When Members of Congress are home for recess (learn more about recess here), it is especially essential they hear from their constituents on the issues that matter most to them. This can look like an in-district office visit or a local event. Note: “In District” means either the specific Congressional district for a Representative or an entire state for a Senator.
This guide is about how to host successful local events! Read on for tips and ideas to maximize your impact by:
Getting clear about what you want to get out of your event will help you identify the best type of event to help you achieve those goals and set up your planning process for success. Consider for example – are you trying to influence an elected official to take a certain action, or grow your group’s membership, or educate your community about an issue, or all the above?
Examples of possible event goals and key questions to consider for each – you could choose one or any combination from this list or others not listed!
There are many different types of events and creative ways you can organize to drive impact and achieve your group’s goals. Here are some tips for choosing what kind of event is best for you!
Think about ways to amplify the impact of your event: Consider reaching out to other local Indivisible groups and/or allied organizations to partner with you on the event – connecting early in the planning process will help foster strong collaborations. You can also register your event on Mobilize, and use that platform to recruit, especially if you’re looking to welcome community members beyond your group. Learn more about ways to build inclusivity and allyship in your planning.
We need to have different energy levels for Republicans vs. Democrats. This is not a one-size-fits-all moment.
For Republicans: We hold them accountable. Republicans are driving, enabling, and advancing policies that harm our communities. They are making an active choice to align themselves with an extreme agenda, and we need to make clear that we see it, we reject it, and we will not normalize it. We must spotlight their refusal to fulfill their duty to the very people who elected them.
For Democrats: We push them to stay strong and go further. For those holding the line, our role is to reinforce their position: show visible, vocal constituent support so they can stand firm and point to real backing at home. Push them up another rung on the ladder of engagement.
For those wavering, the message is clear: this is a moment that demands courage, and they have the responsibility to act. Our democracy is on the line. We need them to use every tool at their disposal to meet the moment.
We encourage event hosts to engage in creative, nonviolent, and lawful action opportunities that demand accountability and make their asks clear.
Protests and rallies are public demonstrations and gatherings that have historically been crucial in bringing about social and political change. Whether you’re protesting a bad-faith bill or rallying for a cause, these actions allow both small and large groups to raise awareness, build community, and exert pressure on elected officials. Their effectiveness hinges on factors like organization, public support, and the ability to influence policymakers and public opinion.
A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action that is community-led and grounded in moral witness, public accountability, and collective care. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values, and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events. All events should take place during the day and conclude and disperse before dark. They should take place on public property or in public spaces without blocking access to building entrances. Some State/District Offices are located in private buildings and are not considered “public property” for First Amendment protection purposes; please plan your event accordingly. Please follow all federal, state, and local regulations when planning your activity.
Take these ideas and run with them. Use them, or come up with something creative on your own. Remember that our goal is to be big, visible, and clear about our message.
While the purposes of protests and rallies may differ, their goal is the same: to create change through collective action. Your event doesn’t need to rival the size of the women’s march to succeed; remember, even tiny drops can make significant waves!
The effectiveness of protests and rallies depends on factors such as organization, public support, and the ability to influence policymakers and public opinion. When planning a protest or rally, there are a few essential items you should consider:
Dr. Jasmine Clark just became the first Indivisible endorsee of the 2026 cycle to win a primary. If we’re going to defeat fascism, we need a lot more candidates like her on the ballot this fall. Chip in to help us elect our full slate of progressive candidates ready to take on the status quo, fight for the working class instead of the billionaire class, and defend our communities and democracy from the threat of the Trump regime.
