Defend - Protecting Community

In the United States, civic engagement is rooted in community. Some communities form around geography. Neighbors may come together to address specific issues where they live. Other communities form around identity. People who share a racial or ethnic heritage or sexual or gender identity form organizations that preserve culture and advocate for rights and equal treatment.  

In US history, the dominant culture has sometimes pushed back at community organizing and gathering. This can involve leaving groups out of the national narrative or spreading harmful and inaccurate information, passing laws that discriminate against groups, or responding with excessive police or government force to a demonstration, march, occupation or social space. In the face of opposition, communities come together to protect and defend their members and way of life.