Yesterday, Americans across the country showed up for a day of “good trouble,” inspired by the legacy of civil rights icon and congressman John Lewis. Before Rep. Lewis passed away five years ago, he wrote:
“Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
Tens of thousands of Americans, including many from Red Wine & Blue, gathered in their communities to protest.
But Red Wine & Blue’s Summer of Action goes beyond gathering in the streets. While protests have value and serve a purpose, they are not—and should not be—a one-off event. If done right, visual opposition can be an opportunity to strengthen your community, expand your reach by meeting new people, and work as a platform for creating actionable next steps.
Here are a few ideas for actions beyond protests to get you started.
It takes all of us showing up in our own ways to make lasting change. We hope you join us in our Summer of Action! #RWBSummerofAction
I knew I would be in the hospital on the Good Trouble Lives On national protest day. So I brought dry erase boards, pens and a list of protest signs that would work well and honor the theme. Quiet activism at work.