Why 3.5%​?
When 3.5% of a population take to the streets in fired-up, peaceful resistance, a fascist regime will topple. That’s what researchers of movements around the world have discovered.
It won’t be institutions that save us. It won’t be leaders. It’ll be you and me. And, amazingly, it only needs to be 3.5% of us. And here in the US, that means that all we need to restore our democracy is 12 million fired up citizens.
This is very good news. And this is why, on June 17, 2025, we will begin a 12-day march.
Kicking off in Philadelphia, PA, we’ll march through towns and neighborhoods and the coastal trails of the East Coast Greenway. And, after 12 days, we will descend upon our nation’s capital in Washington, DC.
Democracy 12 is about coming together with a shared sense of urgency and hope and love for the beautiful ideals of our threatened nation, and it’s meant to inspire ordinary citizens to do something big and bold and out of the ordinary.
So, we hope you'll rise up and join us.
Be a part of the 3.5%.
FAQ
Why is human connection so important to getting people mobilized?
​When human beings connect with each other, it’s easier to move out of fear and silence and into courage and hope.
We are all part of something bigger– something courageous and moving and ready to fight. But when we're sitting by ourselves, worrying and silent, we often forget. So part of getting people out onto the streets means encouraging people to show up. Once we're in good company good human things get contagious-- our hope, our courage, our willingness to do something out of the ordinary in an extraordinary time.