DIY Dissent: Controlled Chaos is not your average activist event. This is a resistance workshop for those who are burnt out, blacklisted, shadowbanned, or simply done playing nice. If you’re feeling the pressure of these times but still want to do something about it, this space was built for you.
We’ll cover strategic actions you can take right now, no matter your energy level, capacity, or experience. You’ll have access to local issue explainers, letter templates, resistance tactics, and small-group prompts to help you find your lane in the movement. Whether you’re loud, quiet, creative, analytical, or just plain angry, there is room for you here.
Expect:
🔥 Civic action projects (letters, toolkits, and more)
🎯 Resistance strategy and education
🧠 Conversations around burnout and sustainability
🕯️ An invitation into The Silent Underground, our new campaign for those who feel like they’re barely hanging on
This is a structured, limited-capacity workshop with space for only 30 participants. If you’ve attended our open house events in the past, this one will feel more focused, more intentional, and just a little more chaotic.
Please note: Because we are sharing this event across multiple platforms, you must complete our Google Form to officially register. This ensures we know exactly who is coming. If something comes up and you can no longer attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to someone else on the list.
FAQs:
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Jim's Community Corner: a cozy, accessible community space right in the heart of Ferndale. Located right across the street from The Rust Belt on the west side of Woodward and 9 Mile Rd.
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Yes! Like all Empowerment Collective events, this is 100% free. We don’t accept cash donations, but if you’re feeling generous, we do have a wishlist of items that help us keep events like this running. You’ll find it on our website.
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Yes, this is not an open-house event. It’s a structured experience with rotating small groups and guided activities. We ask that all attendees arrive by 9:00 AM and stay through the end (noon) to get the most from the experience and respect the group dynamic.
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Because space is limited to 20 attendees, we ask everyone to complete a quick registration form so we can plan accordingly. This also helps us group participants and prepare supplies. If your plans change, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to someone else.
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We’ll have water, coffee, cider, donuts and bagels on hand. Feel free to bring your own reusable water bottle or coffee cup!
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Not this time. Because of the structured nature of this workshop, we ask that all attendees be age 16 or older.
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You don’t need to bring anything, but if you’d like to donate postage stamps, blank notecards, or envelopes to support our letter-writing kits, we’ll gratefully accept them! All other materials will be provided.
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Both! You’ll rotate through four small-group “Chaos Stations,” each with a different activity. You’ll be seated for most of it, but there will be light movement as groups rotate and explore.
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We’d love that. You can join our ongoing work through Empowerment Collective or our partner group, Indivisible Fighting 9. Visit our website or check out our social links at https://linktr.ee/empowermentcollectivegroup.