What I Learned at the Hands Off National Day of Action

Last weekend, I attended what was officially called the Hands Off National Day of Action. While some might label it a protest, it felt far more like a joyful rally.

This isn’t a political post, just a snapshot of my personal experience attending my very first public demonstration.

People of All Ages, United in Purpose

• I saw folks from strollers to walkers, infants to centenarians
• The crowd was mostly Caucasian, with a nearly 50/50 gender split
• Signs reflected deeply personal, diverse motivations for showing up

The Speakers Were Informed and Inspiring

• They covered ranked-choice voting and encouraged deeper civic engagement
• Talking points were relevant, clear, and thoughtfully presented
• Every speech felt rooted in hope and possibility, not anger or division

The Energy Was Peaceful, Not Political

• There were no heated arguments or counter-protests in sight
• The vibe was upbeat, friendly, and honestly… fun
• I spent more time talking to people and feeling the energy than taking photos

Media Missed the Mark

• News coverage didn’t reflect what I experienced firsthand
• Despite an estimated 5,000 attendees, my local rally wasn’t mentioned
• The disconnect reminded me how important it is to be there ourselves

Reflection

I walked away from my first “protest” feeling more connected and hopeful than ever. It reminded me how empowering it is to gather in community, to listen, to share, and to learn.

If you’ve never been to a civic rally, I encourage you to go—not for the politics, but for the people.