Leah Greenberg, Indivisible, and No Kings: "You do not need permission to get started"
State of Belief

Leah Greenberg, Indivisible, and No Kings: "You do not need permission to get started"

June 7, 2025

This week on The State of Belief – getting ready forNo Kings Day on June 14th, an initiative of the national grassroots organizationIndivisible. Co-founder Leah Greenberg explains that No Kings Day is a forceful nationwide response to the royal pretensions on display in Donald Trump's demand for a multi-million dollar military parade on his 79th birthday. Leah joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the importance of getting involved rather than discouraged, share past Indivisible successes and lessons learned, and the essential role faith leaders and communities play in giving credibility to public actions like this.

Leah traces the origins of Indivisible, where she serves as co-executive director, back to authoring The Indivisible Guide in the wake of the 2016 election. The conversation highlights the importance of:

  • The Power of Local Organizing: Leah emphasizes how grassroots movements can effectively challenge the status quo. After the 2016 election, many individuals who had never been politically active stepped up to organize in their communities. This surge of local activism powered the growth of Indivisible, and it continues to be a driving force in the fight for democracy today.
  • Building Coalitions Across Differences: To be seen as serious, a coalition needs diverse voices and perspectives. Leah points out that while we may not agree on every issue, we can unite around shared values, such as the dignity of all human life and the commitment to a pluralistic democracy. This approach is essential, especially in a time when divisiveness can easily fracture movements.
  • Mobilization as a Strategy: Leah shares insights on the significance of mass mobilization in the current political climate. With the upcoming No Kings initiative, Indivisible aims to demonstrate that there is a strong and growing opposition to authoritarianism. Mobilization is not just about numbers; it's about sending a message, building community, and preparing for future actions. As Leah noted, "We are building muscles to mobilize," which is crucial for sustaining momentum in the fight for democracy.

⁠Leah Greenberg⁠ is co-founder and co-executive director ofIndivisible, a grassroots movement with over one million participants – and counting. A former congressional staffer, she co-authored ⁠We Are Indivisible: A Blueprint for Democracy After Trump⁠. Leah has been recognized for her leadership in civic engagement and was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2019. Indivisible is partnering with many groups - including Interfaith Alliance - for the upcoming ⁠No Kings initiative on June 14, 2025.⁠

Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, subscribe, and thank you for listening!

Transcript

Faith, followers, and the files: Jay Michaelson and the Epstein Cover-up
State of Belief
July 26, 2025

Faith, followers, and the files: Jay Michaelson and the Epstein Cover-up

What happens when faith and blind followership collide with dishonesty and an administration built on feeding conspiracy theories? Author and attorney Rabbi Jay Michaelson joins Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush for a wide-ranging conversation.

Whither America? July 4th with Dr. Robert P. Jones
State of Belief
June 28, 2025

Whither America? July 4th with Dr. Robert P. Jones

On the Independence Day edition of The State of Belief, Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush checks in with Public Religion Research Institute President Dr. Robert P. Jones about the state of our democracy - and society - on the nation's 249th birthday.

On Diversity and Democracy With Wajahat Ali
State of Belief
June 24, 2025

On Diversity and Democracy With Wajahat Ali

This week on The State of Belief, Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with author, commentator and attorney Wajahat Ali, who maintains that everybody has a superpower. Waj lists some of them, and stresses how important it is not to throw up our hands in the face of massive challenges and threats from the current administration and its supporters.