Western States Center & Amplifier present
Artwork by
Thomas Wimberly and Sarah Sophie Flicker.
The 10 Commandments of Defiance for the U.S: Resist fascism with simple guidelines and resources to get active.
In this time of authoritarian advance and rising political violence in the U.S., history can be our guide.
“Inspired by 17-year-old Arne Sejr’s commandments for Danes—which fueled Denmark’s uniquely successful defiance of Nazi fascism in WWII and helped save 99% of its Jewish population—these principles remind us that what we refuse to do matters as much as what we choose to do.
Each act of defiance is a grain of sand—enough grains can halt the machine.
Hold fast to your integrity. Question everything. Disobey when able. Protect the vulnerable. Tell the story. Archive the truth.
Even in darkness, there is incandescence—the flicker flames of everyday people fixed on the side of freedom.
Fascism cannot thrive without obedience. Disobey.”
- Sarah Sophie Flicker
Western States Center’s Culture Lab teamed up with Sarah Sophie Flicker, Amplifier, Headcount, and venues and musicians across the country to get people voting like democracy depends on it, and defying fascism in their communities.
Make sure you’re registered to vote and learn about voting in your state here: https://www.headcount.org/register-to-vote
PARTNERS
Western States Center (WSC) is a nonprofit that works alongside communities to strengthen networks of care, courage, and collective power to protect and expand our democracy. Since 1987, our vision of a democracy where we all thrive in a just, caring and connected society hasn’t wavered, and our commitment to be a steady regional hub that takes local action for national impact has been our north star.
Our Culture Lab program supports the cultural spaces and practices where belonging takes root. Cultural venues are civic institutions, and the artists and cultural workers who bring them to life are civic leaders who center freedom of expression, joy, community, and creativity - principles our democracy and movements need turned up to full volume. Since 2020, Culture Lab has supported 150+ venues and 50+ musicians in providing safe and inclusive community gatherings, taking bold public stands, and pushing back against organized bigotry and authoritarianism.
Amplifier is a nonprofit design lab that builds art and media experiments to amplify the most important movements of our times. We design and distribute art that engages people in the creation of a more just, inclusive and sustainable future. Since 2015, we've worked with thousands of renowned artists, distributed tens of millions of pieces of art and sent free artwork to millions of students across the United States.
Sarah Sophie Flicker is an activist, producer, writer, filmmaker, cultural organizer, creative director, and aerialist. She is the Founder and Creative Director of the political cabaret group, The Citizens Band, and serves as the Editor-At-Large for Violet Book. Her writing has been featured in several notable publications including Hello Giggles, Rookie Magazine, W Magazine, Vogue, Refinery29, The Cut, Cosmo.com, and Stylist. Additionally, her work appears in Rizzoli's publication "The Inspired Home."
