Origins and Meaning of the 3.5% Rule

The act of protest is a vital, visible, and essential tool in resisting the fall of democracy, and it takes commitment,  disruption, and denial – three  of the ten steps to freedom and power. While protest gives us a platform to voice our grievances, foster solidarity, and demand change, it is not the only tool we have in our toolbox. When combined with other forms of direct nonviolent action — such as strikes, economic boycott, documenting abuses of power, and providing mutual aid like meals , and more — the impact multiplies. And one of the leading scholars of resistance has a theory: if just 3.5% of a nation’s population engages in sustained nonviolent civil resistance, they will succeed. This week on Assembly Required, Stacey Abrams is joined by Erica Chenoweth, the professor and political scientist behind the 3.5% theory, who talks about how making a difference is more within reach than we imagine. 

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

Learn & Do More:

• Be Curious:If you enjoyed my conversation with Erica about the power of peaceful protest, check out their book Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict.
• Solve Problems: As we discussed in this episode, physical protest is just one tactic in the broader act of nonviolent civil resistance. As we lay out in the 10 Steps campaign, on the road to freedom and power, we don’t all need to do the same thing, but we can all do something. Donate to causes you care about, participate in economic boycotts, vote in local elections, or contact your elected officials. And if you do decide to physically protest, remember to know your rights and stay safe. Visit the American Civil Liberties Union for a guide to knowing your rights as a protester, and check out Wired’s article on how to protest safely.
• Do Good: The Trump administration and Republicans are refusing to tap into a $6 billion contingency fund to cover SNAP benefits if the shutdown continues into next month. That means in November, 42 million Americans will not receive food assistance. This unprecedented cruelty demands action. Please consider making donations to your local food bank or volunteering. Organizations like Feeding America can help you find places to volunteer near you. And get your kids involved. Feeding America has an age appropriate guide for ways families can help together, like hosting a food drive. Finally, call your governor and ask them to urge the secretary of agriculture to reverse this devastating decision.

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