Town Hall. It’s where residents go to pay taxes, register a dog, or talk with the town manager. But every Saturday, it becomes the backdrop for something with far-reaching intent and effect. On that empty sidewalk, hundreds gather for an hour to protest the inhumane policies enacted and carried out by federal agencies intent on frightening the citizens of this democracy into silence. Illegal searches and detentions; masked agents carrying weapons into peaceful streets and communities; smear campaigns against victims who died at the hands of undertrained and overzealous ICE agents. People make signs objecting to all of it. All ages from all neighborhoods gather and stand together.
It may not seem like a very effective way to stop the violations and the violence happening just down the street and throughout the country. But just such tactics have worked wonders in the past – in occupied India as well as in our own country a few decades back. Shedding light on actions that harm and holding the government and individual people accountable for their actions work far better in the long run than returning violence for violence. For true change that lasts, a better and more peaceful world is a goal achieved by better and more peaceful means.
So hold a sign, call a representative, attend a vigil. It may seem like it’s a waste of time, or at best a silly symbolic action. But it can be transformed into so much more…
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. ICor. 1:27, NRSV
Whether it be holding a sign with others or walking together or wearing a button, these are definitely peaceful ways of getting the message out to those who are viewing or reading that we care about a situation taking place to make positive changes, to help in some way and to put a stop to what has been already happening.
When i was 14 growing up in West Roxbury, attending school in Dorchester ( neighborhoods of Boston ) my classmate and friend Naomi was dedicated to justice issues. At the time in 1969, there was an issue in California for migrant grape farmers earning unfair wages and their living conditions. Naomi gave out buttons saying “Boycott Grapes”; i wore that button for a while ; time passed but i saved my button. About 10+ years ago i worked in a third grade classroom where a student chose César Cháves, who led the United Farm Workers (UFW) union, as her historical biography project. I remembered about my “Boycott Grapes” button, found it tucked away in a special box and was able to give it to the student.
In Plymouth MA where i live now there is a group called Indivisible Plymouth. It may be just the right group for me to get involved with, to convey a message of caring by holding a sign or wearing a button, along with others who want to demonstrate peaceful changes.
Thanks, Robin. What a good memory, and a gift of history for your student. peace, Johnna
That very particular image of a small Town Hall, and the people who gather there–that’s what’s so encouraging right now. Even in small, out of the way places, people are standing up. After a long time feeling frozen, Pam and I are finally getting active again, It feels good!
It does, doesn’t it?
Sounds like a very good plan David ! Many of us are still thawing out from the bitter cold temperatures lately but are maybe ready to be out in front of our small town Town Halls ! I am ready too, to be an active participant in a small peaceful rally. ( There might be one happening this coming Saturday at 1pm; i hope to drive by and check it out first. ) Peace, Robin