5 Reasons to Attend #NoKings

This week, the threat of violence — to anyone who’s even in the vicinity of a protest — got very real.

Safety and security are real issues. But here are our 5 reasons to attend tomorrow’s NO KINGS rally:

1. It hurts Trump.

With their expensive parade and vulgar exploitation of our military, Trump is trying to engineer a narrative that reads something like “Grateful nation heralds triumphant return of hero president.”

Large, nationwide protests scramble that plan. With the increasing disapproval of Trump’s second term, “big protests in all 50 states” is a perilous narrative for the PR-focused regime.

2. It helps us.

Can you imagine if the major storyline the national media was chasing for the next several months was “GOP’s unpopular plans sink party’s chances in midterms”?

Yeah, we know that major outlets like the Washington Post, Politico and the LA Times will still put their thumbs on the scale for the “business-friendly” GOP.

But what’s Helen Reddy’s line? “In numbers too big to ignore.” We have the power to change the story line … but only if we show up.

3. It feels good!

The signs are hilarious. The people are courteous and friendly. And giving a deep-throated yell in the midst of a crowd of your fellow citizens leaves you feeling energized and motivated.

Plus: your people will be there. Book readers, backyard gardeners, dog walkers. Your neighbors and friends! We’ll meet at the Heroes of the Alamo monument before the rally starts. Come find us there!

4. Lloyd Doggett’s speaking — and working behind the scenes.

Rep. Doggett’s office got in touch with us and asked us to spread the word: he’s working behind the scenes to ensure that protestors are safe and that there won’t be any need for the National Guard — as Gov. Abbott seems to be hoping for.

5. Courage is Contagious.

Our take? The saber-rattling is an attempt to scare us, and it’s not going to work. Here’s a page from the FORWRD-ATX brand framework that outlines our promise and our beliefs:

With guiding beliefs like “we are stronger together” and “courage is contagious,” our direction is clear: we’ll be at this rally, and all the ones in the months to come.

We’ll meet at the Heroes of the Alamo monument beginning at around 4:45. We’ll have FORWRD-ATX signs (!) you can use to find us.

If you arrive late, just look for our signs or one of the guild banners — they’ll be helpful markers in what we hope is a huge crowd!

He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Banner

We’re looking for volunteers to help carry our guild banners during the rally!

We’d especially like to get the early shift covered, as our volunteers will be busy passing out gold crowns to the crowd. Feel free to forward the signup link to your tallest friends ….

And speaking of the crowns … we’ll be at the League of Women Voters’ tent handing them out. The tents and tables will be located along the main walkway from Congress Avenue. Come pick one up!

Still nervous about violence? Here are some more safety resources:

 ✅ Here’s a document with tips to stay safe while protesting. It also includes the phone number for a local attorney, Austin Kaplan, who has agreed to be “on call” for FORWRD-ATX members, just in case. (THANK YOU, AUSTIN!)

✅ Remember the “sit-down wave”:

✅ The Women’s March is hosting a nationwide training call Friday evening at 7 PM to review protest safety tips, nonviolent practices, and more. You can sign up here.

🗓️ Calendar Highlights

“We must constantly build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

We try to include a variety of in person and online activities each week. Pick and choose what works for you! We will highlight items that other FORWRD members shared with us by adding a 💜. 

For June 13th

Local Austin events (in person):

• 💜Friday, June 13th 8-9:30 AM (in person) 12th Street Banner Drop with the Rosedale Huddle - Peaceful, energetic and FUN! We will be holding banners and signs over the interstate at peak traffic /visibility times - we wave flags, support our banners and thumbs up to the many honks and waves from cars and trucks below.

• 💜Saturday, June 14th 2-3:30 PM (in person) City to Senate Town Hall with Zo Qadri and Sarah Eckhardt Zo Qadri (Austin District 9) and Sarah Eckhardt are coming together for a town hall to talk with you about everything happening down at City Hall and under the pink dome.

• 💜💜💜Saturday, June 14th 5-8 PM (in person)  No Kings/Kick Out The Clowns National Day of Defiance Join us at the Texas State Capitol for No Kings, Kick Out the Clowns —a nonpartisan, peaceful, creative, wildly satirical grassroots street circus – to say loud and clear: No Kings in America. - Meet up with FORWRD at the Heroes of the Alamo Monument

• 💜Tuesday, June 17th 8-9:30 AM (in person) Far West Banner Drop - Peaceful, energetic and FUN! We will be holding banners and signs over the interstate at peak traffic /visibility times - we wave flags, support our banners and thumbs up to the many honks and waves from cars and trucks below.

• 💜Thursday, June 19th 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM (in person) Greg Casar for Congress Summer Reception A fundraiser for Rep Greg Casar, and a chance to hear about his plans in congress.

• 💜Friday, June 20th 8-9:30 AM (in person) 12th Street Banner Drop with the Rosedale Huddle - Peaceful, energetic and FUN! We will be holding banners and signs over the interstate at peak traffic /visibility times - we wave flags, support our banners and thumbs up to the many honks and waves from cars and trucks below.

Online events:

• Anytime - ACLU Know Your Rights webinar - please note that the first minute is in Spanish and the rest is in English

• Thursday, June 12th 7-8 PM Indivisible’s No Kings Attendee PreMobilization Call Indivisible will provide timely updates, walk through key messaging guidance, and share best practices on how to prepare for participation in the mass mobilization on June 14th

• Friday, June 13th 7-8 PM (webinar) Protest Safety Mass Call with the Women’s March Led by experts from Nonviolent Peaceforce, you’ll learn key tools to stay safe, support others, and keep actions powerful and protected. Because when it comes to safety, we don’t clown around.

• Wednesday, June 18th 6-8 PM (webinar) Resistance Lab Part 2 with Pramila Jayapal Join Rep Jayapal for this powerful organizing training designed specifically for this moment.