Author: Matthew Tift
When ordinary people stop cooperating, authoritarians fall
Join us for an interactive training on civil resistance and noncooperation. Using content from Freedom Trainers and the NDN Collective, we will explore tactics to not cooperate with the systems (“pillars”) that prop up authoritarian power. This training is an opportunity to build relationships and strategize with neighboring communities of faith interested in being a part of the growing civil resistance movement.
This workshop will explore:
- How we got to this moment and how loss of collective power relates to all fights
- Taking action in the context of authoritarianism
- Why noncooperation works to bring down authoritarianism through pillars of support
- How you can start: building our noncooperation muscles, learning how to apply noncooperation at multiple levels, withdrawing consent
- Intersections of religion, Christian nationalism, and authoritarianism
When: Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. (followed by optional potluck dinner)
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church of Minnetonka, 2030 Wayzata Blvd E, Wayzata, MN 55391
Registration: Register here. Questions? Email Meleah Houseknecht at intern@uucmtka.org.
Cost: We ask that participants contribute $30-$50 as you are able. All are welcome and no fee is required.