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Beyond pink hats: Minnesota People’s March seeks to change approach to protests

Trump Inauguration Protests
Protesters gather at the stage for the Women's March on Washington during the first full day of Donald Trump's presidency.
John Minchillo | AP 2017

It’s been eight years since Donald Trump was inaugurated for his first term, and ahead of his second inauguration on Monday, coordinated protest marches are expected throughout the country on Saturday.

In Minnesota, the organizers, who were also behind the Minnesota Women’s March from 2017, are trying a different technique to keep people engaged.

“We learned over the years that it’s super important to connect people with something to do after [the march],” said Jackie Craig of the Minnesota chapter of The People’s March.

This time, instead of pink hats and reactionary protests and actions, their focus is on getting people in the door of local organizations that are doing the legwork on issues Minnesotans are passionate about. That way, they believe, those who are passionate about their mission will continue to show up, even after the protest is long over.

“They look for volunteers. They look for that energy. They look for people to show up,” Craig said. “They also need funding, and they need people to raise their voices.”

To listen to the full conversation, click the player above.