"Authoritarians thrive on your silence. Be loud for America." — Governor JB Pritzker
The North Shore has several weekly pro-democracy protests, some of which began in February and are still going strong. Newcomers are welcome to these protests. If you're feeling shy, invite your family and friends to join you. The more the merrier!
These peaceful protests are serious in their intent but also often joyful and social. Regular attendees enjoy catching up with each other and venting about Trump's latest abuse of power. People bring funny and irreverent signs, music and even occasionally soap bubbles. The camaraderie and defiance at these protests alleviate the isolation and fear that comes from living under fascism.
Protesting reminds you and others of the freedoms we still have. "We protest to show ourselves that we can." wrote Timothy Snyder in his essay on June's No King protests. Every time you attend a local protest you remind yourself and your neighbors that we the people still have rights and agency. Donald Trump is not a king so long as we refuse to bow to him.
Below is the current list of weekly local protests. There is at least one protest in our area Wednesday through Sunday. Try out a few and find the ones that are the best fit for you.
- Our Community Calendar includes the regularly scheduled protests listed below in addition to special one-off protests.
- Before heading to a protest, review our Protest Safety Resources to help you stay safe.
- Making new signs? Check out our how-to series on making protest signs.
Local Protests
Wednesdays
- 11 AM - 1 PM: Bearing Witness at ICE Burlington, ICE Field Office, 1000 District Avenue, Burlington
- 12-1 PM: Lynn Stands Up for Democracy, Lynn Common, Lynn
- 5:30-6:30 PM: Beverly Pro Democracy Rally, First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 225 Cabot Street, Beverly
Thursdays
- 11 AM-1 PM: Justice for All Thursdays, ICE Field Office, 1000 District Avenue, Burlington
- 4-6 PM: Swampscott Standout for Democracy, Swampscott Memorial, 100 Humphrey Street, Swampscott
Fridays
- 4-5 PM: Topsfield Weekly Protest, Topsfield Commons, intersection of High and Main Street, Topsfield
Saturdays
- 10 AM - 11 AM: Middleton Weekly Protest, Flint Public Library, 1 South Main Street, Middleton
- 11 AM-12 PM: Beverly Hands Off!, Odell Veterans Memorial Park, 56-98 Broadway, Beverly
- 11 AM-12 PM: Hamilton Stands Out for Democracy, Grassy Area in Front of Winthrop School, 325 Bay Road, South Hamilton
- 12-1 PM: Danvers Defends Democracy, Route 114 Overpass on Andover St. adjacent to Garden Street, Danvers
- 12-1 PM: Ipswich Rally for Democracy, Ipswich Middle Green, 36 South Main Street, Ipswich
- 12-1:30 PM: Salem Weekly Standout, Riley Plaza, 1-21 Margin Street, Salem
- 5-6 PM: Marblehead Stands Up for Democracy, Glabicky Field, Corner of Route 114 and Maple Street, Marblehead, MA
Sundays
- 4:15-5:30 PM: North Shore Visibility Brigade, Grapevine Road Route 128 Overpass, Wenham, MA (Prior registration required due to space limitations.)
