Indivisible is a grassroots organization of thousands of volunteer leaders and millions of members across the country formed to protect our democracy against authoritarianism. Members resist the current administration’s overreach of power and other actions that threaten citizens’ civil rights, while supporting progressive policies and progressive leaders. Their primary strategy is to empower ordinary people to take political action.
Founded in late 2016 by former congressional staffers, the organization grew out of a simple online guide explaining how citizens could effectively influence their members of Congress. That guide—modeled on the Tea Party’s tactics of organized, local pressure—went viral, sparking the creation of thousands of local Indivisible groups across the country.
Today, Indivisible functions as both a national nonprofit and a decentralized network of independent local chapters. These groups focus on issues ranging from voting rights and climate action to immigration reform and reproductive freedom. Members are encouraged to engage in face-to-face advocacy, attend town halls, organize rallies, and hold elected officials accountable regardless of party affiliation.
One of Indivisible’s core strategies is teaching people how Congress works—and how to use that knowledge to influence outcomes. The organization offers training, policy explainers, and digital tools that make it easier for activists to mobilize quickly in response to legislation or political events.
Indivisible has played a visible role in major policy debates, from opposing attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act in 2017 to mobilizing for democracy reforms like the For the People Act. While it partners with other progressive organizations on national campaigns, much of its strength comes from hyper-local organizing, where neighbors band together to make their voices heard.
There are several chapters of Indivisible in central Texas, where I live. I am a member of Indivisible 1431, which spans several communities north of Austin. In the past several months, the chapter has been active at the Texas capital or at other state government offices with protests, rallies, and marches. They also hosted a march and rally at the Georgetown, TX courthouse square in June to “Protect the Rule of Law.” They’ve sponsored film showings on topics like overcoming authoritarianism or the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.
There are numerous activities planned for late summer and fall: a protest against ICE tactics in Round Rock, an initiative for government officials in the area to commit to humane treatment of immigrant detainees, expert panel discussions about education and healthcare, and more rallies or marches at the Texas capital. There are monthly social events as well. To be honest, I’m a little overwhelmed by all the activity and unsure how much I can participate in with my other volunteer commitments.
I’ve volunteered to write content for Indivisible 1431 chapter leaders to present or publicize regarding our resistance or protest movements and launched a Substack for the chapter, called “Truthify,” with another writer in the group, Christine. (Please read and subscribe!) We both belong to the Truth Brigade (the subject of another post) and are members of the Truth Brigade’s long form writing team. Christine and I have been drafted onto the Indivisible 1431 Steering Committee, where we have a voice in the group’s decisions, a responsibility I take seriously.
Belonging to Indivisible has been an educational experience for me. I’m learning strategies and skills for activism, and I’m thankful for those lessons. I’m awed by the professionalism and networking abilities of the individuals who lead our group and recognize I still have a lot to learn.
As political polarization deepens, Indivisible positions itself as a vehicle for civic participation rooted in persistence and community. Its model shows that engaged citizens, even without vast resources, can shape the political agenda when they act together. For many volunteers, Indivisible is not just about protest—it’s about building the kind of democracy they want to live in. We are united in that purpose.
Janice Airhart 