono Photo are credited whenever they are used. (ProBonoPhoto.org/PHOTOGRAPHER’S NAME). The photographer retains copyright to the photos or videos. This is a CC-NC-BY-4.0 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ The photographer at this event was Sonny Mencher. For more information about Pro Bono Photo photographers, see http://www.ProBonoPhoto.org/Who-We-Are.
  • 2026-02-08 Santa Clara: ICE Protest at the Super Bowl (past event)
    A protest of the actions of ICE and the Trump administration more generally, held near Levi Stadium while the Super Bowl game was taking place there. These photos or videos may be downloaded and used freely for non-commercial purposes or by bona fide media services, provided that the photographer and Pro Bono Photo are credited whenever they are used (ProBonoPhoto.org/PHOTOGRAPHER’S NAME). The photographer retains copyright to the photos or videos. This is a CC-NC-BY-4.0 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ The photographers at this event were Sammy Braxton-Haney, John Weekes, and Nate Love. https://www.probonophoto.org/2026/8Feb26SantaClara-ICESuperbowl
  • 2026-02-08 Redwood City: Protest ICE before the Super Bowl (past event)
    A protest of ICE timed for the morning of the Super Bowl. Redwood City, corner of Jefferson Ave. and El Camino Real. These photos or videos may be downloaded and used freely for non-commercial purposes or by bona fide media services, provided that the photographer and Pro Bono Photo are credited whenever they are used (ProBonoPhoto.org/PHOTOGRAPHER’S NAME). The photographer retains copyright to the photos or videos. This is a CC-NC-BY-4.0 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ The photographers at this event were Sonny Mencher and Don Rasmussen. https://www.probonophoto.org/2026/8Feb26RC-ICESuperbowl Old Event Notice: Protest ICE Before SuperBowl Sunday, February 8, 11am – 12:30pm PSTLocation: El Camino … Continue reading 2026-02-08 Redwood City: Protest ICE before the Super Bowl (past event)
  • 2026-02-07 ICE Out for Good Protest (past event)
    These photos or videos may be downloaded and used freely for non-commercial purposes or by bona fide media services, provided that the photographer and Pro Bono Photo are credited whenever they are used (ProBonoPhoto.org/PHOTOGRAPHER’S NAME). The photographer retains copyright to the photos or videos. This is a CC-NC-BY-4.0 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ The photographers at this event were Jillian Lovett, Zach Lovett, and Jesse Kornblum Saturday, February 7, 3 – 4:30pm PST Location: Gateway Plaza, 790 W El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040 We will peacefully gather to stand up to this MAGA regime of bullies for billionaires that is destroying … Continue reading 2026-02-07 ICE Out for Good Protest (past event)
  • Beyond MAGA
    A Profile of the Trump Coalition by: Stephen Hawkins, Daniel Yudkin, PhD, Tim Dixon, and Jason Mangone Publisher: More in Common US Recommended by: Bob B. A Coalition, Not a Cult There is an image at the heart of American politics: a sea ofred-hat-wearing MAGA supporters at a Trump campaign rally,representing the millions of Americans who voted for him over the pastthree elections — 63 million in 2016, 74 million in 2020, and 77million in 2024. Yet this image is misleading. President Trump hasbuilt a coalition, not a cult. This coalition shares many commonconcerns, from unregulated immigration to progressive overreach … Continue reading Beyond MAGA
  • A community organizer’s guide to Signal group chats
    Key privacy settings and best practices. by Stevie Bonifield Publisher: The Verge Recommended by Bruce R and EFF With ICE and CBP roaming the streets, united community action is more important than ever right now — from local mutual aid groups to school safety patrols. Known for its privacy features and end-to-end encryption, the Signal messaging app has become a popular platform for organizing these community groups. Signal can be a great tool for private messaging, but it’s at its best if you know how to use all the privacy options. Not all of these options are automatic or even … Continue reading A community organizer’s guide to Signal group chats
  • Bruce Springsteen – Streets Of Minneapolis
  • This Is an Uprising
    How Nonviolent Revote Is Shaping the Twenty-first Century. by Mark Engler and Paul Engler Publisher: Bold Type Books Recommended by: Bob B. In a book that has become a modern classic of social movement organizing, Mark and Paul Engler explain that there is a craft to uprising—and that this craft can change the world. From protests around climate change and immigrant rights, to #BlackLivesMatter and movements to defend democracy, a new generation is unleashing strategic nonviolent action to shape public debate and force political change. While mass movements are often portrayed as spontaneous and unpredictable, Mark and Paul Engler explore … Continue reading This Is an Uprising
  • A timeline of Donald Trump’s many (alleged) crimes and convictions
    Buckle up: there’s a lot to get through By Jennifer Savin Publisher: Cosmopolitan Recommended by: Steve G. It’s hard to believe that Donald Trump has only been back in office for a year, given the relentless news cycle he seems so obsessed with commanding (once a reality star, always a reality star?). From ordering especially high numbers of thuggish ICE agents into states that voted for his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris, to belittling allies in Europe (much to the delight of Russia’s President Putin), Trump sadly shows no signs of ending the chaos that is impacting the lives of millions … Continue reading A timeline of Donald Trump’s many (alleged) crimes and convictions
  • 2026-01-17 – NO WAR ON VENEZUELA (past event)
    The photographer at this event was Sonny Mencher. The photographer retains copyright to the photos or videos. This is a CC-NC-BY-4.0 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ https://www.probonophoto.org/2026/17Jan26RedwoodCityNoWar Time Saturday, January 17 11am – 12:30pm PST Location El Camino at Jefferson 1250 Jefferson Ave, Redwood City, CA 94062
  • A Call to Freeze ICE
    Suspend all ICE activities pending judicial review of their methods. By: Antonia Scatton Publisher: Reframing America There are many, many demands we can make about ICE including reforming it, replacing it with something better, or at minimum, repealing the recent massive funding increases. But those take time. We need action now. We need to call for an immediate suspension of activities, an appropriately named “freeze,” to stop the harm right now. A temporary freeze is a good place to start. It is both drastic and reasonable. WHAT: Our Demands More Reframing America articles
  • If We Burn
    The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution by: Vincent Bevins Publisher: PublicAffairs Recommended by: Bob B. – Vincent Bevins presents “a more nuanced picture of the 3.5% rule, with data showing that mass protests don’t always lead to the change that protestors want.” From 2010 to 2020, more people participated in protests than at any other point in human history. Yet we are not living in more just and democratic societies as a result. Acclaimed journalist Vincent Bevins carried out hundreds of interviews around the world, guided by a single, puzzling question: How did so many mass protests lead … Continue reading If We Burn
  • ACTION HUB – Click on photo to learn more!
    Pressure Reps to Act! Attend Protests! Attend Town Halls Promote Constructive Conversation Stay Informed & Avoid Disinformation Support Pro-Democracy Organizations and Litigation
  • The Greatest Sentence Ever Written
    Isaacson explores the origins of the second sentence of the Declaration of Independence:“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”• He breaks down the historical context, showing how Jefferson drafted it and Franklin and Adams edited it.• The book highlights how those words shaped the American Dream and remain relevant in today’s polarized times. Ali Velshi interviews Walter Isaacson Publisher: ‎ Simon & Schuster
  • Keep Your Guard Up
    Know Your Rights By ACLU Last month, the Bay Area braced for a surge of National Guard soldiers and federal immigration agents. Although Trump ultimately called off the troops, in the short time Border Patrol officers were here, they fired flash-bang grenades at peaceful community members and shot a pastor in the face with a pepper ball. The unprovoked violence was a chilling glimpse of how future immigration raids could unfold here. That’s why we can’t become complacent. Be prepared and know your rights in case federal agents show up anywhere in our region: This is from the ACLU’s Know … Continue reading Keep Your Guard Up
  • This Is the Way You Beat Trump — and Trumpism
    By Ezra Klein Publisher: New York Times (PDF Archive)
  • Autocrats vs. Democrats
    “A history, an analysis, and a set of prescriptions for the greatest geopolitical challenge of our time: the threat to the democratic world posed by China and Russia.” —Anne Applebaum, author of Autocracy, Inc. “A monumental account of contemporary geopolitics”—Francis Fukuyama, author of Liberalism and Its DiscontentsFrom New York Times bestselling author and former ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul comes a bold, clear-eyed look at how the autocracies of China and Russia are challenging the current global order, and how America’s future depends on successfully confronting this threat.
  • Retribution
    The must-read new book from Jonathan Karl, the author of New York Times bestsellers Tired of Winning, Betrayal, and Front Row at the Trump Show In Retribution, Jonathan Karl’s unparalleled access brings us behind closed doors deep inside the White House and presidential campaigns, revealing the extraordinary moments that ended one man’s presidency and brought another back to power. This is a story of unprecedented political plot twists, showing what happened behind the scenes as political fortunes fell and rose again, and as a new team coalesced around President Trump with the goal of creating an entirely new world order. From President Biden’s shocking withdrawal and … Continue reading Retribution
  • Community Conversation – October 23, 2025
    With Anna Eshoo and Genavieve Koenigshofer Listen to retired US Congresswoman Anna Eshoo and Genavieve Koenigshofer, Executive Director of GenUP, speak at the amazing event organized by IPV leader, JoAnn Loulan, with video by Bruce Rafnel.
  • Ground Truth
    Rebuilding trust to win elections—one conversation at a time Ground Truth is an innovative, people-powered canvassing program that’s helping Democrats win back power by reimagining how we talk with voters. See also:
  • No Kings 2 – Parade & Fair
    Stanford University journalism students made this video of the Parade up Embarcadero to the Democracy Fair at Rinconada Park. The video includes IPV organizer JoAnn Loulan speaking about how important it is to VOTE YES ON PROP 50!
  • No Kings 2 – Sam Liccardo
    by Bruce Rafnel Location: Palo Alto, CA; 1:00–4:00 p.m. at Rinconada Cultural Park. Organizers Event Program: https://tinyurl.com/u8wmfprf
  • No Kings 2 – Heham Sallam
    by Bruce Rafnel Location: Palo Alto, CA; 1:00–4:00 p.m. at Rinconada Cultural Park. Organizers Event Program: https://tinyurl.com/u8wmfprf
  • No Kings 2 – Ladoris Cordell
    by Bruce Rafnel Location: Palo Alto, CA; 1:00–4:00 p.m. at Rinconada Cultural Park. Organizers Event Program: https://tinyurl.com/u8wmfprf
  • No Kings 2 – Democracy Fair
    Location: Palo Alto, CA; 1:00–4:00 p.m. at Rinconada Cultural Park. IPV videographer, Bruce Rafnel, prepared this 47-minute video showing many of the activities and speakers at the Democracy Fair at Rinconada Park. Bruce’s coverage includes the closing program featuring retired CA Supreme Court Justice La Doris Cordell, Hesham Sallem of Stanford, Congressman Sam Liccardo, and many Indivisible collaborators.  Organizers
  • The Shadow President
    From the wholesale gutting of federal agencies to the ongoing government shutdown, Russell Vought has drawn the road map for Trump’s second term. Vought has consolidated power to an extent that insiders say they feel like “he is the commander in chief.” What Vought has done in the nine months since Trump took office goes much further than slashing foreign aid. Relying on an expansive theory of presidential power and a willingness to test the rule of law, he has frozen vast sums of federal spending, terminated tens of thousands of federal workers and, in a few cases, brought entire … Continue reading The Shadow President
  • How To Not Lose Your Sh!t
    by and Publisher: Let’s be honest: this year has been a bit of a dumpster fire. Here at Red Wine & Blue, we’ve been hearing women in our community say they’re not sure how to make a difference — at least, not without totally losing their shit. So we decided to tackle that question head-on with a brand-new podcast. It’s simply called How To Not Lose Your Sh!t and it’s hosted by our very own Katie Paris and LaFonda Cousin. Katie, our founder, has worked in political organizing for most of her career. LaFonda, our Chief People Officer, is a … Continue reading How To Not Lose Your Sh!t
  • Mobilize.org
    You can “filter” for events near you. You can also filter for the “type” of events or meetings. Where are some current political events near you? Mobilize is a good place to start. https://www.mobilize.us/ From Mobilize’s About page: Power to the People Mobilize is your go-to destination for people-powered movements. We provide nonprofits, labor unions, political campaigns, and grassroots organizers the tech needed to create a more just, inclusive, and democratic world.
  • 2025-10-18 – No Kings 2 (past event)
    For videos, see no-kings/ posts for Oct. 18, 2025 Join Indivisible Portola Valley and Indivisible Palo Alto On June 14th we had 5000 folks–let’s represent the people who can’t be there and let people know WE ARE NOT GIVING UP! That’s what the administration wants-WE DISSENT! Costumes! Signs! Families!
  • The ONE THING You Can Do to Fight Fascism RIGHT NOW
    If it feels like America is sliding deeper into darkness—with voter suppression, book bans, gag orders, and fear spreading daily—you’re not alone. The truth is, fascism thrives when good people hesitate, but democracy grows stronger when ordinary people take action. You don’t need the full roadmap to change the world; you just need to take the next best step. Even the smallest action—whether it’s organizing in your community, speaking out at a school board meeting, or showing up for your neighbors—can disrupt authoritarianism and build momentum for lasting change. In this video, I’ll share why action is the antidote to … Continue reading The ONE THING You Can Do to Fight Fascism RIGHT NOW
  • Stop ICE Raids Alert Network
    The Stop ICE Raids Alert Network lets you send and receive mobile alerts about nearby ICE activity whenever and wherever it occurs. No downloadable app required. StopICE works with technology already built into your phone. Send and receive mobile alerts via text message, or at stopice.net, from any mobile device with a tap of a button. Adjust your notification settings at any time to receive alerts within a certain mile radius of your neighborhood. Alerts are crowd-sourced by the public. This means alerts are sent directly by people from their communities.
  • Beyond Left & Right
  • International Center on Nonviolent Conflict
    The website of the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict, has many links to resources, etc., including a comprehensive “resource library” of advice for activists and organizers, as well as material from scholars, the policy community, etc.
  • What’s the Plan? With guest: Erica Chenoweth
  • Noncooperation & Targeting Pillars of Support
    This handout describes some of the Pillars of Support. Each time a pillar institution yields to or supports the regime, the regime grows stronger. In contrast, noncooperation — refusing to do what is expected, disrupting the normal course of events, and withdrawing support from unjust or illegal policies — weakens the regime and creates cracks in its foundation of power. PDF Handout
  • Trump’s Power & the Rule of Law (full documentary) | FRONTLINE
    FRONTLINE goes inside the showdown between U.S. President Donald Trump and the courts over presidential power. President Donald Trump’s allies, opponents and experts talk about how he is testing the extent of his power, the legal pushback and the impact on the rule of law.
  • One Million Rising
    Across the country, authoritarian forces are getting bolder and more dangerous. Trump and his allies are not hiding their agenda: mass deportations, rollbacks of civil rights, weaponized courts, and full-scale attacks on our democracy. We don’t have to wait until it’s too late. We can stop this. But it’ll take all of us—not just single days of mass action, but sustained organizing in our communities. That’s why this summer, we’re launching One Million Rising—a national effort to train one million people in the strategic logic and practice of non-cooperation, as well as the basics of community organizing and campaign design. … Continue reading One Million Rising
  • Saving Democracy
    Version 1.0.0Saving Democracy is that rare book that doesn’t simply diagnose the crisis our democracy faces, and the broader strategies that we must take to fight back…but it breaks it all down so that every reader understands the role she or he can play in their own lives. Buy
  • Starts With Us
    Based on decades of research from Columbia University Professor and Starts With Us Expert-in-Residence Peter T. Coleman, Ph.D., the Finding The Way Out Challenge is designed to help shape new habits and norms for political tolerance and courageous compassion. Think of it as a personalized boot camp for building a healthier national culture and repairing broken relationships across differences. Latest Articles
  • Crossing Party Lines
    Our story begins in 2016 with two groups starting independently of one another — on opposite coasts of the United States. Coincidentally, both founders chose the same name, “Crossing Party Lines.” Their shared vision led them to create a volunteer platform to unite Americans through warm and engaging conversations. Prompted by a time of unprecedented political polarization, these two visionaries, their energetic team of volunteers, and over 3,000 CPL members are uniting America one conversation at a time. Donations to Crossing Party Lines, Inc. are 501(c)3) tax-deductible.  Latest Articles
  • Braver Angels
    Braver Angels is leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the political divide. Through community gatherings, real debates, and grassroots leaders working together, we’re offering America what it needs to overcome the bitterness of our partisan divide. Donations to Braver Angels are 501(c)3 tax deductible Latest Articles
  • Sibling Cities USA
    Sibling Cities USA facilitates cross-regional pairings of US cities to build deep relationships. IPV member, Bob Barrett, participated in the historic inaugural sibling cities pairing of Palo Alto, California and Bloomington, Indiana. 
  • Living Room Conversations
    LRC connects people across divides – politics, age, gender, race, nationality, and more – through guided conversations proven to build understanding and transform communities.  IPV is just getting started with Living Room Conversations. If you are interested in joining us for a conversation, please get in touch. Donations to Living Room Conversations are 501(c)3) tax-deductible.  
  • How to Have Constructive Conversations
    We must be willing to ‘talk about it’ Everyone in our democracy must be able to speak their minds about public issues. Speaking up needs to be safe, responsible, respectful and free.  This includes airing differences, supplying facts, and explaining opinions and options.    Even in conversations with people with whom we seem to agree, it’s important to air differences. This can be challenging, yet it’s worth it because we can learn from each other.  Conversations with others who have very different perspectives, or whose views seem to be underinformed or based on inaccurate information, or different values, can be much harder.  … Continue reading How to Have Constructive Conversations
  • No Kings
    For the latest information about No Kings events, go to this website: https://www.nokings.org About No Kings In June, we did what many claimed was impossible: peacefully mobilized millions of people to take to the streets and declare with one voice — America has No Kings. And it mattered. The world saw the power of the people. President Trump’s birthday parade was drowned out by protests in every state and across the globe. His attempt to turn June 14 into a coronation collapsed, and the story became the strength of a movement rising against his authoritarian power grabs. Four months later, … Continue reading No Kings
  • Actor and Zen priest, Peter Coyote, on protest tactics
    by Peter Coyote This Substack post was reformatted and posted on Facebook. Summary I’m watching the Los Angeles reaction to ICE raids with trepidation and regret. Three years ago I taught a class at Harvard on the “theater of protest”— designed to help people understand why so many protests turn out to be Republican campaign videos working directly against the interests of the original protest.
  • Attack from Within
    UPDATED EDITION: The MSNBC legal analyst explores the impact of disinformation after the 2024 presidential election—and what Americans can do before it’s too late. “A comprehensive guide to the dynamics of disinformation and a necessary call to theethical commitment to truth that all democracies require.” —Timothy Snyder, author of On Tyranny Disinformation—the deliberate spreading of lies disguised as truth, whether from opportunists on the far right, misinformed media influencers, or others—is fragmenting America more than ever before, pushing the nation toward extreme views, civil unrest, and violence. In this bestselling book, now with a new foreword by the author, Barbara McQuade … Continue reading Attack from Within
  • How to Spot Deliberately Misleading -DISINFORMATION
    CHECK THE SOURCE Use reputable sources such as established news organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies. Be wary of sources that are unfamiliar or have a history of spreading false information. VERIFY THE INFORMATION Before sharing information, check to see if it has been reported by multiple sources. If not, it may be false or misleading. LOOK FOR EVIDENCE Disinformation often lacks evidence or relies on weak or misleading evidence. Look for sources that provide strong evidence to support their claims. BE SKEPTICAL OF EMOTIONAL APPEALS Disinformation often uses emotional appeals to manipulate people. Be wary of information that tries … Continue reading How to Spot Deliberately Misleading -DISINFORMATION
  • White Rural Rage
    In White Rural Rage, Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman explore why rural Whites have failed to reap the benefits from their outsize political power and why, as a result, they are the most likely group to abandon democratic norms and traditions. Their rage—stoked daily by Republican politicians and the conservative media—now poses an existential threat to the United States. INTERVIEW: Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman talk to Matt Lewis Media Washington Post – Review
  • Thoughts on Aliens of Our Creation
    Do they work for us, or for themselves? By: Bruce Rafnel Publisher: Substack, Authentic Community Clearly, humans are causing climate change. But we have more problems than warming the planet. Even if we control the temperature by reducing our CO2 emissions, there are many other ecological problems caused by humans: deforestation, desertification, disruption of water cycles, plastic pollution, insect decline, fishery collapses, and fuel resource depletion. The list goes on and on. “It is no accident that the ruins of the world’s oldest civilizations are mostly in deserts now. It wasn’t desert before that.” Our human institutions are unwilling (or … Continue reading Thoughts on Aliens of Our Creation
  • 4 tips for developing critical thinking skills
    By: Steve Pearlman, Ph.D Publisher: TEDx Talks, TEDxCapeMay “Critical thinking” increasingly stands as the most sought-after skill that has long been too fleeting to define. Employers rate it as a pinnacle skill, but one of which they see too little, and educators claim to teach it, but over half of Millennials recently failed a simple Mindedge critical thinking test. So, what is critical thinking? Analysis? Information literacy? Thinking outside the box? Informal logic? Problem-solving? Evaluating data? Decision science? What if all of our efforts to define critical thinking as above have been the core problem with teaching it? What if, … Continue reading 4 tips for developing critical thinking skills
  • Warren Reads 100 Acts of Trump Corruption Into Congressional Record To Mark 100 Days of the Trump Administration
    “[I]nstead of following through on his promise [to lower costs], Trump and his administration have paved the way for the president, his top officials, and his billionaire buddies to personally feed at the trough of government corruption.” “That’s 100 corrupt acts in 100 days. Americans deserve accountability. We need to fight back—all of us.” by: U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) Washington, D.C. – On the 100th day of this Trump administration, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) read 100 reports of corruption from President Trump’s term so far into the Congressional record.  Senator Warren pointed to all the ways President Trump, his … Continue reading Warren Reads 100 Acts of Trump Corruption Into Congressional Record To Mark 100 Days of the Trump Administration
  • 2025-04-05 – HANDS OFF! Redwood City, CA (past event)
  • A More Perfect Union
    A New Vision for Building the Beloved CommunityBy Adam Russell TaylorRecommended by: BobPublisher: Broadleaf Books Thinking about alternatives is an important part of the One Million Rising training. In the words of the president of Sojourners, Adam Russell Taylor, whom I heard speak recently, to build a “more perfect union,” we need to be focusing on three priorities: Blocking, Bridging, and Building. We are focused a lot on Blocking bad things happening, but have little power to do that. In the future, we can work on Bridging, but that will take a very long time and will entail millions of … Continue reading A More Perfect Union
  • In Trump’s Alternate Reality, Lies and Distortions Drive Change
    Mr. Trump has long been unfettered by truth when it comes to boasting about his record and tearing down his enemies. But what were dubbed “alternative facts” in his first term have quickly become a whole alternative reality in his second to lay the groundwork for radical change as he moves to aggressively reshape America and the world.
  • Democracy Requires Our Courage
    Gov. J.B. Pritzker: “Tyranny requires your fear, your silence, and your compliance. Democracy requires your courage” Stand Together in Courage
  • Some Actions That Are Not Protesting or Voting
    Some examples: ANTI-CRIMINALIZATION COMMUNITY DEFENSE/MIGRANT JUSTICE (Archive Link) This came from the Mutula Aid 101 course.
  • How to Organize Our Way Out of the Trump-Musk Putsch
    A plan to harness grassroots energy—and to hold Democratic leaders accountable. by Ezra Levin, Leah Greenberg Summary Indivisible founders, Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg, wrote this inspiring article for The Nation. Reviewed by Rachael Maddow.
  • 505001
    50501 is a peaceful movement. Violence of any kind will not be tolerated. 50501 is a national movement made up of everyday Americanswho stand for democracy, and who stand against the authoritarianactions of the Trump Administration. The name 50501 stands for50 States, 50 Protests, 1 Movement. The 50501 movement is a grassroots effort, meaning it’spowered by everyday people, not by politicians or political parties.Most of the work happens at the local level, where volunteersin local city or state groups organize protests, advertise events,and handle logistics. These local groups are the lifeblood of themovement and exist both online and in-person.In addition … Continue reading 505001
  • Stand Up For Science
    Recommended by: Stu W. On May 29, the Office of Management and Budget posted a sweeping regulatory change that will end American science as we know it. It’s time to fight back! Head to the SUFS Action Center to: About Us Stand Up For Science is a political activism organization dedicated to defending and advancing America’s scientific ecosystem, a cornerstone of democracy, freedom, and progress. Founded in February 2025, we came together in response to the Trump Administration’s dismantling of our nation’s premier science institutions and escalating threats to the lives and livelihoods of Americans. We recognized these attacks for … Continue reading Stand Up For Science
  • Voter ID Requirement CA Poll
    Public Opinion Strategies recently completed a survey of 800 likely voters in California. The survey was conducted January 19-22, 2025, and has a margin of error of ±3.46%. The memo below outlines some key findings from the survey. Support for a voter ID requirement enjoys broad, bipartisan support in California. From: Public Opinion Strategies
  • Trump Administration Litigation Tracker
    This project includes two tables that follow legal challenges to the actions from the Trump administration: the Lawfare Litigation Tracker and the Alien Enemies Act Proclamation: State of Play table. Publisher: Lawfare Recommended by: Bruce R. The Litigation Tracker table tracks legal challenges to the Trump administration’s executive actions that deal with national security issues, as well as cases on behalf of the Trump administration to enforce them. You can sort the table by clicking the column titles and query keywords using the search box in the top left of the table. The table has the case name, what executive action … Continue reading Trump Administration Litigation Tracker
  • Outraged
    Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground By Kurt Gray Publisher: Pantheon It’s easy to assume that liberals and conservatives have radically different moral foundations. In Outraged, Kurt Gray showcases the latest science to demonstrate that we all have the same moral mind—that everyone’s moral judgments stem from feeling threatened or vulnerable to harm. We all care about protecting ourselves and the vulnerable. Conflict arises, however, when we have different perceptions of harm. We get outraged when we disagree about who the “real” victim is, whether we’re talking about political issues, fights with our … Continue reading Outraged
  • Defy
    Imagine living the life you want to lead, not the one you’re willing to accept. This profound but practical book offers clear steps to stop people pleasing and start living your truth. “A powerful book. If you’ve ever compromised your principles to please others, Defy will give you the will—and skill—to stand up for yourself.”—Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again
  • Today’s Edition Newsletter, Robert B. Hubbell
    A reflection on today’s news through the lens of hope.By Robert B. Hubbell Recommended by Bob. Article Feed
  • Indivisible Mid-Peninsula
    Be a part of the movement to restore democracy in our countryCommunity Organized Activism Indivisible Mid-Peninsula is the local branch of Indivisible, encompassing the area between Menlo Park and Belmont on the San Francisco Peninsula. We welcome members from other areas as well! Our mission is to: Our goal is to create a community in which pro-democracy advocates find opportunities to engage and have an impact at whatever level works for them. We’re committed to taking action that will lead to a more perfect union, where “justice for all” is more than a platitude. We meet as a community on … Continue reading Indivisible Mid-Peninsula
  • Photographic Evidence is Dead
    Fake Image, Fake NEWS, Fake Trust. By: Turtle Engineer (AKA: Bruce Rafnel) Publisher: Medium, Slow Engineering We have now witnessed the death of almost 200 years of photographic (and other recorded) evidence. Images, videos, and audio recordings can now be easily faked or altered in ways that cannot be detected. Digital technology has made this happen. Analog media is continuous, so subtle modifications can be noticed. However, digital media has discrete bits that are not dependent on the bits around them. It is time to relearn what was so obvious to our ancestors: the SOURCE is more important than the … Continue reading Photographic Evidence is Dead
  • Indivisible Palo Alto Plus
    Defend Democracy. Build Community. Have Fun. Indivisible Palo Alto Plus (IPA+) is a diverse, action-oriented community that works to defend democracy across the San Francisco Peninsula and beyond. We combine grassroots activism with joy, bringing together people of varied backgrounds and perspectives to stand against authoritarianism and to protect democratic values. We are committed to making positive change—one action, and one connection, at a time. Because tyrants hate it when we’re having fun, IPA+ meetings always incorporate playful activities that help us laugh and connect with each other. We believe that fun, joy, and laughter are essential to nourishing our … Continue reading Indivisible Palo Alto Plus
  • Indivisible: A Practical Guide To Democracy On The Brink
    If there’s one universally accepted truth in the modern age, it’s that sequels suck. And Trump 2.0 will be no exception. Trump, Vance, and their MAGA minions feel vindicated by the victory of their bigoted, fascistic clown show of a presidential campaign. Trump takes office with a plan to institute the worst parts of Project 2025. He’ll be enabled by a judiciary packed with right-wing ideologues and a congressional majority stacked with MAGA foot soldiers. And he’s assembled a bloc of corporations and billionaires eager to do his bidding in exchange for tax cuts and corrupt favors. But he has … Continue reading Indivisible: A Practical Guide To Democracy On The Brink
  • Freedom Over Fascism
    Freedom Over Fascism hosted by historian, comms consultant, and activist Stephanie Wilson, investigates what it takes to rebuild power and freedom for people in parts of America dominated by MAGA extremists. Stephanie talks to authors, experts, historians, and officials.
  • Tyranny of the Minority
    Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt offer a coherent framework for understanding these volatile times. They draw on a wealth of examples—from 1930s France to present-day Thailand—to explain why and how political parties turn against democracy. They then show how our Constitution makes us uniquely vulnerable to attacks from within: It is a pernicious enabler of minority rule, allowing partisan minorities to consistently thwart and even rule over popular majorities. Most modern democracies—from Germany and Sweden to Argentina and New Zealand—have eliminated outdated institutions like elite upper chambers, indirect elections, and lifetime tenure for judges. The United States lags … Continue reading Tyranny of the Minority
  • The Joy of Talking Politics With Strangers
    Elections are decided on front porches and phone calls across the country, one voter at a time. The Joy of Talking Politics with Strangers is a comprehensive guidebook that helps volunteers connect one-on-one with voters – our most powerful tool for winning elections. These conversations can also spark unexpected moments of empathy and even kinship with our fellow Americans.   After 2016, volunteer Elizabeth Chur realized it’s up to ordinary citizens to protect our democracy. She started learning Spanish, began phone banking, and canvassed in California’s Central Valley, home to some of the nation’s most contested swing districts. By talking … Continue reading The Joy of Talking Politics With Strangers
  • Why do we celebrate incompetent leaders?
    By: Martin Gutmann Publisher: TEDxTalks, TEDxBerlin Recommended by: Bruce R. “The evidence is clear that boring management matters.“–Raffaella Sadun Leader selection mistake: People often pick leaders because they make for a good “story.” Excellent leaders have boring stories because they have avoided the conflicts that make for a good story. We see leadership potential in people who: “since we reward people who are good in crises (and ignore people who are such good manager that there are very few crises), [people] soon learn to seek out (or reframe situations as) crises.”–Keith Grint