Date and time
Sun, Apr 27, 11:00am-3:00pm PDT
Location
West Hollywood Park,
647 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
You can sign up for this event at https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/768626/
Voices of Resistance: A Grassroots Assembly and Picnic
Join us for “Voices of Resistance,” a community gathering that combines the power of collective voice with practical organizing in a supportive, inclusive environment. This event brings together activists, community members, and concerned citizens to share experiences, build connections, and develop actionable strategies for positive change.
What to Expect
Our day begins with an opening circle that welcomes everyone into our temporary community. The heart of our gathering is the “Voices” session, where participants have the opportunity to speak their truth in small circles – sharing personal experiences, concerns, hopes, and visions for the future. This creates space for both emotional expression and the seeds of new ideas.
Following our voices session, we’ll share a community picnic – a chance to nourish our bodies while building relationships in a relaxed setting. Bringing food to share is welcomed but not required.
The afternoon features focused breakout groups on key organizing areas like social media, coalition building, direct action, education, community care, and creative resistance. These sessions will generate practical tools and approaches for our collective work. We’ll conclude with mixed discussion groups and a closing circle that captures our shared commitments.
Why This Matters
In a time when many feel isolated or overwhelmed by social challenges, this assembly creates a rare opportunity for face-to-face connection and collaborative thinking. The format honors both personal experience and collective wisdom, helping us move from individual concern to collective action.
This event draws inspiration from democratic assembly traditions while adapting them to our current moment and needs. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or simply concerned about the direction of our society, your voice and presence matter in this space.
Join us as we gather, share, eat, strategize, and build the relationships that will sustain our movements for justice and positive change.
Schedule & Instructions (11 AM – 3 PM)
SCHEDULE
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Arrival & Welcome
- Check-in table with name tags and overview handouts
- Welcome area with coffee/tea/water
- Brief orientation for newcomers
11:30 AM – 11:45 AM: Opening Circle
- Welcome and purpose of the gathering (5 min)
- Introduction to the day’s schedule (5 min)
- Shared agreements and hand signals explanation (5 min)
- Quick pair introductions (5 min)
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM: Voices of Resistance
- Participants divide into 8 circles of approximately 15-20 people
- Each person has 30-45 seconds to share (facilitated)
- Focus on personal experiences and visions for change
- Facilitators keep time and maintain respectful atmosphere
12:45 PM – 1:45 PM: Community Picnic
- Shared meal and informal conversations
- Resource tables available with information
- Background music (optional)
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM: Topic-Based Breakout Groups
- Participants choose one of the following sessions:
- Movement strategy and tactics
- Community Organizing
- Public Education
- Skills Training
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM: Closing Circle
We’re thrilled that you’ll be joining us for the Voices of Resistance Community-Building Picnic this Sunday starting at 11am! It’s going to be a joyful, welcoming space for connection, reflection, and collective energy—and we’re so glad to have you with us.
Event Details:
- Location: West Hollywood Park.
- Time: 11am-3pm.
- We’ll begin in the Doheny Room in the Aquatic and Recreaton Center (ARC). We will also have two picnic areas (The South Lawn and one more)
- There will be clear signage posted throughout the park to help you find us easily.
New Info About Food:
We’ve updated our food plan to make things even easier and more enjoyable. We will be providing pizza for everyone, in addition to an assortment of drinks (coffee, tea, sodas, waters), fresh fruit, snacks, chips, pretzels, and protein bars. We encourage you to still welcome to bring your own lunch if you prefer, but no need to worry if you don’t—we’ve got you covered!
What to Bring:
- A yoga mat or pillow or folding chair to sit on
- A journal and pen for reflection or creative prompts
- Optional: your own lunch (if you prefer something other than pizza/snacks)
A Note on Safety:
We want to be fully transparent that a MAGA-affiliated march is also scheduled in Beverly Hills that day. However, their gathering point is on the opposite end of the park and does not overlap with our event. There will be plenty of security on staff.
To ensure everyone’s comfort and safety, we kindly ask that you do not engage with any individuals seeking confrontation or disruption. If you’re considering counter-protesting separately, please let us know in advance, as we’re working to maintain a peaceful, non-confrontational atmosphere. West Hollywood Sheriffs will be present, and our top priority is creating a safe, positive environment for all.
Help Us Keep It Grassroots:
As a completely volunteer-run grassroots organization, we’re funding this picnic entirely through community support. If you’re able, a small donation of $5, $10, or whatever feels right would be deeply appreciated to help cover the costs. Thank you for being part of this with us and helping to make it all possible. DONATIONS
Confirmation of Attendance:
Since we are providing food and there are limited amounts of seats, kindly let us know if you intend on attending.
It’s OK if you have to cancel, things happen, but we would really appreciate if you would let us know.
SO PLEASE CANCEL ON THE MOBILIZE SITE IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND
Parking:
- There is 326 Parking Spaces at the West Hollywood Park 5-Story structure at 625 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood. 1st hr free, 6am-6pm, 1 hr additional validation for park and rec center patrons (there is a validation station in the lobby of the ARC).
- There is also a large parking structure at the Pacific Design Center at 8687 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA 90069. The garage main entrances are located on Melrose Ave and San Vicente Blvd. The all-day rate is $15.
- There are a lot of metered parking nearby, but the parking meters are strictly enforced on Sunday.
- ADA-Compliant Parking: Reserved spaces on levels 1 and 2 of the parking structure.
Elevator Access: Patrons are advised to use the Auto Court elevator for access to the library and park. There are additional elevators from ground level towards Robertson in the Breezeway between the main parking structure and the smaller library parking lot. These elevators go directly into the ARC. - There is a bridge in between the parking structure and the Park on the third level. If you park on different levels
Bathrooms:
- There are bathrooms on the main level of the ARC close to the Doheny Room, as well as other levels.
- There is a single person bathroom near the small dog park and the Great Lawn Picnic Area.
We’re looking forward to a day of inspiration, connection, and peaceful resistance.
With gratitude,
Jasmine, David, Amanda and the whole Dan crew.
Note:
Our organization, Democracy Action Network, is holding an event on Sunday, “Voices of Resistance – A Grassroots Assembly and Picnic,” at the West Hollywood Park. We are well aware of that a MAGA March is happening about a block away during our event.
We want to keep in mind Martin Luther King’s call to “love our enemies,” as well as Abraham Lincoln’s call for “with malice towards.” We choose the path of nonviolence and compassion. These principles are not signs of weakness, but of profound strength and moral clarity.
Our gathering is about celebrating connection, sharing ideas, and nurturing our vision for a more just and equitable democracy. Let us focus on the work that brings us together rather than the forces that would divide us.
If you feel anxious or concerned, please know that you are surrounded by a community that cares for you. Our volunteer team is committed to ensuring everyone’s safety and comfort.
The City of West Hollywood issued a statement stating their “outspoken advocacy and commitment to promoting social justice and equal rights is unwavering and the City does not condone or support actions that seek to harm, divide, or undermine our community and its values.”
Let us demonstrate through our actions what democracy truly looks like – respectful, inclusive, and rooted in the belief that every voice matters, even those with whom we deeply disagree.
- David Comfort
