A note from Judith:
I came to the protest for the first time in April. The months before I had become increasingly depressed, scared and angry and that day I showed up alone, expecting to stand there and not talk to anyone.
This was my first protest and the people around me welcomed me and encouraged me. I looked around and realized I was not crazy and that what was happening in the USA was not normal and there were people like me all around.
During the week the news is a continued barrage of the breakdown of our liberties and freedoms and by Friday I feel defeated. I show up on Saturday and see you all on the line, you talk and laugh, we get angry together and lift each other up.
Our community encourages us to not give up, to keep going. We protect each other and this is our strength. Community is now why I show up every week, why I am not giving up.
249 people and 5 dogs joined us in the amazing autumn sunshine.
Every week I am humbled by so many of you who show up no matter what. You show up with knee braces or just weeks out from surgery. You show up with oxygen tanks and walkers. You show up young and old and I want you to know I see you. I see your amazing perseverance and you give others courage to do the same.
Keep your eyes out for the newsletter on Thursday night or Friday morning for the last minute updates and instructions for the big protest on the 18th! I can’t wait to see you all there!
Please share your own photos on social media using the #ChaskaProtests hashtag.
Thanks Judith for sharing your story of involvement! Just so you all know, up at Two Harbors last Friday evening, we had 61 on highway 61. Small town, but dedicated people. We are in this together, and I’m sure there are other groups like ours up north, who show up every week to make our voices heard. Ken
Thank you Judith! Thank you Paul for the wonderful photos! Thank you everyone!