The New Midnight Riders: How to Build a Revolutionary Resistance Network

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Resistance—How Everyday Americans Built Secret Networks to Defy Oppression and You Can Too

Feb 21, 2025

In the winter of 1774, taverns across the American colonies became more than just places to grab an ale—they became nerve centers of resistance. Beneath the low candlelight, blacksmiths, farmers, and merchants whispered plans for boycotts, devised secret courier routes, and spread word of British injustices. These early patriots weren’t waiting for a hero to save them. They built their own networks, their own systems of communication, their own blueprint for resistance.

Resistance networks aren’t new. They’ve been the backbone of every major movement that’s ever fought for justice in this country. And today, we need them again.

The good news? The playbook still works. The bad news? The tools of oppression have evolved—mass surveillance, disinformation campaigns, and corporate-controlled communication channels make organizing harder than ever.

But not impossible.

Here’s how to build a modern resistance network—one that’s smart, secure, and impossible to ignore.

1. Find Your People (And Vet Them Carefully)

A resistance network is only as strong as the people in it. This isn’t a place for casual complainers or performative allies—it’s for people ready to show up and do the work.

Start with who you trust. Friends, neighbors, coworkers—anyone already aligned with your values and willing to put in work.
Be discreet at first. Don’t blast invites on social media. Use word-of-mouth or encrypted messaging apps (more on that below).
Watch for bad actors. Every movement attracts grifters, informants, and attention-seekers. If someone is reckless, insists on violence, wants you to go on record advocating for illegal acts, or seems too eager to collect names, cut them loose. Immediately!

2. Digital Security: Lock It Down

Surveillance isn’t just for dystopian novels. Your data is a goldmine for anyone looking to undermine your efforts. Protect it.

Use encrypted communication. Signal for messaging, ProtonMail for email, and a VPN for web browsing.
Abandon mainstream social media for organizing. Facebook, Instagram and X are compromised. Try Matrix or Mastodon instead.
Ditch Google Docs. Use CryptPad or EteSync for shared documents and planning.

3. Set Up Local Meetings (Quietly)

Online organizing is great—until it’s not. At some point, your group needs to meet in person.

Pick neutral, safe locations. Public parks, libraries, or community centers work well.
Keep it low-key. Don’t announce meetings in group chats; use one-on-one invites.
Rotate meeting spots. Never meet in the same place too often—it minimizes tracking risks.
Fighting fascism is hard work—and it’s fueled by caffeine! The American Pamphleteer is always free, with no paywalls, because democracy shouldn’t have a price tag. If you love Lady Libertie’s fiery takedowns and bold ideas, buy her a Libertie Latte to keep the revolution caffeinated and the content coming! Click here to fuel the fight!
Buy me a Libertie Latte

4. Define Your Resistance Goals

Without focus, a resistance network is just a glorified venting session. What are you actually trying to accomplish?

Direct action? Protests, strikes, or boycotts.
Community support? Mutual aid networks, legal defense funds, or housing assistance.
Political pressure? Public accountability campaigns, calls to representatives, or local ballot measures.

Pick one or two areas of focus and stay on mission.

5. Build Parallel Systems

The best resistance doesn’t just fight the system—it builds alternatives to it.

Local food distribution networks instead of relying on corporate grocery chains.
Skill-sharing meetups to replace overpriced training programs.
Independent media channels to counteract propaganda.

Resilience isn’t just about protest—it’s about survival.

So You Elected a Fascist President...

Lady Libertie

December 6, 2024

Here’s a sneak peek from my book, The Rebel’s Playbook: A How-To Guide for Resistance. I dive into the stories of women who’ve gone toe-to-toe with authoritarian regimes and lived to tell the tale (and sometimes win). This excerpt gives you a taste of the step-by-step tools you’ll need to build your squad, protect yourself, and make sure the fascists do…

Read full story

6. Stay Adaptive

Opposition forces evolve. So should you.

Have contingency plans. What happens if key members disappear? If your accounts get shut down? If meetings are disrupted?
Train for emergencies. Learn first aid, legal rights, and digital security protocols.
Avoid rigidity. The ability to pivot is what separates effective movements from failed ones.

7. Keep the Fire Burning

Resistance is a marathon, not a sprint. Burnout is real, and attrition is inevitable. Keep people engaged with:

Regular check-ins to prevent members from drifting.
Rotating responsibilities so no one feels overwhelmed.
Moments of joy. Every movement needs music, food, and laughter. If you’re not celebrating victories along the way, you’re doing it wrong.

The Bottom Line: Resistance isn’t about waiting for permission. It’s about creating the world you want, right where you are, with the people you trust. Start small. Stay smart. And never, ever give up.

Stay loud. Stay dangerous. Stay American!