Indivisible's Commitment to Nonviolent Action
Indivisible Enumclaw is committed to the principles of non-violent action outlined by the national Indivisible organization:
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Since our founding in 2016, Indivisible has been rooted in the belief that organized people can beat organized hate—and that our power comes not just from our numbers, but from how we show up. From the start, we've been committed to non-violence as a guiding principle in everything we do: our protests, our organizing, and our advocacy.
We reject all forms of political violence and intimidation, no matter the source or the target. That’s not just a moral stance—it’s a strategic one. Movements that create lasting change do so by building trust, forging solidarity, and demonstrating discipline, even in the face of threats or attacks.
Non-violence doesn’t mean backing down. It means standing firm in our values, channeling our anger and our hope into action, and refusing to become what we’re fighting against. We are up against a movement that feeds on fear and chaos. Our answer is a movement grounded in courage, solidarity, and the unshakable belief that a better, more just democracy is worth fighting for—together.
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Our Values
We’re building a movement to save democracy and defeat authoritarianism. That work requires more than tactics—it requires shared values that guide how we show up, who we fight for, and what we’re building together.
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Democracy is for everyone.
We believe in a multiracial, inclusive democracy—one where everyone has equal rights and equal power, no matter where they live or what they look like. That’s the America we’re fighting for.
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We lead with hope—not fear.
Authoritarians want us to feel powerless. They rely on fear and division to keep people on the sidelines. We reject that. We believe in the power of people to change what’s possible, and we act like it.
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We organize—we don’t idolize.
We don’t put our faith in individual politicians. We put our energy into organizing. That means holding elected officials accountable, even the ones we support, and supporting and collaborating with the people and communities most impacted by injustice.
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Non-violence is our strength.
We are firmly committed to non-violence. That’s not just a moral stance—it’s how we build durable power. We reject political violence and intimidation in all forms. Our resistance is strategic, principled, and grounded in the knowledge that peaceful movements win.
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We’re in this together.
This is a movement, not a moment. We have each other’s backs. We care about building real community—across race, class, geography, and generation—because we know that’s the only way we win.
Techniques for Non-Violent Protest and De-Escalation
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Here are some strategies we’ve adapted from Move On and Right to Be to ensure that all of our protests are peaceful and to de-escalate any tensions that may arise if we are joined by counter-protestors.
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Stay calm and avoid confrontation. Overall, the most important thing is to avoid confrontation, which can be difficult. If counter-protesters join our demonstration, avoid feeding into the hostile atmosphere that disrupters may attempt to create. Stay cool, calm, and respectful. Remember, we’re all fellow human beings!
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Watch your language. Be intentional in using language that is nonviolent and inclusive at all times. Assume anything you say could end up on Fox News.
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Ignore disruptive people as best as you can. If you notice a person filming without your consent, or if anyone makes you uncomfortable for any reason, it’s totally fine to ask them to leave the event. If they refuse, ignore them and do not engage with them. Don’t let a disrupter distract from our peaceful protest!
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Assess. If it becomes impossible to avoid confrontation with a counter-protester, avoid getting in arguments or shouting matches. Speak calmly and walk away if needed. We have organizers on hand to help with disrupters and they can intervene if needed.
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Only call authorities if there is a clear and present danger. Indivisible Enumclaw holds a weekly protest on Thursdays, and the vast majority of responses we receive from passersby are positive and supportive. However, there are always a few people who shout disrespectful things out their car windows as they pass or make inappropriate gestures towards protestors. In cases like these, we ask that participants be mindful of the limited capacity of our local law enforcement officials and refrain from placing calls to the police or sheriff departments unless you feel physically threatened.
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Conflict de-escalation is not easy. While bystander intervention is something anyone can do, conflict de-escalation requires:
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patience,
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a willingness to listen,
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and ultimately the ability to see the humanity in everyone, even if they are hurtful.
Keep in mind that these aren’t fixed qualities that some people just have and others don’t. Each of us can recall moments when we could be patient and moments when we couldn’t be. For each of us to figure out if we are the right person to intervene at a given moment, we must know ourselves and intuit where we’re at in this moment.