January 26, 2026

Does non-violent protest work? Who is it actually for? Despite having attended dozens of protests in my life, I was still stuck on these fundamental questions, mostly because I often go away from protests feeling like the person I helped the most was myself. 

After interviewing local organizers for this issue I’m learning that perhaps that is the point. Non-violent demonstrations pave the way for more sustained efforts by emboldening everyone present to continue doing the work. It gives us a space to yell and to grieve alongside others telling up that we are not alone. At the same time, by boldly wearing our hearts on our sleeves we invite others to show up more boldly in their own communities. In this way, protest is the fuel that keeps so many of us going and invites new folks in to do the same. 

Most importantly perhaps, protest (and legal observance) is our legal right and no one, not even those fucking ICE murderers are going to take it from us.