This is the last in a series about the League of Women Voters and protesting.
Many in our community who oppose this administration’s policies and actions express those beliefs through protests and rallies. A few agreed to tell us why.
“I protest because it is a way to call attention to injustices using our first amendment rights. My voice is amplified by those who have joined the protest. Together we are stronger than any one of us and through our protests build a supportive community.
During the 60s and 70s we often wondered if we were making a difference because things seemed to move so slowly, if at all. Looking back most people now agree that it was the constant voices of the people “in the streets” that made it possible to pass civil rights legislation and shorten the war in Vietnam. Protesters made a big difference.” --Diane M
“There have always been so many issues to support or oppose and so many ways to do that. With gratitude for the efforts of those through history that fought before, those who made good trouble as they marched through countless acts of courage, I feel compelled to honor them by trying to hold the line. My presence at gatherings may help others be aware or know they are not alone in caring. Everybody can DO SOMETHING to stand guard for the future. For my children & grandchildren and thousands of my students I can show up at rallies. Together we can keep hope alive in this trembling world and sleep a little better at night.” --Dava Z
“I participate in protests and rallies because it is imperative to not be silent but express my support for progressive policy positions and equally express my opposition to regressive policy positions. In my opinion the value these protests and rallies provide is to give people a sense of community and common purpose. I come away knowing I am not alone or even in a minority. I am part of a broad coalition of diverse people who are willing to stand up for what is right and true.” --Jim R
“Protest is an invitation into communal catharsis, and for me, public dissent was the permission slip I needed to process my intense rage and grief. Injustice has become the unfortunate norm, and the burden of this reality sent me into a vicious downward spiral. I felt powerless and alone. When I showed up to local demonstrations, those feelings of isolation and helplessness dissipated. I realized that solitude was not sustainable in fascist conditions, and that my survival (and sanity) required solidarity. Collective action invokes widespread change, not only in our governments and policies, but in our communities. Local rallies magnify political issues, but they also amplify mutual aid efforts, provide safe spaces for healthy dissentient expression, and create grassroots neighborhood networks. The antithesis of fascism is community, and protest is our invitation to building better tomorrows, stronger systems, and more empowered people”. —Olenka M
For those uncomfortable or unable to participate in rallies, there are other effective means to make your voice heard.
- Contact state and/or U.S. representatives via email and/or phone calls
- Speak up during the public comment portion of governmental body meetings
- File an Illinois witness slip registering your support, opposition, or neutrality for legislation under consideration
- Attend League of Women Voters Lobby Days in Springfield
- Boycott organizations that do not act in alignment with your values
- Use Vote411 for informed voting in local, state, and national elections
- Help drive voters to the polls
- Become an election judge or poll watcher
- Write an OpEd or Letter to the Editor
- Share verified and accurate information on your social media accounts
- Start or participate in a book club dedicated to community engagement publications
- Join the League of Women Voters
- VOTE