Northern Civil Defense Network
Waking the Giant —
Northwoods Solidarity Revival
Upcoming event!
- When:
- October 4, (10:00am–8:30pm)
- Where:
- Mesaba Coop Park
Waking the Giant is a free, family-friendly, community gathering created by and for grassroots organizers, artists, elders, activists, and caring Northwoods neighbors of all kinds! We’ll be meeting at Mesaba Coop Park all day and into the evening, sharing stories, food, music, culture, and resources for learning more and taking action in our communities.
Our hope is that by taking some time to revive our spirits and spark new relationships, we will also be encouraged to stay engaged and to stand in solidarity even when we feel discouraged, and to prepare to care for our places and our neighbors for the long haul.
A gentle reminder that this is a free gathering, open to all, but we do need to know how many people to expect — so please use the form to register! We’ll also be sending important reminders and details to this list. Below are some fresh updates and FAQs about this event! Reach out if you have other questions.
We hope to see you there! RSVP here: ncdn.work/wakingthegiant.html.
What's this all about?
Waking the Giant — Northwoods Solidarity Revival is a day-long cultural community gathering for grassroots organizers, activists, artists, culture bearers, and neighbors from across our region. We’ll be sharing resources and connecting with organizing and community-building efforts across the northland — and building relationships and connections!
What will happen at this gathering?
Organizers of this gathering have tried to set the stage for a day of visiting, with educational activities and art-making woven throughout! The Mesaba Coop Park is the perfect place to gather, since this kind of activity has been happening here for 100 years.
All are encouraged to bring invitations and information to share with others — we will have space for distributing posters, flyers, movement artwork, news, etc. — and opportunities to proposed breakout conversations and activities throughout the park.
There will be food provided (and a place to make a donation to support the costs of this gathering if you wish) — but bring camp chairs / a cooler and your own beverages / and anything else you think you might need to be comfortable indoors and out.
There is space for camping overnight if that’s something folks are interested in on Saturday or Sunday nights. (Learn more about the park and make a camping reservation here).
In addition to spontaneous activities and conversations, art-making and info sharing, we’re planning live music during lunch, two storytelling circles in the afternoon about movement organizing in our region, and an evening program with live storytellers, music, and dancing.
A full program and more detail will be sent to those who RSVP!
Who is planning this gathering?
This gathering was created out of ongoing conversations between grassroots organizers across our region who are working together on pro-democracy and anti-authoritarian efforts, mutual aid, civil defense, and cultural survival, and community revitalization.
The main purpose of this gathering is to provide a welcoming space where we can connect in person — revive our spirits — and build relationships for the long haul. We also hope to learn from the rich history of movement-building in our region, and connect with emerging efforts too!
Who is paying for this gathering?
This gathering is supported by the grassroots organizers and groups leading this effort, including Mesaba Coop Park, Northern Civil Defense Network, Fire in the Village, BLA Indivisible, Grand Rapids Community Connections Group, Minnesota Democracy Defense Table, Headwaters Foundation for Justice, and others. We appreciate any donations or offers to help with the hard costs of this gathering - and to support time and travel for volunteer organizers helping to shape this event. Please reach out if you have an offering!
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Our Mission
The Northern Civil Defense Network was established in late 2025 to safeguard our constitutional democracy and foster collective power. We fight fascism, stand up for all our neighbours, and strengthen our rural communities. Our purpose is clear: to bear witness, to report abuses, to share information with our allies, and to build skills and stand together.
Our approach includes a flexible, creative response to effectively address conditions on the ground with agility and strength. We are an entirely decentralized civilian group of volunteers.
"Think of it like sandbags. On their own, grains of sand — or even a burlap sack full of them — do little against a flood. No matter what, sandbags are never going to prevent all water damage. But add up enough of them, fast enough, and they can redirect the flow and ward off the worst of a disaster. They give us the chance to rebuild."
—Protect Democracy
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We run on a shoestring budget & on volunteer labor. Your support is vital and fuels our continued work and success.
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We believe in these tools:
- Rapid Response — We show up
- Non-violence — the most effective means of resistance we have
- Mutual aid — we've got each others' backs
- Building on our common ground
- Educating ourselves & combatting disinformation
- Strengthening both digital & analog/on-the-ground networks
- Solidarity
- Creativity & Imagination