365 Days of Resistance
On February 5, 2025, Mass 50501 was born (although in spirit only, not yet in name). The first event was not officially organized. People simply heard the national call for action and felt compelled to do something—anything—locally. Residents marched from the Boston Common to the JFK Federal Building to stand in opposition to the Trump regime along with every single other state as part of a nationwide mobilization: “50 states, 50 protests, 1 day.” Members that were part of this first action recall the anticipation they felt as they arrived at the Common, wondering if anyone else would even show up (they did!).
We have not stopped since. From “Hands Off!” to “No Kings!” to “Rage Against the Regime," we continue to empower the people of Massachusetts in the fight against tyranny in America. As we fight against executive overreach and unconstitutional actions, we also fight for a better, more inclusive future. Through grassroots organizing, call cannons, boycotts, coalition events, trainings, craftivism, protest art, and supporting food banks, we aim to increase democratic engagement and rally local communities and institutions in defending our rights and liberties. We are better together.
To mark Mass 50501’s first anniversary, we asked our members:
What have you learned in the past year?
How has your perspective changed?
This is what they had to say:
I’ve learned that I have more agency than I realized, and the barrier of entry to activism is not as high as I had thought.
I’ve learned that while some people are incredible, resilient, and passionate fighters, far, far too many people are intentionally ignorant of the daily horrors we face—or worse, they support them. There is not nearly enough outrage about what is happening, and that exhausts and infuriates me. But I’ve also learned that doing something to fight back, like volunteering with Mass50501, can help me find the strength to keep going.
I have learned that anyone can become an activist. This movement needs an enormous variety of skills and abilities and there is truly a place for everyone to pitch in and help. I've learned We The People have far more power than we realize and when we unite, we can care for our communities and change the course of history. I've learned this work is hard, but the rewards are great. I've learned that caring for a movement requires caring for ourselves. I've learned people can truly change and grow. Communication, empathy, and grit are some of our strongest assets. Organization, community care, and a commitment to nonviolence are the tools that will ensure we build a strong democracy together.
I've learned that my mental health is vastly improved by doing something to attempt to shape the world around me rather than just watching the news and feeling helpless. I don't think it matters what you're doing or how large it is, as long as it feels meaningful.
I've learned that a larger segment of Americans than I expected are willing to stand up for their rights, their values, and their neighbors.
I've learned that there are so many ways to contribute to activism in addition to attending protests and calling representatives. It has been truly inspiring to work together with a team of people applying their varied talents and interests to advocate for our communities and our nation.
I've learned that if I am willing to get out there and defend and support my community, that it will defend and support me too.
I've learned that I'm by no means the only progressive who believes in patriotism, and more generally that there's a broad ideological spectrum of people who might not always align with mainstream left-wing activism but want to join the fight against MAGA autocracy however they can.
I have learned that people are hungry to express their outrage and take action and have needed activists and leaders to provide the structure and the tools .... so they can then learn to do it themselves. I learned that Mass 50501 quickly learned its differentiators and the skill sets it brings to the resistance. I learned that there's something each one of us can bring to this fight, especially when we don't overthink things! I've learned that a spectrum of voices and actions is needed to keep pushing the fight forward. I've learned that to be surrounded by fellow warriors with big hearts and exceptional skills and resilience lifts me up every day.
I've learned that while I have more capacity to push for justice than I thought I did, I've also learned that that capacity isn't limitless. That's true for all of us. Fortunately, I've also learned that we have an incredible community of people here who are ready to step in and support each other when one of us hits that limit.
I know I am still incredibly grateful that you all believe we can do this. Thank you.
I’ve learned a ton about the inner workings of how the federal government should work. I discovered and made friends with people who believe in democracy, integrity, and freedom. I’ve found how important local community and local politics are and that this local community is what binds us together. I also learned so very much about how our history has really shaped our nation, and how shadows of those actions appear today; this gives me hope because our nation came through such painful times before.
Nationwide days of action like October’s “No Kings!” have mobilized at least 7 million people across the country. (If you’re keeping track, that is roughly 2% of the U.S. population.) These numbers are encouraging given the 3.5% rule which posits that when a nonviolent movement achieves active and sustained civil resistance of at least 3.5% of its population, success becomes almost certain. As the Trump administration’s horrors continue, instead of shrinking, our numbers grow. In Massachusetts alone, we have a volunteer list of over 1,700 people and over 1,900 Discord members. (Join us!) Active and sustained civil resistance does not mean just protesting—although that is certainly one part of it. It means showing up in big and small ways every day. Talking to one another. Spreading the movement. Engaging in your community. Volunteering for organizations like LUCE. Making calls to your federal and local officials. Recognizing and harnessing your spending power. Joining an organization. Whatever you choose, we are with you—and if you are looking for a big protest, mark your calendars. The next No Kings event is March 28th. See you there!
Enjoyed this article? Get updates on the movement, volunteer opportunities, and more by clicking below.