Protest: A Virtual Book talk
Join us for an eye-opening and inspiring virtual book talk with The Story of Stuff Project’s founder and Board Chair, Annie Leonard and our long-serving Trustee, André Carothers, the authors of the timely new book, Protest: Respect It, Defend It, Use It published by Patagonia.
Please join us on Wednesday, October 21 at 4pm PT/7pm ET for this virtual event. Attendance is free of charge and all are welcome.
Don’t forget to bring your questions and your love of democracy!
ABOUT THE BOOK
What would the world look like if we couldn’t express outrage against the systems we disagree with or support the changes we seek?
Protest offers a powerful look at the role peaceful activism has played in advancing the public good—and shines a light on the urgent need to protect this democratic right. This is not a how-to guide. Rather, it is a celebration of what collective action can achieve, an invitation to be inspired, and a reminder that each of us has the capacity to make a difference.
Featuring 40+ iconic campaigns from around the world, the book combines photos, artifacts, and memorable quotes to create a vivid testament to the power of public dissent. Guest essays from Jane Fonda, Tennessee Representative Justin Pearson, Dolores Huerta, Nemonte Nenquimo, and others reveal how protest shaped their own commitment to driving change. Through storytelling and first-hand reflection, readers are invited to witness, reflect, and engage in peaceful activism—right here, right now.
Rivers that don’t catch fire. The freedom to marry whom we love. Clean air and water. Even weekends off. Peaceful protest—protected in the U.S., as in many countries, as a cornerstone of participatory democracy— helped bring about each of these victories. Free speech, dissent, and public mobilization are essential tools for advancing so many causes, including environmental protection, workers’ rights, human rights, self-determination, and climate, social, and racial justice. Learn more and join the movement at theprotestbook.com.
About the Authors
ANNIE LEONARD is a lifelong activist. She created The Story of Stuff film, book and organization; spent 17 years with Greenpeace US, including serving as Executive Director from 2014-2023; co-launched the Jane Fonda Climate PAC and the Committee for the First Amendment; and has campaigned against the international trade in hazardous waste and technologies around the world. Annie speaks and writes frequently about environmental and democracy issues, focusing on pollution, waste, consumerism, climate, democracy and activism. She has appeared in numerous media, has testified before Congress and has received a number of awards for her work, including an honorary degree from Vermont Law School and was named Time Magazine’s Hero of the Environment. Along with Andre Carothers, she is the author of Protest – Respect it, Defend it, Use it, a tribute to and defense of peaceful protest, published by Patagonia Books in April 2026.
ANDRE CAROTHERS is an activist, writer and organizer. Andre has engaged in campaigns and protests on issues of climate, human rights, environmental protection, and nuclear disarmament for more than four decades. He worked for Greenpeace USA for 13 years, including serving on the board of directors for four years. Andre worked at Greenpeace when the iconic Rainbow Warrior ship was bombed by the French Government and he was part of the team that opened the first Greenpeace office in Russia. He is the co-founder of the Rockwood Leadership Institute, a training organization for activists, and works as an organizational development consultant and coach for leaders in the social change sector. He has served as an adviser and Board member of numerous organizations, including International Rivers, the Center for Environmental Health, the Center for Investigative Reporting, Furthur Foundation, Rainforest Action Network, and the Story of Stuff Project.
