Millions are expected at the nationwide “No Kings” protests this Saturday, including a gathering in Monticello organized by grassroots group We Are One Sullivan. The coalition advocates for civic engagement and accountability in government and encourages residents to speak out against threats to democracy, public institutions, and the rule of law.
“We Are One Sullivan is our local chapter of Indivisible… We started in 2016 when the first Trump administration came into being,” said Ken Wampler, a founding member of the group. “After the last election, we reconstituted. On Saturday, we are joining the rest of the nation to say we don’t have kings. We have a rule of law in the United States. We got rid of a king and we don’t want one back.”
Local Issues Drive Action
Healthcare and nutrition programs are top concerns for local activists. Another member, Janet Davis said, “Rural hospitals and medical facilities are struggling to create budgets for the coming year and may have to close… Add to that the cuts to SNAP funding and so many of our local children who rely on it.”
Community and Civic Engagement
We Are One Sullivan’s Ali Azios described her start with the group: “We hosted the Good Trouble event at our space, New Memories. It was a great community bonding experience, and I signed up for We Are One Sullivan right then and there.”
Addressing critics who see the protest as partisan, Wampler said, “We stand up for our country because we love our country… We are passionate about our institutions and want to protect them in a peaceful, community-oriented way.”
Monticello Rally Details
The local protest will be stationary, not a march. Wampler said, “We will gather on the sidewalks of Monticello between 1:00 and 2:30. Bring cowbells, pom-poms, signs, flags, friends, and family… It’s a chance to strengthen one another and see that there are enormous numbers across the country who want to revive our democracy.”
A pre-event gathering and sign-making party will be held Friday at New Memories. “Bring your kids, poster boards, markers… DJ Jamie Smith will be spinning, and it’s a fun way to feel part of the community,” Azios said.
Finding Hope in Community
Azios said, “Everyone’s part of a greater community and everyone’s important.”
Davis noted growing local support: “Every Saturday in downtown Monticello, people drive by and honk or wave, realizing they are not alone.”
Wampler added, “On Saturday, I’ll be with hundreds of people. Throughout the week, I have a community that reminds me I’m not alone, and we will rise and fix our country.”
For more information about the Monticello event or We Are One Sullivan, visit their Facebook page or sign up via Mobilize. Nationwide events are listed at nokings.org.
Image: A protester marches during the No Kings rally in Monticello on June 14 (Photo Credit: Manor Ink)