JOIN THE MASS BLACKOUT
A coordinated economic blackout is one of the most effective ways ordinary people can make their voices heard. Corporations and political actors utilize their financial resources and influence to undermine the public—shaping policy, buying influence, and advancing harmful agendas. Withholding our dollars reminds them that our spending is power, and when we act together, that power becomes impossible to ignore.If you’re planning to join the blackout (November 25 to December 2, 2025) , here are some easy, realistic ways to prepare so the week goes smoothly:
Skipping one purchase may seem minor, but a community cutting spending for a week during peak season creates strong impact.
This is how we reclaim our power:
We use our money the way they use theirs—strategically, intentionally, and together.
PLAN YOUR ESSENTIALS EARLY
GAS UP EARLY. Fill your tank the week before the blackout so you’re not caught off guard.
STOCK UP GRADUALLY. No panic buys needed! Just add a few extra items each trip the week before. Think basics like:
Pasta, rice, tortillas
Canned goods, soups, beans
Frozen veggies & proteins
Snacks or grab-and-go items
Toilet paper, dish soap, trash bags
REFILL MEDICATIONS EARLY, if allowed by your pharmacy.
SET REMINDERS to avoid accidentally spending.
LEAN ON YOUR COMMUNITY. If you find yourself short on a staple like milk, sugar, flour, or eggs, ask a neighbor or friend! Mutual support is the backbone of any movement, and sharing a cup of sugar is a small but powerful way to model the world we’re trying to build.
GET CREATIVE AND TAKE CONTROL
Big corporations rely on predictable spending spikes—especially during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the holiday shopping season. They use that revenue to lobby, influence policy, and fund the systems that work against the public’s best interests.
We can wield our money with the same strategy and intentionality.
This blackout is a chance to step back from automatic spending and choose where our dollars actually go:
SKIP BLACK FRIDAY AND CYBER MONDAY. Don’t fuel the profit spikes that corporations depend on.
SHOP SMALL AND LOCAL before or after the blackout if you genuinely need something. Keep money in your community—not in the pockets of CEOs. There are many local small businesses that offer competitive prices.
MAKE HOMEMADE GIFTS—baked goods, crafts, art, framed photos, handmade ornaments, herbal mixes—thoughtful, personal, and budget-friendly.
PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING IN DECEMBER if you’re crafting or assembling gifts.
CHOOSE SECONDHAND when possible! Thrift stores, local buy/sell groups, buy nothing groups, consignment shops, and upcycled goods all count.
TRY A NEW RECIPE OR RECREATE A RESTAURANT DISH! Turn dinner into an experiment, a date night, or a family activity instead of spending on takeout.
RESIST online impulse buys and flash sales engineered to keep you spending.