The Indivisible Highlanders are a prime, real-world example of exactly how a progressive grassroots presence operates in a conservative-leaning town like West Milford.
As a local chapter of the national Indivisible movement, this group consists of West Milford network activists, survivors, and allies focused on social justice, defending democracy, and resisting conservative policies.
When analyzing how a group like the Indivisible Highlanders interacts with the local government structure, their past actions and future playbook center on specific strategies:
1. Forcing Civic Accountability
Instead of holding legislative power, the group utilizes public pressure and rapid-response organizing to hold local institutions accountable.
The Blueprint:
Following highly controversial online comments made by a West Milford police officer, the Indivisible Highlanders immediately mobilized, denouncing the statements and co-hosting a major Black Fathers Matter rally at the West Milford municipal complex alongside other local unity groups.
Impact on Government:
By framing the issue around the town’s legal obligation to “protect and serve” all residents equally, they forced the local administration and police leadership to address the situation publicly, disrupting the status quo of the local establishment.
2. Strategic Coalition Building
Because progressives are a minority in the township, the Indivisible Highlanders survive and amplify their voice by building coalitions:
Youth Alliances:
The group actively partners with and elevates student-led movements, such as local high school activists marching for racial justice.
This injects new, young voters into the local civic pipeline.
Regional Networks:
They collaborate with neighboring progressive hubs (like Highlands Resistance representing Ringwood, Wanaque, and West Milford) to share resources, organize letter-writing campaigns, and coordinate regional pushback on state and federal issues.
3. Transitioning from Activism to Electoral Power
For the Indivisible Highlanders to shift from an outside pressure group to an inside governing force under West Milford’s Faulkner Act system, their next strategic steps would likely involve:
Targeting the School Board:
In West Milford, school board elections are non-partisan.
This is a natural stepping stone where members or allies of the group can run on platforms of student safety, mental health, and inclusive education without being blocked by a “Democratic” party label in a Republican town.
Backing Charter Reform:
Supporting the push to eliminate partisan local elections would allow candidates vetted or supported by groups like the Indivisible Highlanders to run strictly on local accountability, making them viable contenders for Township Council seats.
The Grove Coven 