Call to Action: Economic Blackout and Sick-In July 4-7

Find the plan and how to support here

Note: A supplemental piece about the importance of strikes and economic blackouts was posted the day after this was uploaded. If you are interested in learning more about why we are doing this, and why now, click here!

We are happy to announce we’ll be supporting General Strike U.S.’s plan for an economic blackout over the weekend of July 4th! Instructions and details are provided in the graphics below, but here is the run-down:

1. The goal over the 4th of July weekend is to slow economic activity as much as possible, and to deny corporations as much profit as possible. This includes:

   1. Avoiding any purchases from large corporations, and avoiding all purchases period. We understand that life still goes on; if you must purchase something, buy local, and when possible attempt to do so ahead of time.

   2. Avoid “4th of July Sales” put on by large corporations.

   3. Instead of driving, which requires gas, bike or walk places when possible.

   4. Stay off social media which monetizes our attention, such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and youtube.

2. Another goal is to build community. Here are some ways to accomplish that over the long weekend:

   1. Instead of activities that cost money, host or attend community potlucks, BBQs, or meet-and-greets (with food purchased locally and ahead of time!)

   2. Set up movie nights in common areas (parks with projectors, community centers, etc.).

   3. Host a community mutual-aid session, or find community members to help plan mutual aid networks for future blackouts.

   4. Share this plan with your neighbors and co-workers!

3. And finally, the coup de grace - call in sick to work on Monday, July 7th. This “Sick-in” will be a lead up and trial run of future united strike actions.

We’ll be posting more throughout the week highlighting the importance of such blackouts, but in the meantime, wanted to share these plans as soon as possible. Please share far and wide; while this may seem limited in scope compared to a national general strike, this is an important step in working up to one. This action will test and build mutual aid networks, which will be crucial to assist our fellow workers when the general strike comes. It will send a message to the corporate politicians, or at least their donors, working on passing the disastrous Big BS Bill, that their tax cuts will not outweigh the profits lost to potential future boycotts. And it will test us and our collective will to resist the allure of holiday deals and instant gratification. So join us, and together we will attack the current corporate regime where it hurts most: their pocketbooks.