Are you able to sleep through the whole night (if you're getting more than six hours of sleep)?
Yes (explain HOW in the tags pls)
No (do people actually sleep thru the night? thought that was a myth)
Bald/Nuance answer
"Wow April 5th had a huge turn out, I might want to join a protest!"
Great news, tentatively plan for April 19th.
Why so soon? And why the date before a major holiday?
April 19th is the anniversary of the Revolutionary War.
Its picked specifically for this reason, and to be rallied behind as part of the many messages these protests are sending; No kings, no ruling class.
You can always check the 50501 site for dates and events.
Or peek at the 50501 subreddit of your respective town/state to find more info.
Don't worry too much if you can't find your state of city's event quite yet as organizers are working on the details still.
"But Socks, none of the people up top are going to listen to a bunch of loud protesters, this is useless screaming. Nothing will change on Capitol Hill because we all got loud"
Protests are here to do more than just flash how vast We The People are to the higher-ups. Its also here to show those who feel isolated, or like there is nothing to be done, that they are not alone and that there are movements out there rallying for change. To tell them that there is more than just lying down and taking it.
To show those most vulnerable that we aren't going to just sit by silently while these knock off secret police and spineless policy makers allow them to be stripped of rights.
The bonus is that this is the precursor to reminding those in charge just what has happened in the past with outrage and civil disobedience. Make them afraid of the masses while we have a smile on our faces.
They want to downplay just how large April 5th was and that just shows how much they don't want everyone else to see just how many people are angry and not willing to sit by.
Let them try and downplay this next one on an important event within American history.
"Okay, I'm not convinced but I'll bite"
Good. I promise this will make you feel better than doom scrolling. Genuinely. I know we cherish online friends but getting out in your community and meeting other people during these protests will help you feel less isolated and give you a chance to look into other ways to help your community.
Things are going to get bad before they get any better, remember to know who youre neighbors are, and that you have to be active in the community to facilitate change.
Getting more involved here will help you learn how to get more involved in other areas that matter. Whether it be outreach or politics.
"Socks, I've never been to a protests, I have no one to go with, and I am scared."
Very fair. Especially if you've never done this before, it can be highly intimidating to even consider it.
I walked alone 3 blocks from my car to one protest site, nervous about carrying political signs in my very red, very pro-gun state and specifically town.
But you know how I played this safe? Checking the location prior to the event day, knowing where I could park, what main ave to walk down to reach the area, and also scoping this area out again an hour before the protest. Seeing people already gathered will ease your nerves, I promise you.
Try also seeing where other protesters are parking, or ask around in the groups dedicated to organizing these things. You may find a carpool buddy or people to walk with!
If I can live where I do, with some people I unfortunately have to live with, and manage to make it out there, so can you.
Remember the etiquette for these protests too (which are very important, as Marshall Law has been discussed in the White House and they are itching for an excuse. Do not let them steal the narrative). These are peaceful protests, do not engage with heckling or counter protestors. These early ones are important to lay a foundation for what may come.
"Okay, but I am physically incapable of showing up to these protests. I want to help though."
A lot of the organizers have thought of this. Check their pages for the call-ins they may hold during protest days, or even check to see what current issues you can call your reps/state heads about.
"Alright, I'll think about it"
If mockery encourages you, don't let the boomers who show up out show the younger generation on fighting for their rights. Are you seriously going to ream on the older generation and then get out-activist by them? Stop being a cynic, this hasn't helped anyone and you've never been cool. Be sincere for once in your life.
If encouragement makes you more likely to show up, know that people of all ages and life walks have shown up to these events to protest for their and others rights. Not only do I unfortunately live Deeply Red, but other places that had good turn outs did too.
Kentucky, Texas, and Utah all had amazing turn outs.
Small, deeply red, pro-Trump towns have had good turn outs too.
Be part of the history of resistance, and join us out there.
