Anti-Trump protesters in downtown Norwich this summer. A “No Kings” protest is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, in East Park, according to Chenango Change Indivisible. This photo was edited to censor an obscenity. (Photo by Rebecca Laibowitz)

NORWICH — Chenango Change Indivisible will hold an anti-Trump “No Kings” rally from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, at East Park in Norwich.

The Chenango County Chapter describes itself on its website as a “non-partisan grassroots community organization.” Though the founding organization openly encourages anti-Trump protests, favoring Democrats and endorses identity-based policy justifications.

At indivisible.org the group states: “We wanted folks to effectively rally behind Democratic allies, help mushy Democrats find their spines, and weaken the resolve of congressional Republicans who might ally with Trump.”

Who is Chenango Change Indivisible?

Chenango Change Indivisible is local group affiliated with a national progressive activist movement that openly opposes President Trump and works to elect Democrats.

Indivisible’s guide tells organizers to strengthen Democratic candidates, weaken Republican opponents and build a base of activists in their hometowns.

A guide written for by the national movement states:

“If there’s one universally accepted truth in the modern age, it’s that sequels suck. And Trump 2.0 will be no exception. Trump, Vance, and their MAGA minions feel vindicated by the victory of their bigoted, fascistic clown show of a presidential campaign.”

Indivisible began in December 2016 in opposition to President Trump’s agenda. Following his reelection, the organization released ‘Indivisible: A Practical Guide to Democracy on the Brink’ in November 2024, outlining its strategy through the 2026 midterms.

Describing its hopes for a Kamala Harris presidency at the time, the guide states: “Like so many across the country, we were overjoyed to elect the first Black woman President and move forward on her agenda.”

“Now, we face not only the profound disappointment and sorrow of having that hope snatched away — we also face a resurgent American fascist movement on the verge of claiming power.”

Another principle declares that American democracy was “rigged from the start in favor of the white and wealthy.”

Recently on Sept. 9 the group updated a “Statement of Commitment to DEI in our Organizing Work” that stated:

“In particular, white leaders in this movement must make an ongoing practice of self-reflection, creating strong relationships with impacted communities, and uplifting/centering BIPOC members within our groups.”

“Where appropriate, we recognize the role of white people to act as accountability partners, educate each other, and learn together.”

Its guidance for forming a local group calls for:

“A shared commitment from those people to devote at least a few hours a month to organizing against MAGA’s anti-democratic extremism.”

Indivisible’s group registration form requires agreement with five principles. These include a commitment to “Embrace progressive values” and to winning progressive policy victories and “taking power at the local, state, and federal level.”

Groups must also agree to collaborate with other Indivisible groups on advocacy, elections and national campaigns.

The guidance also advocates protecting access to gender-affirming care and keeping diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and gender policies in public schools.

A separate section says racism can overlap with other forms of oppression, including “patriarchy, heterosexism, classism, xenophobia.”

Voter registration materials will be available at the protest and at other locations throughout the county from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., including at Chobani’s Saturday in the Park at West Park in Norwich. 

The deadline for voter registration is October 24. Early voting in Chenango County begins on October 24 and runs through November 1 at Borden Ave. Skate Rink located at 35 Borden Ave in Norwich.