I know people say if you're going to No Kings or any other protest you need to do this and that, or list all the things you should do, but really all you need to do is show up and walk around for a bit.

[orrickle@sfba.social]

@billyjoebowers I’m going as a bike marshal for BADASH Bay Area something or other. I will be protecting the people marching, and they will know that PEOPLE LIKE THEM NOTHING SPECIAL WILLHAVE THEIR BACKS. so go. we are all behind our backs.

[jb643@mastodon.social]

@billyjoebowers The worst thing that has happened to me at a protest is that someone bumped into me and said, "Excuse me".

[norcalgma2@sfba.social]

@billyjoebowers
Just being around so many people who are also unhappy with this regime is heartening.
Reading the signs and listening to the music gives me hope. Seeing all ages protesting together is the best.

[oldguycrusty@mastodon.world]

RE: https://mastodon.online/@billyjoebowers/116303793861967568

@billyjoebowers

This. Yes, just go and hang out.. and the weird thing is that you will meet people there that you would NOT expect to be there. Guaranteed.

This will be my 3rd. Happened both times before. Somebody from work or other part of my life where I never for a second would have thought they would turn out... so thats cool.

[markwyner@mas.to]

@billyjoebowers thank you for this. Every action of protest is acceptable. Some folks are hardcore. Some are persistent and safe. Others simply dip their toes in. All of it is important.

[cassandravert@indieweb.social]

And it's fun to go look at all the creative signs.

[gimulnautti@mastodon.green]

@billyjoebowers That’s right!

I went to a lot of protests when I was younger, and my actual experience of them was, that they are #networking events which also make a point!

[justmichelle@beige.party]

@jalefkowit @billyjoebowers Many of the events have extra signs. Sometimes people bring extra signs. If you a worried about it. You can always offer to hold someone's sign while they get a snack.

[crazyeddie@mastodon.social]

@billyjoebowers When people suggest I need to do this or that I do the other thing because I figure it wasn't considered and so nobody else will.

[grumpyoldtechie@hostux.social]

@yugthebug

Better yet, don't take your phone. iPhones still transmit even when they're off because they warn you they are still findable when you "Power off". I don't know android but I won't be surprised if android phones do the same.

@billyjoebowers

[dervishpi@mastodon.social]

@billyjoebowers As both an agoraphobe and uncomfortable around strangers, networking events are scary. Even so, having more bodies sends its own message - and the people don't care if you're not shouting slogans or carrying a sign.

[kitsunevixi@sakurajima.social]

@billyjoebowers@mastodon.online Can we have no datacenters protests?

[chris@westmichigan.social]

@billyjoebowers And I'd also love to encourage people to use this as an opportunity to get connected with local groups who are working to keep the energy focused on change. Huge rallies like this are important, we need to carry the energy forward by finding ways to stay active!

#indivisible #nokings

[garias73@mastodon.social]

@billyjoebowers agree, just showing up sends a huge message

[danmillervfx@noc.social]

@billyjoebowers This is just the US taxpayer direct costs, doesn’t factor in increases in prices, interest on the additional debt, costs covered by countries other than the US etc.. https://iran-cost-ticker.com/

[jackwilliambell@rustedneuron.com]

RE: https://rustedneuron.com/@jackwilliambell/116304073871196033

@jalefkowit @billyjoebowers

There's plenty of signs out there, formatted so you can print them out at home and take them. Here's one I made:

[nando161@partyon.xyz]

@chris @billyjoebowers https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/mark-bray-antifa-the-antifascist-handbook