Joyful, Peaceful Resistance
On May 16, 17, and 19, the Korean pop sensation BTS played to sellout crowds at Stanford Stadium, near Palo Alto. Spotting a one-of-a-kind opportunity to reach young current and future voters from across the Bay Area, a pop-up team of IPA+ members sprung into action. Quickly and creatively, the team planned and executed an effort to reach BTS fans where they were—physically, musically, and politically.
Working on a brief timeline, the BTS team put together an array of material to support in-person outreach to thousands of fans—flyers, stickers, big “Take Back Power” signs, a BTS-themed anti-ICE zine, fun costumes, a special BTS playlist. In developing this material, the team took care to use fun, positive messaging that reflected the spirit of “BTS Army” culture.
Day by day, the team adapted its tactics to meet the moment. Team members connected with a BTS fan who offered advice and shared stickers that paired activist messages with BTS lyrics. Over three concert days, the team distributed 3,000 flyers and 1,500 stickers.
Outreach Opportunity
After four days of frenzied activity, the team did not rest on its achievement. Team leaders took steps to spread their outreach model to Indivisible groups in locations where BTS had scheduled other tour dates.
To assist other groups that want to target BTS fans, the team compiled an after-action summary of their efforts—complete with practical advice on designing stickers and printing flyers.
"NOT TODAY" — BTS-THEMED POSTERS AND FLYER
