I Threw a Protest, Only 2 People Came (And That’s Okay)

An enthusiastic activist emailed, saying “What brings down Trump are massive protests, and that takes P.R. and enthusiasm. This April 19 thing {Hands Down Two} sounds more like a whimper. We need more than April 5 {Hands Down}, not less”.

I understand their point of view. I have felt the same sense of frustration at times. So, their email spurred me to examine my own path as I’ve navigated the ups and downs of my activism.

This was my response: I agree with you, to a point. This event will probably be smaller than April 5th, but that’s how movements progress, in fits and starts.

Everyday Activists began with just me, 9 years ago, holding a big sign over my head as I walked my dog everyday. I branched out to standing on street corners from Alderwood to Seatac, and from Bellevue to Richmond Heights. Then I formed a Facebook group and started posting slideshows of 9 years’ worth of social justice signs on YouTube. (Janis Ian and Holly Near generously granted the use of their music as soundtracks.)

I began a weekly sign-waving action two years ago, calling it Sunday Standouts. For a long time, I was alone on Sundays - then I was joined by two other people.

The creation of the Everyday Activists website a year ago drew more eyes.

It was time for Everyday Activists to join national events: International Women’s Day in 2025 drew 40+. The next Sunday Standout drew 10; then we dropped down to 6. Our first Hands Off event was attended by more than 1500 enthusiastic people, and the next Sunday Standout went up to 20.

What I learned from all this is that fluctuation in attendance is normal. I have also found that holding regularly scheduled events at consistent times and locations helps a great deal in keeping—and increasing—active participation. The more people see us, the more inspired they are to join us.

Thus, we persist.