Yesterday (May 1) was yet another day of protests against the Trump administration and its ever-escalating moves toward authoritarianism. One topic of conversation was, “Do these protests really have an effect?” The answer to that question is yes, they do!
Protests offer two primary ways of influencing future behavior. First, they raise public awareness. It is hard to ignore a bunch of people waving signs as one drives down the Broadway Bridge. Public awareness garners media attention. Media attention catches the interest of elected officials. Second, it is the first step in building a community of resistance. Standing in a protected area, waving a sign, clapping, yelling and getting to know your protest-mates builds community. It represents a minimal- or low-commitment way of getting involved.
Political theorist Charles Tilly suggests a four-part framework that can turn nascent protests into an effective movement. To be successful, groups must convince the public that they are worthy, that the organization is unified, that it has significant enough numbers to affect political change and that members are committed to the cause.
Based on conversations overheard on Saturday, movement participants believe their cause is worthy. Speaking up is an American tradition. Standing up for one’s beliefs started with the Boston Tea Party and passed through the workers rights and civil rights movements. Change starts when people pick up a sign and raise their voice. Systems of power and wealth do not become more equitable unless they are forced into doing so by concerted collective action.
Are we unified? Does anyone think illegally deporting legal residents to black hole prisons in El Salvador is a clever idea? Does anyone believe that a tax cut designed to reward the wealthiest 1% serves American interests? Does anyone think tariffs applied to friends and foes alike will enhance the quality of our lives? Many issues, one platform.
Do we have the numbers? Not yet, but we are getting there. More than 12,500 Idahoans came to hear speakers at the anti-oligarchy rally held in Nampa last week. Protests across East Idaho registered numbers in the hundreds. That whisper you hear on Saturday afternoons will soon become a shout.
Are people committed? Yes, they are. Scores of volunteers are working within existing political organizations encompassing moderate Republicans, Democrats and Independents. Pick one, be the change you want to see. Note how many volunteers have come out in recent years to support Medicaid expansion, improved elections and to fight school vouchers. With greater numbers will come greater commitment as the movement blossoms.
Spring is coming. With it, the hope that America will not simply roll over and accept the rule of Donald Trump and his lackeys in Boise. Do protests matter? Yes, they do! The next time you drive by on the Broadway Bridge and see people waving signs, stop, ask questions and learn how to become involved. Our actions matter. Your voice counts. Use it or lose it.
Todd DeVries is a local mental health worker and the state committeeman for the Bonneville County Democratic Central Committee.