If you haven’t heard, the next national No Kings protest is March 28! Please read on for an important update from Williamsport 50501.
Over the last year, Williamsport has created a movement within itself. It has been a year of accomplishments. Nine events hosted, hundreds of postcards written, and a hundred more signs raised at Market Square. We’ve had many public meetings, community gatherings, local trainings, and had collaboration with some incredible organizations. And it was capped off in November with a fantastic local election.
It’s been a year of unpredictability, organization, chaos and hope. As we’ve ventured into our new reality and presidency, us as a nation and community have learned a lot and worked even harder. And us as organizers have too.
No Kings 3 not in Williamsport
Although we have participated in every No Kings protest since its inception on June 14, we will not be participating in the upcoming March 28 No Kings 3.0 event. Here’s why:
Our commitment to the safety of protest attendees (both those for the protest and against it) has always been our top priority. Before every event and protest we assess many factors, but especially how many safety monitors we can put in place at protests. And simply put, we don’t have the numbers.
If we put on a protest on March 28, we anticipate we would have upwards of 600 people there. With that kind of crowd we would need several more trained individuals than we have right now to safely oversee crowds, de-escalate situations, and ensure that we keep a crowd of that size orderly.
Historically, our protests have always been peaceful. Any moments of escalation were noted and dealt with, and anti-protestors were watched while we maintained their safety and the safety of the other protestors. When we started this one year ago, the one thing we were never willing to compromise on was the safety of the public. And if can’t ensure that, we can’t responsibly put on this protest.
We appreciate your understanding, and apologize deeply for any disappointment or frustration felt. But this movement is a marathon, not a sprint, and we need to ensure longevity by keeping people safe and building up our volunteer group.
Alternative locations
Below we’ve listed other locations hosting a No Kings 3.0 event in the surrounding area. You can find additional locations on Mobilize.
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- Date: Saturday, March 28
- Time: 12:30 - 2:00pm
- Location: State Capitol - Front Steps, 501 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA
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- Date: Saturday, March 28
- Time: 1:00 - 3:00pm
- Location: Era Mills Park, 120 Main St, Mansfield, PA
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- Date: Saturday, March 28
- Time: 1:00 - 3:00pm
- Location: 101 E College Ave, State College, PA
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- Date: Saturday, March 28
- Time: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
- Location: Bradford County Courthouse, 301 Main St, Towanda, PA
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- Date: Saturday, March 28
- Time: 5:00pm - 6:30pm
- Location: Columbia County Courthouse, 35 W Main St, Bloomsburg, PA
Volunteer with us
This is not the end fow Williamsport 50501 by any means. We will be back for future protests. But to do that we need more safety monitors.
If you are interested in volunteering with us in any capacity, reach out to us at williamsport50501@gmail.com.
See you all in the warmer months.