Democratic state lawmakers are hosting a so-called “Resistance Lab” that examines “how non-violent movements around the world have responded to leaders who seize power in authoritarian ways.”
Hosted by Rep. Katie Jones, Rep. Jamie Long, and Sen. Scott Dibble, the event will take place at the Walker Library in Minneapolis this evening.
“The headlines from Washington can feel overwhelming,” said Rep. Jones when promoting the event. “Between divisive policies and political gridlock, it’s easy to feel like there’s nothing we can do to make a difference. But here’s the truth: there is always something we can do, and it starts right here in our community.”
“If you’re ready to channel your concerns into concrete action but aren’t sure where to begin, I hope you’ll join Rep. Long, Sen. Dibble, and me for a Resistance Lab—a hands-on workshop designed to turn frustration into effective advocacy,” added Jones.
According to information about the event, a “Resistance Lab” is a type of training created by Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal who represents Seattle in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Considered one of the most progressive members of Congress, Jayapal is a fierce critic of President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.
According to Jayapal’s campaign website, her “Resistance Lab” training was “developed with experts who have researched and studied democratic backsliding around the world as well as in the United States and the non-violent movements that have emerged to challenge those authoritarian leaders.”
While Trump is not explicitly called an “authoritarian” on Jayapal’s website, the training appears to be designed with the president in mind. The webpage about the “Resistance Lab” says Trump and “MAGA billionaires” are attacking “the economic livelihoods of people” and “our democracy.”
In an interview with MSNBC, Jayapal said her “Resistance Labs” are designed to help Americans “understand what happens when democracies fall, when dictators take over.”
“We’ve developed a curriculum where we help people understand, how do you go after the pillars of support, not necessarily the person at the top, but the pillars of support that allow that person to continue to have power?” she said. “And how do you shift allies from being sort of passive opponents to being active supporters of taking down a dictatorship?”
Of course, Trump is neither authoritarian nor a dictator. The president was democratically elected in a landslide victory last November. Further, the powers of the presidency are checked by the United States Congress and the United States Supreme Court.
“At the end of the day, we want to get people strike-ready and street-ready and make sure we protect our people, our freedoms and our democracy,” says Jayapal’s website about her “Resistance Lab” trainings.
Jones told Alpha News Monday that the event is closed to the press.
Symone Harms
Symone Harms is a Media Production and Business Marketing student at Bethel University. She is actively involved in The Royals Investment Fund, The 25, theatre, and other leadership positions. She also cohosts Rooted, a podcast dedicated to being rooted in truth, growing in freedom, and prospering in life. A Minnesota native with a passion for storytelling and digital media, she aspires to a career in broadcasting as a news anchor and reporter.
