This Week from Indivisible Akron
3.5% -- are we there yet? Reading & listening recommendations, and your CTAs for the week
The 3.5% Rule That Could Bring Down The Trump Regime
In case you’re not familiar with the 3.5% rule, Pod Save America’s June 15 podcast featured the political scientist behind the theory that says, it takes only 3.5% of a population to effect a change. Erica Chenoweth breaks down the science behind the 3.5% theory, and explains why nonviolence is key (which you already know). PSA’s video and Apple podcasts are listed next, or click here to listen online.
So … are we there yet? Have we reached that 3.5%? We’re getting close. Estimates put No Kings at around 1% to 2% and many say it was one of the largest — if not the largest — mass mobilization in U.S. history. Getting to 3.5% isn’t a formula for change nor is it a guarantee. In other words, no reason to kick back and relax once we hit it.
Solidarity in Action Training Series
Indivisible national is launching a virtual training/speaker series called Solidarity for Action. The first of the series kicks off Tuesday, June 24 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and features Heather McGee, a NYT best-selling author of “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together.” Registration is required.
Future topics to include: Messaging for solidarity, know your rights, understanding systemic oppression and privilege, building partnerships and coalitions, and more.
What Are We Listening To and Reading?
What Do You Mean By That? by Sara and Misasha
The authors of Dear White Women have rebranded their podcast. Why? “What Do You Mean By That” is one of their favorite retorts “to use to interrupt inappropriate jokes, spur on deeper conversations, and cue ourselves to listen better.” Sign up for their newsletter and catch their podcast here.
Good News for Lefties (and America!) by Boewulf Rochlen
Someone recommended this to us during our Indivisible Akron book club. “Good News for Lefties (and America)” is a daily podcast (30 minutes or less, typically) that highlights good and uplifting news. As the description reads, “Sure, read the bad news, but then listen to us!”
Reasons to be Cheerful, a newsletter founded by David Byrne
They had me at, “Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are top priorities for Reasons to be Cheerful.” This nonprofit online magazine shares stories of hope, optimism and good journalism. Topics span a variety of categories including climate, science, technology, culture, economy, health and justice. Check out Reasons to be Cheerful.
Rachel Maddow Presents Ultra, a limited series podcast
In case you missed the June book club discussion of “Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism,” the eight episodes unearth the shocking (and mostly untold) true story from the 1940s — when far-right extremists and elected officials plotted to overthrow the U.S. government. Set against a backdrop of espionage, sedition trials, and fascist propaganda pulsing through Washington, Maddow brings this forgotten chapter of American history into the light with gripping storytelling and deep investigative detail. Listen here.
Rachel’s Substack by Rachel Coyle of How Things Work at the State House
Rachel calls Ohio’s budget “The cruelest budget bill I’ve ever seen.” Ohio’s budget bill includes massive tax cuts for the wealthy, $600 million for the Haslam family to build a new Browns’ stadium, removes money from the Legal Aid Fund, and makes all state board of education and local school board races partisan, among other UGLY damage. Read Rachel’s post and follow her calls to action to write and call Ohio legislators.
CTAs: Calls to Action Week of June 22, 2025
Get Your No Kings T-Shirt ($20)
Keep the message alive: America has never done and never will do kings. Get your locally printed Indivisible Akron T-shirts with our logo on the front and the No Kings logo on the back. Available in dark blue, sizes S, M, L, XL, and 2XL for $20 plus shipping (no charge for shipping if you pick it up at Rubber City Clothing, 71 Westgate Circle, Akron 44313). HURRY! Limited inventory left! Order online.
No War With Iran
Indivisible has assembled a way to immediately email senators to demand they oppose the war with Iran and support the Kaine War Powers Resolution. Get the information here.
Demand DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Resign
Enter your details, and send messages to Senator Husted, Senator Moreno and your U.S. Representative, telling them what you think about Kristi Noem leading the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Script provided and editable.
Do you love how easy that was? Here are more CTAs, thanks to Scott Dworkin’s Substack.
June is Donation Match Month from Indivisible!
Indivisible’s matching campaign kicked off June 1 and goes through June 30. Every dollar donated to Indivisible Akron through this link will be matched by Indivisible national, up to $500.
June 24: Social Hour at the Mustard Seed
Join progressive-minded neighbors every week at the Mustard Seed Market in Highland Square for a relaxed social hour — no agenda, no speeches, just community connection. Indivisible Akron and Akron Democracy Defenders make these gatherings possible, where you're just as likely to write postcards or make protest signs as you are to simply enjoy good conversation. A small donation helps cover the space rental, and the best way to support the venue is by grabbing a bite or drink from the café. RSVP for June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, and/or July 29
June 24: Indivisible Akron LGBTQ+ Social Time
The LGBTQ+ is taking a break from its usual monthly meeting format to hold a social hour event. Who needs agendas and speakers all the time? Sometimes, we just need to meet and mingle! They invite friends and allies to meetup for a casual social from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. June 24 at Mustard Seed Market in the second floor cafe. RSPV for details.
June 25: 50 Days of Shame
On June 25, Indivisible Akron will share content on their social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and TikTok) to throw shame toward Ohio’s Republicans congresspeople, for their complicity with corrupt and lawless Trump regime. Check these platforms on June 25 and use your own social media to share and amplify this message. Include in every post the hashtag #50DaysOfShame and be sure to tag the legislators that we mention.
June 27: Letter and Postcard Writing Party
The Constant Campaign is rallying for democracy with postcard writing, voter outreach, and more — supporting pro-democracy candidates from school board to Senate. All activities held at churches or other 501(c)(3) venues remain strictly nonpartisan, with a focus on helping voters navigate new ID laws. Join this growing grassroots effort with pens, passion, and (if you can) postcard stamps. Next meetup: 6:30–8:30 p.m. Friday, June 27 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron. RSVP required.
June 30: Indivisible Akron Resilience Group Meetups
Feel like talking? This subgroup within Indivisible Akron is about empathy, coping and sharing stories. When you need to vent or take a break from the cacophony, join your fellow members for a session of venting, comfort and laughs. Meets every two weeks, with no agenda, no action items, and no speakers. These are facilitator-led sharing and coping sessions. June 16 & June 30: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Northwest Akron Branch Library, 1720 Shatto Ave. RSVP here.
July 1: Indivisible Akron - Environmental Group Meetup & Guest Speaker
Join the Environmental Working Group on July 1 at 6:00 p.m. at the North Hill Library for two speakers: Kimberly LoVano, community engagement director of Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Casey Shevlin, director of sustainability for the City of Akron. Kimberly will present data and visuals on the impact of the Trump regime on CVNP, and Casey will update us on what’s going on with Akron’s sustainability efforts. RSVP required.
July 3: Indivisible Akron Field Trip to Canton Museum of Art
Can art inspire change? Join Indivisibles for an afternoon of “Art and Activism,” currently on display at the Canton Museum of Art through July 27. RSVP required. Museum access is free on Thursdays. Meet at 2:00 p.m. at the main entrance to the museum, 1001 Market Ave. N. Afterward, the group will head over to Muggswigz Coffee & Tea (137 Walnut Ave. NE) for coffee and discussions.
July 4: Rally for Democracy: All Ohio Protest
July 5: Celebrate America Rally in Medina
July 15: Indivisible Akron Immigration Working Group Meetup
Join Indivisible Akron for our monthly meetup for our immigration working group, friends and guests. We're excited about our July meeting. Joining us will be C.V. Garcia from Kent State University, who will share what it was like to grow up in El Paso, Texas, and Juarez, Mexico, and the visa experience in the U.S. 6:30 p.m. on July 15. RSVP required for location address (Cuyahoga Falls area).
July 17: Next Big Event: ‘Good Trouble Lives On’
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights — in cooperation with Black Voters Matter, Indivisible, League of Women Voters, National Urban League, Public Citizen and several civil rights organizations — is calling for a national day of action. Good Trouble Lives On honors the civil rights leader John Lewis, who coined the phrase “good trouble” to refer to peaceful, nonviolent action to create meaningful change. Save the date. More info to come.
July 23: Indivisible Akron Reads ‘The People’s House’ by David Pepper
Book Club Pick: The People’s House by David Pepper is a gripping political thriller that follows journalist Jack Sharpe as he uncovers a chilling conspiracy to rig congressional elections and seize control of the U.S. government. Set in Ohio but stretching across international intrigue, the novel explores the vulnerabilities in American democracy with sharp insight and page-turning suspense. The book is available through Thrift Books, Amazon, and wherever books are sold or loaned.
Other Noteworthy Events & Action Items
Donate to help the No Kings protesters who were victims of violence during the June 14 peaceful protests in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Riverside, California. If you’d like to donate, this is the Go Fund Me for the family of Arthur Folasa Ah Loo from Utah and the Go Fund Me for Alexa Carrasco from California.