United We Resist helped organize an Anti-Trump protest on April 5, along Randall Rd, Wisconsin.
One of the protests included a movement called “Hands off,” which was a part of a larger national protest. This particular movement is a protest against President Donald Trump’s legal changes.
“In the case of Hands Off, people wanted to express their fear and anger over President Trump’s authoritarian policies and his administration’s cuts to social welfare programs and agencies that help people, not just in the U.S. but around the world,” said Ruth Scifo, chairmen from the Democratic Party of McHenry. “They came together to demand justice, protect rights and defend democracy. They hope that the protests will result in the Trump administration and lawmakers getting rid of the Department of Government Efficiency, the group that is indiscriminately cutting programs important to Americans’ well-being to give tax breaks to wealthy people and trampling on freedoms.”
According to Northwest Herald about 1,200 protesters attended this particular protest on April 5.
“The most important thing people can do is get registered to vote, be an informed voter, vote in every election, and support good candidates who will work on the issues important to them,” said Scifo. “The people we elect to office are responsible for crafting and implementing the policies that will create the world we want to live in. Even if you are not 18 (the voting age) yet, you can be an election judge while a high school junior or senior. The experience will get you ready to vote when you are of age.”
“The people protesting are hoping to raise awareness about the issues, mobilize more people to protest, and put pressure on the Trump administration and Congress to stop the harmful things they are doing,” said Scifo. “They want to let others know that they are not alone in their outrage about what the government is doing and wants to do, and encourage them to speak out too. Those harmful things include cuts to climate change initiatives, scientific research, diversity, equity and inclusion programs, Medicaid, consumer protections, education, social security, international aid, aid to Ukraine and programs under the Department of Health and Human Services – and so much more.”
Scifo explains how even if someone is too young to vote, thay can still make a change.
“Even those still too young to vote can start a group at their school to work on issues like the environment, gun violence, mental health, affordable housing, the cost of college, or anything you care about,” said Scifo, “and research the candidates to see who shares your concerns and wants to make change.”
While some people are lost in the chaos, the breakdown of the Hands off protests starts with just simply raising awareness.
To find out more, reach out to others, take a look at someone else’s perspective.
“Protesters are motivated by a wide range of issues, and the best way to find out why they are protesting is to go to a protest and read the signs, and ask them.”