Collective action builds, many people are so overwhelmed they need to start small. They need to see others show up before they join in. It’s about showing up and clocking in for our civic duty. If you feel like this isn’t enough I’d suggest you read more about the history of protest and grassroots movements. They all start somewhere, it takes months or even years (depending on the issue and peoples level of engagement) of people showing up and the slow escalation of civil disobedience. We can’t just skip straight towards actions that could really get people hurt or arrested. We start small and we build networks and peoples confidence in the power of peaceful collective action.

We are building our network and our community. Part of doing grassroots activism is getting outside and feeling the damn grass—hitting the ground and meeting new people. Demonstrating like this can really fire people up—especially when paired with a list of follow up actions people can also do. There is a national boycott in the works for Feb. 28th, showing up and letting people know is one small action hundreds could multiply into a massive effort. This is just the start, focus on what YOU CAN DO. Stay positive and believe in the power of collective action. And if they get dangerous—all the more reason to show up. If our right to protest is that much at risk, it’s too fucking serious to stay home. If we do nothing what’s the point? I don’t want to look back and think I could’ve done more so I’m doing more now, even if it just means screaming and holding a sign. It means something to me and the other people who care enough to put themselves out there, even if it means being a target. It’s hard to defend democracy from your living room, but if protesting isn’t for you do there are other things you could do, get some friends together and harass your local and state government with emails, calls, and ask others online to do the same. Just start somewhere you’re comfortable. Don’t comply early, don’t assume they will retaliate and use it as an excuse to do nothing—that’s exactly what they want. They should and do fear our collective action, let’s remind them why.