We Marched Against Kings. Now What?

June 14, 2025 – Saturday, Arizona gave authoritarianism a collective middle finger while sweating through SPF 50 and homemade signs. Picture the Founding Fathers, but hotter and way more inclusive.

Indivisible Mesa No Kings Protest | Photo Courtesy: Claire Allensworth

While the president rang in his 79th birthday with a military parade that screamed "dictator starter pack," Arizonans were busy organizing democracy. From Phoenix to Tucson, Mesa to Tempe, over 15,000 people joined more than 40 protests across the state. Nationally? Try 11 to 12 million people across 2,000 cities. (Data Source: AZ Mirror) That’s not a protest. That’s building a movement that can’t be bought or staged.

So… now what?

What BlackNet AZ co‑founder Kazz Fernandez said nailed it: "Yelling at the Capitol on a hot Saturday isn’t what makes change. What you do next is."

This Fight Doesn’t End With a March or a Hashtag

Marches matter. They energize, unite, and remind us we’re not alone. But real power? That comes from what happens after the signs get put away. The people trying to ban books, rig elections, and erase rights? They didn’t take Sunday off.

Here’s what we can do next:

The Action Plan

1. Get connected. Plug into your local Democratic Party or Legislative District. These groups aren’t just “having meetings.” They’re building power. Show up and find your crew. southeastvalleydems.org

   
   

2. Support local businesses and candidates. Especially those owned by targeted communities. Where you spend your money is a political decision.

   
   

3. Call your representatives. Especially the ones pushing garbage like SB1111. Let them know where you stand, especially when it comes to local and state issues. Your calls do matter, and the more personal and persistent they are, the better. Pro Tip: Call even when they agree with you. It gives them support to stand strong.

   
   

4. Join local efforts. Right here in the Southeast Valley, we’ve got grassroots efforts underway that need people like you.

   • Want to learn more about volunteering? Contact Meagan. 

   • Connect with your like-minded neighbors? Contact Barb

     
     

5. Speak out. Letters to the editors. Social media. City council call-ins. Be loud. Be local. It matters.

   
   

6. Support your local party. Think national politics is messy? Try running a precinct meeting on a Tuesday night with three volunteers and a folding table. Local volunteers are out here organizing, educating, and showing up. Help keep them going.

   
   

7. Register voters. The fastest way to build power? Get more people in the game. We’ll train you, team you up, and make sure you’re ready to go. Get started now.

   
   

8. Join local events. Movements are built face-to-face, not just in comment sections. Whether it’s a canvass, a teach-in, or a community cleanup, there’s something happening near you. Join us.

   
   

9. Support each other. Mutual aid, trans rights, abortion access, worker strikes—these aren’t "issues." They’re our lives. They’re connected. Show up for all of it.

   
   

10. Use your economic power. Boycotts and divestments send a message. Be intentional about where your dollars go and who they empower.

Indivisible Mesa No Kings Protest | Photo Courtesy: Claire Allensworth

Arizona Isn’t a Battleground. We’re the Blueprint.

Saturday proved it. Arizona isn’t just reacting. We’re leading. We’re not asking for scraps. We’re building new systems, powered by community, not corporate PACs.

This isn’t just resistance. Its creation. And it starts here.

So if you marched, thank you. If marching isn’t for you, we still need you. The hard work of organizing makes a difference. And guess what? We’re damn good at it.

Arizona isn’t backing down.