Waging Resistance: Authoritarianism & the Power of Organized Resistance
May 29, 2025
NEXT STEPS…
“Make resistance irresistible!” – Jessa Challa
Listed below are some of the resources our speakers recommended and the websites of the organizations that joined us on May 29th. We hope you heed the call to volunteer and wage small and large acts of resistance to authoritarianism. Remember: Resistance against authoritarianism can be successful, but it is not a one-time, small group effort. It requires regular, persistent, and consistent action by increasingly larger groups of people united through shared values and concerns. Celebrate resistance with joy!
Resources
“How Democracies Die,” by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt
“Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present,” by Ruth Ben-Ghiat
“How to Save a Constitutional Democracy,” by Tom GInsburg and Aziz Huq
“You’re More Powerful Than You Think: A Citizen’s Guide to Making Change Happen,” by Eric Liu
“Rules for Radicals,” by Saul Alinski
“On Tyranny. Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century,” by Timothy Snyder
“The Methods of Nonviolent Action,” by Gene Sharp
“Patriot,” by Alexi Navalny
Organizations
Disability Advocates of West Michigan
GR LGBTQ+ Healthcare Consortium
Panel Discussion & Activism Fair
Our collective voice matters. The fight against authoritarianism continues around the world and right here at home.
Join us in solidarity — to listen, learn, and strengthen ties. Drawing insights from global movements, the rich legacy of U.S. labor organizing, and current local efforts, panelists will share the parallels of resistance by women, workers, and communities. West Michigan organizations dedicated to justice-work will provide information and sign-up opportunities to connect with vital grassroots activism.
RSVP by Tuesday, May 27
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(RSVP for location.)
SCHEDULE
5:00 – 5:30 PM Social Time
5:30 – 6:30 PM Panel: How We Fight Back – Organizing Lessons from the Past and Present
6:30 – 7:00 PM Activism Fair / Tabling with local organizations
FEATURED PANELISTS
Gary D. Stark
Professor Emeritus of History
Grand Valley State University
Expert on German and European resistance movements and committed civic leader in the Kent County Democratic Party.
Kathi J. Harris
President, A. Philip Randolph Institute – Grand Rapids Chapter
Executive Director, The PROACTIVE Project
Lifelong labor organizer and trailblazer for equity and justice in Grand Rapids
Jessa Challa
Communications Strategist, Urban Core Collective
Recognized expert at leveraging technology for social change and named 2021 EPIC Awards’ DEI Leader of the Year by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
ACTIVISM FAIR
Meet and connect with a wide range of West Michigan nonprofits leading the fight for justice and resistance across many issues — from reproductive rights to immigrant support and beyond. Organizations include:
- Disability Advocates of Kent County
- Grand Rapids Pride Center
- Grand Rapids Womxn’s Circle
- LGBTQ+ Health Consortium
- Michigan League of Conservation Voters
- Planned Parenthood
- Red, Wine & Blue
- Urban Core Collective
MORE
Inquiries regarding accessibility or other questions, email info@pwa-westmi.org
No cost to attend. Donations appreciated.
