On Sunday, October 5, a massive crowd gathered at Oakland Tech for an event called Bay Get Ready, which was designed to arm community members with the skills and strategies to resist rising authoritarianism in the United States.
Karla Zombro, the movement training director for We Are California, led the day, sharing a sense of urgency about the need for grassroots organizing to counteract what she perceives as an escalating drift toward authoritarianism under the current administration.
As participants filled the 950-seat auditorium and spilled into an overflow room, Zombro illustrated the hallmarks of an authoritarian regime through a set of slides.
She outlined characteristics such as direct investigations against critics and military deployments on domestic soil, prompting many in the audience to raise their hands in acknowledgment that they believed the U.S. was indeed experiencing authoritarian rule.
“The first thing is everyone needs to snap out of it,” Zombro stated.
She emphasized that the political landscape had changed dramatically, urging the audience to adapt to the current situation by resourcing their local communities and organizing in response to governmental overreach.
Her co-trainer for the day, Jane Martin from Bay Resistance, discussed effective resistance strategies from countries like South Korea, where citizens organized mass protests to confront authoritarian measures.
She highlighted the importance of widespread noncompliance and various forms of resistance that engage diverse groups, from the protesters to everyday citizens who may never march in the streets.
As the day unfolded, participants were encouraged to form localized “pods,” or small groups of neighbors, to coordinate future actions.
They were also inspired to incorporate joy and creativity into their resistance efforts, suggesting methods like ringing cowbells, dressing in costumes, or playing music to disrupt oppressive practices.
The Bay Area has become a focal point for various events and campaigns aimed at mobilizing citizens against authoritarianism.
One such initiative is the upcoming No Kings Day march on October 18, with organizers expecting a turnout similar to the previous June protests that saw millions participate nationwide.
Indivisible East Bay, one of the organizing groups, continues to emphasize nonviolence and encourages participants to de-escalate any potential confrontations during the event.
Participants will gather at Wilma Chan Park before marching to the Lake Merritt Amphitheater for speeches and performances.
Alongside this event, the Prop 50 campaign is underway in California, where voters will decide on November 4 whether to allow the state legislature to redraw Congressional maps.
The California Federation of Labor Unions is leading the charge in favor of this ballot measure, positioning it as a necessary move to counteract the gerrymandering seen in other states under federal direction.
Activists view voting on Prop 50 as a critical response to the larger threats facing working families and democracy in the current political climate.
Communities are also encouraged to join Bay Resistance pods, small groups meant to bolster local activism and root resistance efforts in relationships among neighbors.
These pods, consisting of 10-20 individuals, can be formed from existing community groups or from randomly assigned individuals.
Each pod has access to a wealth of information shared by Bay Resistance, which aims to build solidarity and strategize on taking a stand against authoritarian actions.
Another means of resistance includes interfaith vigils at immigration courts spearheaded by the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity.
These vigils formed in response to ICE actions, maintaining a visible presence of support for individuals navigating the immigration system.
Volunteers provide food and beverages and serve as witnesses, holding signs that advocate for dignity and humane treatment.
“Street chaplaincy” can be seen as an apt description of this work, where faith leaders come together to support people in dire situations amidst governmental threats.
Cindy McPherson, a leader in the coalition, elaborated on the evolution of these vigils and their aim to foster human dignity in the face of adversity.
In addition to vigil efforts, the community has organized a court-watching initiative aimed at bolstering support for immigrants facing legal challenges.
Under the guidance of activists like Ernesto Reyes, anyone interested can join these shifts at the immigration courthouse, engaging in supportive measures for those arriving for appointments.
This decentralized initiative allows community members to stand in solidarity and resist ICE enforcement actions by being present in the courtroom environment.
Reyes noted the celebratory atmosphere that has developed around their court-watching efforts, emphasizing the role of community witnesses in supporting individuals facing possible deportation.
Active engagements also target day laborers through programs structured by the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, or NDLON.
With day laborers often being vulnerable to exploitation, volunteers are encouraged to adopt local corners where these workers gather, offering protection and establishing community presence against abuses.
By organizing at local Home Depot locations or other gathering spots, volunteers can build relationships with day laborers, ensuring they have support and advocacy in the face of increasing threats.
Faith in Action East Bay has taken steps to bolster community resilience through training for faith leaders on how to protect themselves and others from ICE actions.
Their mission involves raising funds to support families who may face dire consequences due to detention or deportation within the community.
The ongoing efforts to prepare for various scenarios, including the potential deployment of federal troops suggests a readiness to mobilize and protect civil liberties amid rising tensions.
Plans for responding to future troop deployments or ICE raids include coordinating with community leaders for solidarity gatherings and providing real-time support through hotlines like the Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership.
This collaborative initiative helps facilitate legal aid and rapid responses to confirmed ICE sightings, linking community members to resources and support networks.
ACILEP has also extended its hours of operation, ensuring availability for community members during crucial times.
This comprehensive approach to activism and support showcases the robust community response to rising authoritarianism in the Bay Area, extending the invitation for engagement to all residents.
As political climates remain tense and challenging, the bright spots of activism through art, joy, and communal solidarity are paving a path for potential change and deeper engagement in the fight for democracy.
image source from：oaklandside
