Non-violent protests work

No Kings. 
8 million showed up—
and we’re just getting started.

On Saturday, along with more than 8 million people across the country, you showed up to say loud and clear: We don’t do wanna-be kings in America. We braved whipping wind, bitter cold, and even snow flurries. Here in our region, more than 700 of us showed up in Rome, more than 1,000 in Utica, and 200 in Herkimer—people of all ages and backgrounds who care more about our neighbors and our rights than staying comfortable and silent at home.

We came together, no matter our differences, to say: We deserve better than this! Peaceful, nonviolent resistance WORKS—and it changes outcomes.

Let No Kings 3 be a launching pad, not a landing pad. This movement grows when people stay connected, share their stories, and take action together.

So, what now?

Whether that means showing up to events, making calls, talking to neighbors, or helping organize locally—this is where the real work begins.

If you missed the Mass Call: What’s Next After No Kings 3, you can watch the livestream recording.

You can also find all core resources at: https://nokings.org/whats-next

After watching the Mass Call, here are a few concrete online tools to take action locally and nationally:

Community organizing:

• Use the Community Gathering Toolkit to meet with friends and neighbors over the next few weeks and commit to taking action together.

• Learn about and start a Signal or WhatsApp chat to coordinate with neighbors and build local networks. 

Advocacy & protection:

• Complete the How to Take Action Worksheet
  for ideas to build local power, defend elections, and protect your neighbors.

• Join the Eyes on ICE Train-the-Trainer session on Monday, April 20 at 8 pm to stand up for communities under threat.

National coordination:

• Plan to participate in the Nationwide May Day Economic Disruption on May 1, led by May Day Strong and endorsed by Indivisible.

Take Part in a National Action: May Day

IMV encourages all members to participate in the nationwide day of economic disruption on May 1. Economic disruption—like mass protest—is a powerful tool in the fight against authoritarianism. This national day of no work, no shopping, no business as usual is being led by May Day Strong and endorsed by Indivisible.

IMV is also organizing local community-building and volunteer activities that day. To help plan or vounteer, email: IMV@IndivisibleMV.org

Tell Congress: Stop Trump’s Illegal War

Trump’s war continues to claim lives—13 U.S. servicemembers and nearly 2,000 Iranians, with many others across the Middle East. He is now threatening a ground invasion and attacks on civilian infrastructure. Some Republicans are signaling they may back legislation to stop the war when Congress returns from recess.  Go to this page to mail your Members of Congress and call your senators and representatives to demand immediate action.

Here’s how you can take action:

• Email all your Members of Congress at once: Fill out this form to automatically send a message to all of your Senators and Representatives.

• Call your Senators: Fill out this form to be connected with your Senators. Providing your street address helps target your call.

• Call your Representative: Fill out this form to be connected with your U.S. Representative.

Take action now to demand that Congress stop this illegal war.

Show Up Locally

Stay visible. Join a weekly protest:

UTICA:
Thursday, April 2, 4–5 pm (new time), Pirnie Federal Building, 10 Broad St. Bring a sign (extras available) as we protest Trump’s authoritarianism, budget cuts, and complicit officials. Dress for the weather.

ROME:
Saturday, April 4, 12–1:30 pm, Black River Blvd near Erie Blvd by Fort Stanwix. A peaceful demonstration with music and creative signs. Dress for the weather. Cancellations will be posted on the IMV Facebook page 1–2 hours in advance.

Build Power

Elections matter. Flipping Congress—and electing strong candidates at every level—is essential. Local campaigns need volunteers for events, fundraising, door-knocking, phone banking, and more.

Push for change in New York. IMV members are organizing around climate, health care, and immigration to influence the state budget. Watch for calls to action to contact legislators as key votes approach.

Take Action Now: Support Child Care Workers

New York’s child care system is at a breaking point, and providers are being paid poverty wages while struggling to keep their doors open. When they can’t afford to stay, families lose care and communities suffer.

The State Senate has proposed $500 million to raise wages—a major step forward driven by advocacy from Citizen Action.  Now it’s critical that legislators and the Governor include increased child care funding in the 2026–2027 state budget.

Add your name to the petition here.

Social Workers for Justice: Sign a Letter for Equity

Social Workers for Justice has launched #releasethedata to push for the Social Work Workforce Act in Albany. The nonprofit that manages the entry-level social work license exam continues to withhold equity data on pass rates, leaving thousands of graduates unable to become licensed. If you are a social worker or ally, send a letter here. For questions or to get involved, email Ace Morreale at ace@socialworkersforjustice.org.

Stay Connected: Health Care for All

Our March 31 meeting was canceled due to flooding. A new date will be announced soon.

In the meantime, you can join an upcoming New York Health Act 101 Zoom session (held every third Monday). Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/wv-DPtAHR_CxOjQNpkYV3g#/registration

A special statewide session with a featured speaker will be held on April 20:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/GlVXX9yGQfuB09dgqfwzGg

From the Campaign Trail

Thank you to everyone who showed up last week! Your efforts collecting petition signatures for Kellyann Mercurio in Utica made a real difference—enough signatures were gathered to get her on the ballot. This is a tremendous show of grassroots activism at a time when every seat counts in protecting our democracy.

What’s next for Jon Lipe’s campaign?

• Meet the Candidate: Saturday, April 11, 6:00 pm, Jon Lipe for NYS Assembly in Rome. Enjoy local catering from Roma’s and refreshments. Address provided after RSVP via email at jon@lipeforassembly.com or register [here].

• Fundraiser: Saturday, April 22. More details are in the calendar.

IMV will also help Jon secure an independent ballot line, Mohawk Valley First, in May—so get ready to lace up your petitioning shoes again.

Mandi Drake for State Senate Fundraiser 

The Paint & Sip for Mandi Drake at 16 Stone Brewpub has a new date: Wednesday, April 8 at 6:00 PM.

For $50, you’ll get all the painting supplies, food, and step-by-step instruction—led by Mandi herself. It’s a fun chance to try your hand at painting while supporting her campaign to defeat Joe Griffo.

If you already have a ticket, you’re all set for the new date.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP (30 seats available)

John Zogby Politics Lecture

Political analyst John Zogby will speak at a free public lecture hosted by the Mohawk Valley Institute for Learning in Retirement (MVILR) on Wednesday, April 8, 10:45–11:45 a.m., Festine Auditorium, MVCC Rome Campus. He will discuss “Trust in Politics Is Down; Let’s Have an Election”, exploring how declining trust in institutions shapes voter behavior. A book signing of Tribal: How to Understand the People Who Lead, Follow, and Define the Way We Live Today follows the presentation.

Sign the Petition to Reduce Plastic Packaging Waste

Help pass the Plastics Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA) by signing this email to Assembly Speaker Heastie asking him to bring the bill to a vote. The goal is 10k individual signatures. Share the digital letter and ask friends to sign too.

Website: indivisiblemv.org
Follow us on Bluesky: @Indivisiblemv.bsky.social, on Instagram's Threads.net/@indivisiblemohawkvalley, on X (Twitter) using @indivisiblemv and of course on our Facebook page and IMV Activism Group.