A Guide for the Overworked and Undervalued
If you’ve ever felt powerless against rising prices, stagnant wages, or politicians who seem more interested in donors than democracy, you’re not alone. Millions of us are barely making it, even while working full-time. The economy is growing, but the benefits aren’t reaching the average American. That’s why people across the country are turning to individual coordinated non-participation — general strikes, economic boycotts, and mass protests — to say enough is enough. These actions aren’t chaotic. They’re planned, strategic, and powerful. And if done right, they can shift the balance back toward everyday people. Here’s how we get organized: Know What You’re Fighting For- We don’t strike to make noise — we strike to make change.
- What’s the cause? (Wage increases? Rent control? Healthcare for all?)
- What are our demands? Be specific. Power respects clarity.
- No one wins alone. The more of us who come together, the stronger we are.
- Connect with workers, community groups, organizers, and neighbors.
- [Link to Organizers Page] — find or start a local network of allies.
- You wouldn’t go into a storm without supplies. Neither should we.
- Choose the correct date — one that matters.
- Establish secure methods for communication and organization.
- Prepare support: food, rides, first aid — mutual aid is key.
- Every state is different. Know the rules where you are.
- Understand your rights to protest or strike.
- Work with legal experts to reduce risks for participants.
- [Link to Legal Page] — We’re not here to break laws, we’re here to make history.
- If they don’t hear us, we don’t exist. So speak up.
- Flyers. Social media storms. Local meetups.
- Focus on workers in industries that can shake the system, such as transit, health, and education.
- Disruption doesn’t mean violence — it means refusing to let business as usual roll on while people suffer.
- Target key industries and infrastructure.
- Can’t strike everywhere at once? Use rolling or partial actions.
- A line of picketers. A march through the city. A silent sit-in at a corporate office.
- These images change minds.
- Plan your actions and stay safe. Peaceful doesn’t mean passive.
- Not everyone will cheer us on.
- Be ready for media spin, employer retaliation, or even arrests.
- Solidarity funds and legal aid can be the safety net we need.
- Movements are living things.
- If something doesn’t go as planned, adjust.
- Keep energy high — momentum wins movements.
- One strike isn’t the end — it’s the beginning.
- Keep organizing. Push for policy change. Negotiate. Stay loud.
- Learn what worked and build from it.