What would the world look like if we couldn’t express outrage against the things we disagree with or support the changes we seek?Rivers that don’t catch fire. The choice to marry who we love. Clean air and water. Even weekends off. Peaceful protest—which, in the U.S. as in many other countries around the world, is protected as a crucial part of an inclusive, thriving participatory democracy – helped bring about each of these victories. Free speech, dissent, and public mobilization are essential tools for advancing so many causes, including environmental protection, workers’ rights, human rights, self-determination, and climate, social, and racial justice.
Though protest has brought so much progress — or maybe because of it — the right to speak freely, dissent, and even do basic public outreach and organizing, is increasingly under attack. We have come to expect crackdowns in authoritarian countries, but anti-protest sentiment is spreading in established democracies as well. Activists are being vilified, retaliated against, and even criminalized. In the U.S., anti-protest laws have been enacted in 49 states. SLAPP suits – meritless legal action taken to silence dissent -- are on the rise. New legal concepts, such as “negligent protest,” are being used to hold organizers liable for damages. At the same time, violent actions taken by anti-democratic forces have been reframed and pardoned.
Our right to peaceful protest is under attack, and we must act now!
Protest! Respect It * Use It * Defend It presents a clear understanding and appreciation of the critical role peaceful activism has always played in advancing public good, and to spotlight the need to safeguard this democratic right. The book describes more than 40 iconic, inspiring campaigns from around the world. Photos, artifacts, inspiring quotes, and more make this a compelling testament to the power of public dissent. Guest essays from leaders such as Jane Fonda, Tennessee Representative Justin Pearson, Dolores Huerta, Nemonte Nenquino, and others reveal the role that protest has played in their commitment to fight for change. This book, through storytelling and first-hand reflection, encourages readers to themselves engage in peaceful activism — right here, right now.
Andr Carothers is an activist, writer, and organizer. Andr has been involved in campaigns and protests on issues of climate change, human rights, environmental protection, and nuclear disarmament for over four decades. He worked for Greenpeace US for thirteen years, including serving on the board of directors. He is the cofounder of the Rockwood Leadership Institute, a training organization for activists, and works as an organizational development consultant and coach for leaders in the social change sector. He has served as an adviser and board member of numerous organizations, including International Rivers, the Center for Environmental Health, the Center for Investigative Reporting, the Furthur Foundation, Rainforest Action Network, and the Story of Stuff Project
Annie Leonard is a lifelong activist who has protested on multiple continents over many years. She spent seventeen years with Greenpeace US, including serving as Executive Director from 2014 to 2023; created The Story of Stuff film, book, and organization; co-launched the Jane Fonda Climate PAC; and campaigned against the international trade in hazardous waste and technologies around the world. Annie speaks and writes frequently about environmental and democracy issues, focusing on pollution, waste, consumerism, climate, and activism. She has appeared in numerous media, has testified before Congress, and has received a number of awards for her work, including an honorary degree from Vermont Law School and inclusion in Time magazines Heroes of the Environment.
