The Hands Off rallies were the largest one-day, nationwide display of public resistance against President Donald Trump's second administration. The display of support and community went well beyond what the organizers had hoped for. I look forward to more such actions (May Day Strong actions are planned nationally for May 1).
Not everyone can get to a major protest or take action. My absolute favorite image from April 5 was that of my neighbor and her sign, standing on a major roadway, for four hours, by herself!
Local, sustained actions are just as - if not more - necessary in bringing people together, building strong ties, and supporting each other in building our resistance muscles. I am excited to share the work of friends in nearby Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, who are organizing weekly protests - every Wednesday during the afternoon commute. Their first event is next week, April 23, at the Allen’s Lane Train Station, Philadelphia, 4:00 - 5:00 pm.
One of the organizers, Betsy, says it is easy to organize. “There are many musicians, speakers, and protest songs everywhere!”
Remember during the pandemic when New Yorkers stood out on their fire escapes and banged pots every evening at 7:00 pm? Imagine the noise we could make if every small town and hamlet had a weekly protest of people signing and speaking against the administration! That would be a joyful noise!
We are taking action for the first 100 days of this presidency. Our actions exemplify resilience and resistance - they may be overtly political or economic, or focus on community building or direct care. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. Please send me your ideas, and let me know how it’s going.
Thank you for the shout out. As one who is on the organizing committee I find it really helpful to be able to” do something”! Please note that the date is April 23 as shown on the announcement, not the 22nd.
Thanks for the shout out. Working on something with other people is a great antidote to reading the news. We already heard from a North Carolina singer/songerwriter that she wants to replicate this in her community, and send it out through singing networks to replicate.
Doing it at a train station also supports mass transit!