Vermont Humanities

Protecting Our Families and Voices: A Continuum of Civic Action in Uncertain Times

A chalk mural is being drawn on asphalt by an older women. Circles and swirls surround a yellow circle with the word "resist" in the center
Speakers Bureau
A chalk mural is being drawn on asphalt by an older women. Circles and swirls surround a yellow circle with the word "resist" in the centerA quarter million people joined the Climate Action March around the world on Sep. 8, 2018, asking for immediate action to reduce climate change. In San Francisco, thousands of activists created one the largest street murals ever made, covering five blocks of city streets with dozens of colorful scenes illustrating possible solutions to global warming, all around the City Hall plaza. Each mural was designed by a different community group, and painted on the ground in large 35-feet wide circles, with washable tempera paint. Murals featured in this photo set were created by the Sierra Club ("Keep close to Nature's heart"), environmental students at UC Berkeley (“Fiat Lux”) and SFUSD (“Write History Wisely”). Everyone was welcome to join and it was a sight to behold! Participants ranged from veteran environmentalists to young activists, with very diverse backgrounds, coming together from all across California and beyond. We used this creative art form to demand that our leaders act now to cut back on fossil fuels and switch over to renewable energy, before it’s too late. High school students from ‘Generation: Our Climate’ participated actively in this event, and were interviewed by both KQED and KPFA. I volunteer with their group and am inspired by their knowledge and passion. I really enjoy our collaboration, which bridges the gap between generations that are too often separated into different silos. The Climate March was also a great opportunity to reconnect with many of my activist friends, including Marilyn, Wayne and the Freedom Singers. We posed together in front of a colorful float of Mayahuel, the Aztec goddess of fertility, created by Latino activists in the wood shop of a Mission high school. Kudos to art director David Solnit and team at 350.org for guiding the creation of these murals and many of the signs for this march -- inspiring a diverse community of citizens of all ages. Many thanks to all who marched, painted, chanted, organized and spoke up for a better world at the Climate Marches around the world. This wonderful blend of art, music and activism helped engage more people to fight for climate justice. Let there be light!
Image Credit: “Art and Activism for Climate Action” by Fabrice Florin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.

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.

Additional Costs

Mileage

Special Arrangements

Projector and connections for laptop

Questions?

Contact Jacob Pelletier at jpelletier@vermonthumanities.org.

About the Presenter

Isaac Evans-Frantz

Isaac Evans-Frantz is the executive director of Action Corps and the clerk of the Brattleboro Selectboard. He was raised in a low-income rural Vermont family and is a leader of Vermont’s LGBTQI+ community.

Talks by Isaac Evans-Frantz

This acrylic painting was created on two 24x24 inch canvases to depict war and peace. The artist created the piece to further his abilities with acrylic paint. (U.S. Air Force art by Staff Sgt. Jamal D. Sutter/Released)

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A group of National Guard members march in a field with the rocky mountains in the background

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A chalk mural is being drawn on asphalt by an older women. Circles and swirls surround a yellow circle with the word "resist" in the center

Protecting Our Families and Voices: A Continuum of Civic Action in Uncertain Times

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? 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.

Vermont Humanities*** December 16, 2025