Indian River No Kings Protest Oct. 18th: Updates

In Indian River County, we’re witnessing the local performance of the same political theatre playing out across the country — the silencing of dissent, the hijacking of education, and the replacement of service with self-interest. When extremists target a business for its beliefs, infiltrate public schools with partisan indoctrination, or push to privatize what belongs to the public, they’re not representing the people — they’re rehearsing tyranny. No kings. No oligarchs. No theocrats. No tyrants. Democracy belongs to the people, and discomfort is part of democracy’s work.

This is why the Democrats of Indian River, along with a growing local coalition, will be demonstrating next Saturday, along state road 60, at 12:30PM.

Sebastians Indivisible branch is also holding a No Kings rally that day at 10:00 AM, Riverview Park.

We are committed to ensuring this demonstration a safe, nonviolent action. As such, we expect every attendee to avoid escalating encounters with counter protesters. We will be appointing volunteers as safety captains, but we hope that every individual can take on that role as well. Safety captains will be easily identifiable by nametags and vests. If you witness any violent encounters or a genuine medical emergency, please call 911. The sheriff department is aware of this demonstration and is ready to provide support while still respecting our first amendment rights. We are asking that you do not open carry at this demonstration, however if anyone is seen with a weapon it is crucial that you do not confront them as this may escalate tensions. It is also necessary you stand at least 3 feet from the curb to ensure your safety. We have provided some resources below on de-escalation; however, the single most important piece of advice is to avoid confronting agitators and encourage those around you to do the same. They will quicky lose steam if you do not give them the attention they’re looking for. DE-ESCALATION TACTICS No Kings Safety Training URGENT: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED In order to ensure a safe an effective rally on the 18th, we will need volunteers for a few critical roles: -Safety Captains (de-escalate confrontations, report dangerous situations, direct attendees away from the street) -Parking Direction (keep people from parking where they may be towed) -Hydration Wagon (provide water/ice to anyone affected by the heat who is too far for the first aid/hydration tent) -First Aid  (call the emergency line if there are any major health-related incidents, provide water/ice to anyone who has overheated) IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ANY OF THESE ROLES, PLEASE JOIN US AT HEADQUARTERS (2706 20TH ST) ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17TH,  5:00PM. YOU CAN ALSO JOIN VIA ZOOM WITH THE BUTTON BELOW. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL PROTEST VOLUNTEERS ATTEND THIS MEETING PROTEST ZOOM THE COALITION  These demonstrations are made possible thanks to our volunteers and a growing local coalition of pro-democracy organizations. Learn more about our coalition members and why they’re taking part in this effort below: We are protesting because we want to live in a democracy where our constitution and our rights are not violated daily. Where we live under the freedoms that were long ago fought for and won. Where what we say, what we look like, who we love, how we worship (or don’t), how we identify, and how we vote are protected, respected and upheld by those who we choose to govern. Because the regime that is gripping our nation must be stopped and held accountable for the harm they do and the crimes, they commit against WE THE PEOPLE. No single group, regardless of how loud, should ever dominate and control public spaces.  Democracy means that everyone counts. The privatization  movement against our public schools is taking public funds away from public  institutions and pushing that public money into private,  often faith based, education.  The separation of church and state,  that our forefathers stood for,  is being ignored.    We don’t have Kings and we don’t have religion controlling our public entities. Nationally, we are in constant viewing of the abuses this administration pushes out daily. We’ve viewed the highest points of our justice system legally permitting the use of racial profiling and kidnapping by ICE. Statewide, we see the removal of our rainbow crosswalks, more specifically the removal of our memorials to the PULSE shooting. Increased firings of FL educators for speaking against the administration. Together, we feel how the people of our beloved community are being terrorized and strained away from each other. Therefore, we are together again at the No Kings Protest in solidarity and hope. Veterans are standing with like-minded people who believe in free speech, the right to vote, liberty, and justice for all. No Kings Day isn’t just a demonstration; it’s a vital reminder that power belongs to the people. Not to oligarchs, not to theocrats, not to sycophants, and certainly not to self-proclaimed ‘kings.’ When we stand united, we can reclaim our democracy and reshape it into something stronger, fairer, and more inclusive than ever before. Our club members attend these demonstrations to remind our administration that they are obligated to serve their constituents, not themselves. We will not stand for cuts to healthcare and social security to benefit wannabe kings. MAKE YOUR SIGN There will be a few extra signs/materials at the demonstration, but they will go quick. If you want to make your sign with others, join our sign workshop on Friday! We will provide basic materials, but extra supplies are always welcome! REGISTER HERE