A six-month endeavor to host a high-profile fundraiser featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Bonnie Raitt and David Crosby was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally aiming to raise $150,000 for Democrats in 2020, the California East Bay chapter of Indivisible faced an unexpected pivot.
Instead of a flashy in-person event, organizers launched a series of virtual gatherings called “Parties for Democracy.” This shift turned out to be more successful than anyone expected, netting an impressive $450,000—enough to help flip seven California districts from red to blue.
Gary Lucks, an attorney and the founder of Resistance Action East Bay, emphasized the importance of strategies like these for the upcoming midterms. “Parties for Democracy” averaged $10,000 per event, illustrating a powerful shift in grassroots fundraising tactics.
In his new book, “We Are the Power To Win the Future: Mobilize to Defend Democracy,” Lucks outlines a strategic roadmap designed to support Democrats in reclaiming authority from Trump during what he calls “the most consequential election of our lifetime.”
Lucks underscored the necessity for Democrats to win decisively to mitigate the risk of a contested election, drawing parallels to the recent loss of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. “With Orbán losing by substantial margins, he couldn’t contest the election,” Lucks noted.
Former President Trump had lavished praise on Orbán during his tenure, viewing him as a fellow traveler in the realm of far-right politics. Trump’s recent actions, including efforts to cast doubt on election integrity, reflect a heightened urgency as November approaches.
This past week, the Trump administration even sought Supreme Court intervention regarding mail-in ballots. Such moves signal a potential battle over the electoral process as the midterms near.
Lucks designed his book to be a resource for individuals to take action, appealing to both seasoned activists and those who may have despaired after the 2024 elections. “It’s really designed to engage and activate people, giving them hope,” he said.
Wednesday’s training session hosted by Lucks was attended by leaders from the 300 chapters of Indivisible throughout California. He highlighted the potential for these strategies to spread to all 2,600 Indivisible chapters nationwide.
“The book is an accessible tool for everyone, regardless of skill set, to help take action,” Lucks said. He wants to encourage even those in predominantly blue states to support candidates in swing or red areas.
His group has initiated grassroots efforts, like distributing handouts on various issues at farmers’ markets and transit spots—a tactic Lucks refers to as an “underutilized technique” aimed at fostering community engagement.
To combat potential intimidation at polling places, Lucks advises supporters to take off Election Day, November 3, as witnesses to “protect the vote.” This grassroots call to action adds another layer to the Democrats’ broader strategy.
Lucks exhibited confidence in their grassroots efforts, dismissing concerns that Republicans might co-opt their strategies. “They’re more focused on big donors. We can compete through small donor contributions,” he argued.
In addition to his own work, Lucks’s book serves as a companion to “The American Oath Project: Protecting the Backbone of Democracy,” authored by Kevin K. Johnson. Both publications advocate for peaceful protest and offer strategies for a divided political landscape.
Johnson points out the importance of maintaining a peaceful approach, saying, “What Trump is going to do will make a lot of people angry.” The call for non-violence is seen as crucial as tensions rise during the upcoming midterms.
As election season heats up, the strategies outlined by Lucks and others aim to energize and mobilize a base increasingly aware of the stakes involved.
With the winds of change visibly swirling through the political landscape, both grassroots organizers and prominent voices are gearing up for what could be a defining moment in American politics.
As the date of reckoning approaches, the focus remains on harnessing the power of community to push back against the tide of authoritarianism that many fear is encroaching on democracy.
