The idea for this consumer strike emerged around a campfire in unceded Duwamish territory outside Seattle, Washington. We were talking about how devastated we were by what has been unfolding in Palestine over the last year. We had been organizing, doing direct action, sending e-Sims, donating to GoFundMe campaigns, and making phone calls desperate for our public officials to listen to us. We knew it was time to try something new.

We were inspired by Bisan's calls from Gaza for a general strike, and wanted to find a similar way to leverage our collective economic power while recognizing that many in the US can’t afford to miss work. From there, the idea of the Consumer Strike–a cross between a boycott and a labor strike–was born. The idea stuck with us, and began to take form. We brought it back to our communities in Seattle, where it was met with enthusiasm. So we started to organize, build, and fuel our momentum.

Now, we’re inviting you to join us in building support for the strike in your own communities. Together, our voices will be heard.

Consumer Strikes have a long history of ordinary people pressuring unjust systems of power, like the like the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the movement against South African apartheid and the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement.

Last year, Americans spent $955.6 billion during the 2023 holiday shopping season, and that number is expected to grow to close to $1 trillion for 2024. 

Of course, this works best when we move together! For more inspiration and tips on bringing others in to join you, please check out our Resources page.

What is essential is ultimately defined by you, but here’s some ideas: groceries, local transport, household items, hygiene necessities, healthcare. The goal is to have a demonstrable impact on the economy that can’t be ignored, and the more that spending is reduced, the larger the impact.

The primary action you can take is to invite others to join you! We’re asking every person who pledges to seek 5 or more people to strike in solidarity with you, so you can expand your impact and support one another throughout the strike.

Joining community mutual aid organizations is another way to both reduce your spending and build community. Neighbors can share rides, provide child/dog care, and help one another meet needs outside the corporate system in many ways.

Get organized in your own local community! Spread the word about the strike at events, put up fliers, host gatherings aimed at building momentum and community… there are so many ways to take part.

If you’d like to pitch something to us for the Resources page — maybe a guide for your city? — feel free to reach out to us via our contact form.

You’ll find additional resources, including practical how-to’s for striking, strategies for connecting with others, and more under the Resources tab.