We had a great time on June 14th and the goal is double the nationwide turn out on October 18th
Rain or Shine—Democracy Needs Us
No Kings 2: Electric Boogaloo Rally and Hygiene Drive
Civic Center Park 900 57th Street Kenosha
Sat., Oct. 18 1-4pm
adapted from the email sent to folks who signed up Mobilize and our email list
1. Parking: There is street parking near and around the park, a parking lot behind Reuther/Harborside High School, and a free parking structure a couple blocks away at 5711 8th Ave. Please note that 1-2 hour time limits on street parking are in effect on Saturdays; be sure to check the signs. We would like to maintain the spots along the south side of the park for our protesters who need accessible parking close to Sheridan, so we appreciate your cooperation with this.
2. Accessible Area: We have many seniors and people with disabilities who want to participate in peaceful protest but worry about the large crowds. To reduce this stress, we are setting up an Accessible Area at the southeast corner of Civic Center Park. This small area will be cordoned off and we will have a Safety Marshal stationed there to help those who need it. Again, we appreciate your cooperation in helping all of our participants feel safe and secure.
3. Tables in the Park: Hands Off Kenosha will have a table in the park with information about our group as well as a sign-up sheet if you would like to join us for future event planning sessions. We are grateful for donations to help us fund future events. With a donation, you can choose a bracelet, keychain, button, or T-shirt ($15 suggested). There will also be a table to drop off your hygiene donation if you have one. Thank you in advance for helping our neighbors experiencing homelessness. For a list of needed items, click here.
4. Dress Appropriately and Take Care of Yourself: Dress for the weather, remembering that it is windy and cooler by the lake. Bring water. If you need a folding chair – bring it! If it rains, we will move to Plan B, which is the same as Plan A, but in the rain. We will have people from our group who will have first-aid kits for any minor injuries, and we will have a small supply of water and snacks.
5. Costumes: This rally is meant to be an act of joyful resistance. We encourage you to dress as a king or queen in whatever form that takes for you. We will have crowns for people who want them. Costumes are fun, but not at all required!
6. Signage Is Up to You: We will have some signs at the HOK table that have been left from previous rallies or been donated if you need one. Please make sure your signs are family friendly. Remember that children will see them. It has been shown that positively stated signs are more effective than negatively stated ones. In case of rain, packing tape or the clear gift basket bags work well to protect signs. The dollar store has rolls of clear plastic in their wrapping paper section. Feel free to bring an American flag, or wave one of our mini flags that will be handed out.
7. Be Cool: This is a non-violent, peaceful and fun rally. We think of Hands Off Kenosha as an on-ramp for those who want to participate in political resistance, but are new or feel intimidated to join in. Please do not feed the trolls by engaging with negative feedback from passersby. If you get a thumbs down or the finger — give them a smile and a thumbs up! It’s much more effective, because they think you misunderstood them. Dance, laugh and wave!
8. Stay Away from The Curb & Median: It gets exciting out there and it’s really easy to get too close to the curb. Cars are going fast, and one stumble could be deadly. Absolutely no one is allowed on the median to protest. If you want to cross the street, cross on the corner and follow the signals.
9. Have fun! It is fulfilling and energizing to interact positively with your fellow rally-goers as well as with the drivers who honk and wave. We will be playing protest music, chanting, and will have line dancing in the park at 2:00 with a special “thrilling” guest!