Economic Activism: The Shutdown315 Movement
The Power of Collective Action
Did you know that with just 3.5% of America's population—approximately 11.5 million people—we can capture Congress's attention and demand meaningful change? This is the foundational principle behind the Shutdown315 Movement, a grassroots initiative focused on non-violent civil disobedience through strategic economic actions.
Our movement encourages thoughtful boycotts of large corporations while supporting local businesses and startups. We aim to voice dissatisfaction with governmental policies that seem to prioritize corporate interests over public wellbeing. This isn't just another protest—it's a coordinated effort to create systemic change through economic power.
The Shutdown315 Movement will launch on Saturday, March 15, 2025, but you don't need to wait to get started. This guide will walk you through concrete steps you can take today to join this growing movement for economic justice. Read the Newsweek Article from 2/1/25.
Understanding the Movement's Foundation
Our approach is grounded in extensive research on successful non-violent resistance, drawing from key resources including:
- Erica Chenoweth's groundbreaking work on civil resistance
- Beautiful Trouble's comprehensive strategy guides
- The International Center on Nonviolent Conflict's proven methodologies
The power of this approach lies in its accessibility and scalability. Whether you're making small changes in your purchasing habits or completely restructuring your economic relationships, every action counts.
Core Philosophies
- Economic power is a form of collective voice
- Small, consistent actions create significant change
- Solidarity across diverse groups is our strength
- Non-violent resistance is our primary strategy
Comprehensive Action Guide
Immediate Actions (First 30 Days)
Personal Economic Audit
Track Your Spending
- Create a free Mint account to categorize and analyze your spending
- Try YNAB (You Need A Budget) for zero-based budgeting
- Use Personal Capital for comprehensive financial analysis
Analyze Corporate Practices
- Download Goods Unite Us to track corporate political contributions
- Research using OpenSecrets Corporate Tracker
- Install the Buycott App to scan products and understand corporate practices
Find Ethical Alternatives
- Browse the B Corp Directory for certified ethical businesses
- Connect with Local First business networks
- Explore the US Federation of Worker Cooperatives directory
- Review the HRC Corporate Equality Index
Divestment Strategies
- Switch to ethical banking with Aspiration Bank
- Consider Beneficial State Bank for community-focused banking
- Study the Investopedia Ethical Investing Guide
- Use Truebill to track and cancel unwanted subscriptions
Skill Building (30-60 Days)
Economic Empowerment Education
Business and Entrepreneurship
- Complete Steve Blank's Startup Course on Udacity
- Take free courses from the Small Business Administration
- Learn sustainable agriculture through the Urban Farming Institute
- Enhance practical skills via Craftsy Online Courses
- Explore edX Entrepreneurship Courses
Community Resilience Skills
- Get certified through Red Cross First Aid Training
- Follow DIY Creators and Project Farm on YouTube
- Complete Ready.gov preparedness training
- Join local skill-sharing groups on Meetup
Community Engagement (60-90 Days)
Organize Locally
- Find local chapters through Indivisible Group Finder
- Connect with Mutual Aid Hub networks
- Join your neighborhood on Nextdoor
- Create community spaces using Zoom or Discord
Amplify the Movement
- Design activism graphics with Canva
- Join Our Revolution local chapters
- Find activist groups on Meetup
- Start a community on Facebook Groups
Ongoing Strategies
Continuous Learning
- Take courses from the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict
- Study Erica Chenoweth's research
- Access Beautiful Trouble's activist training
Digital Security
- Use Signal for encrypted messaging
- Switch to ProtonMail for secure email
- Learn about digital rights through the Electronic Frontier Foundation
- Join the decentralized social network BlueSky
Legal Resources
- Review the ACLU Workers' Rights Guide
- Connect with the National Lawyers Guild
- Study the EFF Digital Rights Resources
- Sign up for Legal Observer Training through the National Lawyers Guild
Call to Action
Remember: Every dollar is a vote. Every skill learned is a step toward independence. Every connection made strengthens our collective power.
Start today:
- Conduct your personal economic audit
- Learn one new skill
- Connect with a local activist group
- Share this guide with three friends
When future generations ask, "What did you do during the revolution?" you'll be able to say, "I took a stand through economic activism."
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify local laws and consider your personal situation before taking any action.