A new grassroots movement named 50501 has sprung up. Its bold aim is to coordinate 50 marches in all 50 states on the same day. Pronounced “fifty-fifty-one,” the active, people-powered movement unites citizens. Retaking control of the appropriation process requires democratic accountability and pushes back against executive overreach. Save the date! Together, we’ll influence change from February 5 and beyond! Then we will continue with further protests to generate stronger momentum for social change.
February 5 was selected for the first protest almost at random. What’s remarkable about it, despite all the hate, is that it has collectively inspired and mobilized tens of thousands of people across the United States. Each day of action since then has brought out even bigger crowds, showing that the movement’s call for change is resonating with more and more people. The most recent protest in February saw participation double — bringing thousands of new citizens out onto the streets.
50501 is powered by a strong network of passionate volunteers located in all 50 states and Washington D.C, proving its coast-to-coast impact. It partners with four notable organizations: Political Revolution, Voices of Florida, NoVoiceUnheard, and Build the Resistance. These collaborations have been key to equipping and training local artists and organizers.
We’re fortunate that our friends at Political Revolution have been indispensable in creating 50501’s unique cyberspace home. In addition, they have organized multiple trainings and offered technical assistance. Voices of Florida has focused on training new organizers to communicate effectively with the press and ensuring safety at protests.
This powerful slogan is a great representation of the spirit of 50501’s mission—bringing citizens together to support the movement in their own way.
Mark your calendars for May 1, when the spotlight will be on workers’ rights and immigrants’ rights! This thematic strategy further emphasizes the movement’s willingness to tackle a wide variety of social justice issues that connect with multi-faceted communities across the country.
A particularly passionate subreddit has picked up the cause and regularly planned local protests and localized poster messaging. It plans and implements strategies to increase participation. This new digital platform helps build a cohort of participants who collectively share an excitement and commitment to making transformative civic impact.
The movement’s handbook explains that “50501 is not an organization. Those wanting to become members need to be committed to a democratic agenda. They just need to take four simple steps, as described by Hunter Dunn, our national press coordinator for the campaign.
“You aren’t led by me, you’re led by that spirit in EVERY ONE OF US that sees a wrong and needs to do something to make it right!” – Hunter Dunn
The handbook further encourages individuals not to seek leadership or permission from 50501 but rather to take initiative in holding their government accountable. Stop looking to 50501, your elected leaders won’t lead and won’t give you permission to adequately hold your own government accountable. The moment is now for you to take action. You are 50501. United our voices are a force that can’t be denied,” they claim.
Participants come from a variety of interesting backgrounds, they all come together for one purpose. Sydney, a volunteer, shared her experience: “I decided to pick the ball up and do it myself. I learned a lot extremely quickly. It’s probably one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.”
The sentiment expressed by Dunn is representative of a larger frustration about the state of politics today. He asserts that “Trump and his cronies are actively trying to take over our country and destroy our democracy,” while criticizing the Democratic Party for not doing enough to counteract these actions.
Sarah Parker, another prominent voice within 50501, remarked on the grassroots nature of the movement: “We’re building the airplane while flying it. It’s amazing to see new people building this amazing infrastructure. It’s bottom-up, not top-down.”
Throughout its growth, 50501 remains focused on fostering collaboration among individuals who share a commitment to democratic principles. Now as the movement only seems to be growing and gaining momentum, its effects on local communities and national dialogue are hard to miss.
“And at the core, that’s what 50501 is – a date and a place to find each other and stand together.” – Evolved Fungi