What can ordinary people do when democratic norms feel fragile, federal power expands, and communities most affected by conflict and climate disasters struggle to be heard? Must safeguarding our rights come at the cost of deepening division, or can it instead strengthen our shared civic fabric?
This presentation explores a continuum of nonviolent strategies available to communities seeking to protect their families and their voices—from calm, local acts of solidarity to election-related engagement, state-level legislative initiatives, and coordinated multi-state efforts. It also considers moments when public protest, selective noncompliance, or international monitoring emerge as tools for accountability. Through real-world examples of grassroots organizing, participants will examine how democratic resilience is built, what tactics have proven effective, and how everyday people can choose focused, collective action over fear or resignation.
Banner Image Credit: Fabrice Florin, Wikimedia Commons
About the Presenter
Isaac Evans-Frantz is a lifelong Vermonter, political activist, and public servant. He began his service when Gov. Howard Dean appointed him as the first Vermont high school student with a vote on the Vermont State Board of Education. In 2022 Isaac ran for U.S. Senate, mobilizing everyday Vermonters for an alternative to corporate politics. Nationally, with the non-partisan Action Corps, Isaac played a pivotal role in Congress’ historic passage of bipartisan legislation reasserting Congress’ power over war during the first Trump administration.
In response to COVID, he brought together over 100 organizations to campaign for international relief, which became the largest release of such resources in history. Following that success, Isaac served as secretary of the Vermont Sierra Club executive committee. On the Brattleboro Select-board, which he was elected to in 2025, he serves as clerk, and has championed housing, shelter, and safety for all. As advisor to Freedom Forward, he has advocated for global LGBTQ equality. Previously, Isaac was the quality coordinator at Callen-Lorde, an LGBTQ+ community health center. Isaac holds a Master in Public Administration from the City University of New York. Through his leadership, Isaac remains committed to advancing freedom and unity for Vermonters and people everywhere.
