The 22nd Century Initiative
@22ci.bsky.social
Forging a people-powered democracy in this century and the next |
Creators of The Anti-Authoritarian Playbook newsletter and podcast
www.linktr.ee/22ci
Creators of The Anti-Authoritarian Playbook newsletter and podcast
www.linktr.ee/22ci
Pinned
Democracy as Infrastructure
A Call to Action for Progressive Leaders
open.substack.com
The fight against authoritarianism IS the fight for economic justice, racial equity, gender liberation, and environmental survival.
Reposted by The 22nd Century Initiative
HAPPENING NOW: A massive crowd is gathered in freezing temperatures outside ICE headquarters in DC to demand ICE OUT OF ALL COMMUNITIES NOW.
January 25, 2026 at 12:00 AM
HAPPENING NOW: A massive crowd is gathered in freezing temperatures outside ICE headquarters in DC to demand ICE OUT OF ALL COMMUNITIES NOW.
“Disciplined nonviolent resistance can make state violence and repression backfire.” - @mariajstephan.bsky.social on countering the authoritarian playbook on Colbert last night www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7Mg...
How Blowing A Whistle Is An Act Of Nonviolent Resistance - Maria J. Stephan
YouTube video by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
www.youtube.com
January 23, 2026 at 4:48 PM
“Disciplined nonviolent resistance can make state violence and repression backfire.” - @mariajstephan.bsky.social on countering the authoritarian playbook on Colbert last night www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7Mg...
Faith communities play a powerful role in civil resistance. Faith leaders are showing up in powerful ways in Minneapolis and beyond.
Have a larger story on this coming, but I’ve been embedded with this group, and this story from yesterday is part of what they’ve been doing in the city: religionnews.com/2026/01/22/h...
January 23, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Faith communities play a powerful role in civil resistance. Faith leaders are showing up in powerful ways in Minneapolis and beyond.
As you join and organize actions this weekend and beyond, assume total surveillance and act accordingly. Serbian activists give us a powerful blueprint: stay connected to each other, stay diligent and clear, stay consistent, stay ahead. antiauthoritarianplaybook.substack.com/p/what-serbi...
What Serbian Activists Can Teach Us About Staying Safe Under Authoritarian Pressure
Lessons from the frontlines of the 2024 Serbian uprising for democracy defenders everywhere
antiauthoritarianplaybook.substack.com
January 22, 2026 at 4:21 PM
As you join and organize actions this weekend and beyond, assume total surveillance and act accordingly. Serbian activists give us a powerful blueprint: stay connected to each other, stay diligent and clear, stay consistent, stay ahead. antiauthoritarianplaybook.substack.com/p/what-serbi...
The infrastructure authoritarians are using was built to destroy Black freedom. You cannot resist it effectively without understanding that. And you cannot understand it while remaining silent about race. antiauthoritarianplaybook.substack.com/p/why-you-ca...
Why You Can’t Understand American Authoritarianism Without Understanding Race
Or: How the War on Black Freedom Became the Infrastructure for War on All of Us
antiauthoritarianplaybook.substack.com
January 21, 2026 at 6:22 PM
The infrastructure authoritarians are using was built to destroy Black freedom. You cannot resist it effectively without understanding that. And you cannot understand it while remaining silent about race. antiauthoritarianplaybook.substack.com/p/why-you-ca...
Political violence is not normal and we will not let authoritarians make us feel like it is. In these difficult times, we must continue speaking truth to power, fostering community relationships and care, and taking action together.
January 12, 2026 at 5:34 PM
Political violence is not normal and we will not let authoritarians make us feel like it is. In these difficult times, we must continue speaking truth to power, fostering community relationships and care, and taking action together.
We grieve Renee Nicole Good and all those killed by ICE. ICE’s lawless operations have made our neighborhoods less safe. This violence is not isolated but the predictable result of abuse of power. We demand accountability for this killing and an end to ICE raids.
January 10, 2026 at 6:23 PM
We grieve Renee Nicole Good and all those killed by ICE. ICE’s lawless operations have made our neighborhoods less safe. This violence is not isolated but the predictable result of abuse of power. We demand accountability for this killing and an end to ICE raids.
In the face of exhaustion and the onslaught of authoritarian violence, joy, play, faith, and resistance can sustain our movements for democracy and justice. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
Scot Nakagawa and Zev Mishell: Why Joy Is Essential to Democracy
Podcast Episode · The PlayFull Podcast with Kristine Michie: Bringing Fun to the Serious Work of Changing the World · 01/08/2026 · 48m
podcasts.apple.com
January 8, 2026 at 10:06 PM
In the face of exhaustion and the onslaught of authoritarian violence, joy, play, faith, and resistance can sustain our movements for democracy and justice. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
Our Executive Director Scot Nakagawa joins The Playfull Podcast TOMORROW to discuss democracy, resistance, and the serious work of changing the world. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.
January 7, 2026 at 7:19 PM
Our Executive Director Scot Nakagawa joins The Playfull Podcast TOMORROW to discuss democracy, resistance, and the serious work of changing the world. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.
Taiwan showed the world how 23 million people can stand strong against authoritarian pressure.
Democracy isn't something you have. It's something you do. Every single day.
What will you choose to build?
Democracy isn't something you have. It's something you do. Every single day.
What will you choose to build?
December 19, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Taiwan showed the world how 23 million people can stand strong against authoritarian pressure.
Democracy isn't something you have. It's something you do. Every single day.
What will you choose to build?
Democracy isn't something you have. It's something you do. Every single day.
What will you choose to build?
We need to be clear and honest about where we are and strategic hope about where we can go! The Anti-Authoritarian Playbook draws lessons from movements that won against authoritarianism. Visit bit.ly/antiauthoritarianplaybook
December 16, 2025 at 9:26 PM
We need to be clear and honest about where we are and strategic hope about where we can go! The Anti-Authoritarian Playbook draws lessons from movements that won against authoritarianism. Visit bit.ly/antiauthoritarianplaybook
Paid subscribers to the Anti-Authoritarian Playbook turn analysis into impact and strengthen the pro-democracy movement. Subscribe today to help power the Anti-Authoritarian Playbook to equip activists, organizers, and defenders with the tools they need.
Subscribe to The Anti-Authoritarian Playbook
By Scot Nakagawa of The 22nd Century Initiative. Click to read The Anti-Authoritarian Playbook, by Scot Nakagawa, a Substack publication with tens of thousands of subscribers.
buff.ly
December 15, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Paid subscribers to the Anti-Authoritarian Playbook turn analysis into impact and strengthen the pro-democracy movement. Subscribe today to help power the Anti-Authoritarian Playbook to equip activists, organizers, and defenders with the tools they need.
We need to be clear-eyed about where American democracy stands right now. Experts who study authoritarian consolidation globally agree: we’ve already crossed the threshold into what they call “competitive authoritarianism.” 🧵
December 15, 2025 at 4:21 PM
We need to be clear-eyed about where American democracy stands right now. Experts who study authoritarian consolidation globally agree: we’ve already crossed the threshold into what they call “competitive authoritarianism.” 🧵
Reposted by The 22nd Century Initiative
"The patrols are mainly a response to changing tactics by authorities who are increasingly targeting immigrants on the streets."
Inside the anti-ICE resistance in NYC:
Inside the anti-ICE resistance in NYC:
They’re the Heat on ICE
Stopping federal agents on Canal Street was just the start: Inside a resistance movement.
nymag.com
December 11, 2025 at 8:21 PM
"The patrols are mainly a response to changing tactics by authorities who are increasingly targeting immigrants on the streets."
Inside the anti-ICE resistance in NYC:
Inside the anti-ICE resistance in NYC:
Reposted by The 22nd Century Initiative
"Community food distribution and immigrant rights advocacy groups have organized free grocery deliveries to immigrants [..] in response to the arrival last week of hundreds of federal immigration agents in New Orleans."
#Louisiana #USA #Food #MutualAid #Deportation #EthnicCleansing
#Louisiana #USA #Food #MutualAid #Deportation #EthnicCleansing
Community groups organize food deliveries to families affected by immigration raids
Pantries across New Orleans have responded to the arrival of ICE officials by directly distributing food to people in fear of leaving their homes to shop for groceries or go to restaurants.
veritenews.org
December 9, 2025 at 2:50 PM
"Community food distribution and immigrant rights advocacy groups have organized free grocery deliveries to immigrants [..] in response to the arrival last week of hundreds of federal immigration agents in New Orleans."
#Louisiana #USA #Food #MutualAid #Deportation #EthnicCleansing
#Louisiana #USA #Food #MutualAid #Deportation #EthnicCleansing
We've crossed the threshold into competitive authoritarianism. The pattern is clear and follows an authoritarian playbook we’ve seen globally.
But there is hope: with strategic organizing, we can build the resistance that renews democracy. antiauthoritarianplaybook.substack.com/p/where-we-are
But there is hope: with strategic organizing, we can build the resistance that renews democracy. antiauthoritarianplaybook.substack.com/p/where-we-are
Where We Are
A Strategic Assessment of Authoritarian Consolidation
antiauthoritarianplaybook.substack.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:15 PM
We've crossed the threshold into competitive authoritarianism. The pattern is clear and follows an authoritarian playbook we’ve seen globally.
But there is hope: with strategic organizing, we can build the resistance that renews democracy. antiauthoritarianplaybook.substack.com/p/where-we-are
But there is hope: with strategic organizing, we can build the resistance that renews democracy. antiauthoritarianplaybook.substack.com/p/where-we-are
Community power is the antidote to authoritarianism. Pulling people toward collective action to defeat authoritarians is key, no matter where we are or where we are coming from. callingsandcourage.com/practical-st...
Practical Steps to Undermine Authoritarianism & Grow Democracy in Your Community
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callingsandcourage.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Community power is the antidote to authoritarianism. Pulling people toward collective action to defeat authoritarians is key, no matter where we are or where we are coming from. callingsandcourage.com/practical-st...
It's vital to continue seizing every moment to build lasting pro-democracy movement power.
December 8, 2025 at 7:13 PM
It's vital to continue seizing every moment to build lasting pro-democracy movement power.
Reposted by The 22nd Century Initiative
“Without fostering hope, it is impossible to sustain the revolution.” In this roundtable, members of EqualHealth’s Campaign Against Racism gathered to discuss resistance in the age of AI & surveillance, planting seeds for radical change, & how to center the agency of children & the legacy of elders.
Fighting the rising tide of fascism requires ‘cracking grief open’
EqualHealth’s Campaign Against Racism discuss strategies for surviving authoritarianism while sustaining the well-being of communities across the global
prismreports.org
December 6, 2025 at 9:13 PM
“Without fostering hope, it is impossible to sustain the revolution.” In this roundtable, members of EqualHealth’s Campaign Against Racism gathered to discuss resistance in the age of AI & surveillance, planting seeds for radical change, & how to center the agency of children & the legacy of elders.
Reposted by The 22nd Century Initiative
Joy and culture aren’t extras — they’re what sustain this work. From the Harlem Renaissance to today’s movements, music, laughter, and celebration have fueled resilience and connection.
Joy is power: it keeps communities engaged, organizers grounded, and movements alive every single day.
Joy is power: it keeps communities engaged, organizers grounded, and movements alive every single day.
December 6, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Joy and culture aren’t extras — they’re what sustain this work. From the Harlem Renaissance to today’s movements, music, laughter, and celebration have fueled resilience and connection.
Joy is power: it keeps communities engaged, organizers grounded, and movements alive every single day.
Joy is power: it keeps communities engaged, organizers grounded, and movements alive every single day.
Reposted by The 22nd Century Initiative
“If we focus only on fighting back, we lose sight of what we are fighting for. We must invest in the future we want, not just delay the collapse of what no longer serves us.”
@repower.org @forgeorganizing.bsky.social
forgeorganizing.org/article/we-s...
@repower.org @forgeorganizing.bsky.social
forgeorganizing.org/article/we-s...
We Say We Want to Save Democracy. So Why Aren’t We Funding the People Who Can? - The Forge
A protest can spark momentum, but only infrastructure sustains it. If we want a multiracial democracy that lasts, we have to fund the organizers, trainers, and educators building it every day. Philant...
forgeorganizing.org
December 6, 2025 at 6:06 PM
“If we focus only on fighting back, we lose sight of what we are fighting for. We must invest in the future we want, not just delay the collapse of what no longer serves us.”
@repower.org @forgeorganizing.bsky.social
forgeorganizing.org/article/we-s...
@repower.org @forgeorganizing.bsky.social
forgeorganizing.org/article/we-s...
Reposted by The 22nd Century Initiative
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara issued a stern warning to his officers on Thursday: Intervene when you see Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents using unlawful force or lose your job.
Minneapolis police chief warns officers: Stop unlawful force by ICE or lose your job
Chief Brian O’Hara says he’ll fire city police officers if they don’t intervene when immigration agents use unlawful force.
www.ms.now
December 6, 2025 at 7:05 AM
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara issued a stern warning to his officers on Thursday: Intervene when you see Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents using unlawful force or lose your job.
Reposted by The 22nd Century Initiative
Rep Grijalva's responsibility is to ask questions and stand up for the community — not be punished for it, let alone pepper-sprayed by ICE. When violence replaces due process, it puts everyone’s basic rights at risk. Accountability is a must. www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
Rep. Adelita Grijalva says she was 'sprayed in the face' during ICE confrontation
Grijalva said that she identified herself as a member of Congress and saw "people directly sprayed," including press and members of her staff.
www.nbcnews.com
December 6, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Rep Grijalva's responsibility is to ask questions and stand up for the community — not be punished for it, let alone pepper-sprayed by ICE. When violence replaces due process, it puts everyone’s basic rights at risk. Accountability is a must. www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
A manufactured so called drug war that authorizes security forces to indiscriminately kill people is straight out of the Duterte Model of authoritarianism. truthout.org/articles/tru...
Trump’s Illegal Boat Strikes Recall Duterte’s “Drug War” Mass Killings
Former Philippine President Duterte awaits trial in the ICC for using the pretext of a drug war for his murder campaign.
truthout.org
December 6, 2025 at 4:26 PM
A manufactured so called drug war that authorizes security forces to indiscriminately kill people is straight out of the Duterte Model of authoritarianism. truthout.org/articles/tru...