"50 States, 1 Movement": 50501 Encourages community action for next protest

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Protesters at Champaign's Hands Off! rally line University Avenue in Champaign. Over a thousand people were at Westside Park on a chilly April 5 for two hours, joining more than an estimated 1 million protesters nationwide.

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URBANA - The 50501 group, using the slogan "50 protests. 50 states. 1 movement," is gearing up for its next event. The grassroots organization that coordinated 1,400 protests worldwide on April 5, is calling for a "Day of Action" on April 19.

While individual chapters/states can organize protests, 50501 said on its website, "We just aren't doing a big national push since many states need more time to plan and coordinate. We need to think a bit more long term and practical."

Activists nationwide had hoped for another rally similar to April 5 from the organization. The group thinks Americans affected by the Trump administration's tariffs and job cuts can be better served Easter weekend by performing acts of kindness and service.

"You don't have to reinvent the wheel, if there's an organization locally that has been doing the good work ... ask how you can help!"

Four things they suggest include:

• Donating to a local organization that feeds/clothes/helps local people, especially underserved areas.
• Hosting a picnic where everyone brings a few items that are in good condition to swap out for something they might need from someone else.
• Doing a clothing drive during a park day or community cookout.
• Meeting up at the library to discuss different actions or start a book club.

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