I believe May 1st would be the best option, as it offers 50501 the best chance to build relationships with other pre-existing groups, gives organizers a much-needed change of pace, and solidifies us in the activism world as “team players”.
If May 1st is chosen, I think it should be heavily emphasized to 50501 organizers that we are not planning events ourselves, but rather joining/ supporting already existing events and offering them the support in whatever way they need us to show up (graphics, press, peacekeepers, medics, etc). But of course, if an event doesn’t exist in one’s area already, a 50501 state group can host one.
Choosing the 2nd or 3rd would be hurtful to our image, our ability to work with other groups in the future, and overall, May Day itself. Joining in on a pre-existing call-to-action would solidify us as “team players”, as many groups have not viewed us as such before April 5th. The Hands Off! website is also now endorsing May Day, so it would raise eyebrows if we do not also act on that day. If two May Day events exist, with one on a weekday and one on a weekend, most people will choose to go to the weekend one. This would detract from the actual May Day events that are already being planned. The people’s need for the event to be on a weekend is not greater than our need to build a network with other activist groups.
I am not entirely sure if May Day exists in the capacity as a day for people to do a strike or a walk-out from their place of employment/ school, but there is great potential for 50501 to market it that way if it is not being done so already. Calling for smaller actions, like a walk-out, could help us reach younger Americans, whom we have struggled to get in-person attendance from.
May 1st also offers 50501 organizers a change of pace, as the weight of organizing will not entirely be on them (considering other groups are already planning for May Day). The work would be more that of coordination and coalition building, which I feel some states might be struggling to do, simply because of being overworked/ needing more organizational volunteers. This is not the fault of anyone specific. Coalition building takes time and intention, which May 1st provides the space for.
At the end of the day, we are here to make change, and taking part in other national call-to-actions is the best way, in my opinion, to go about it. We are stronger together.
I believe May 1st would be the best option, as it offers 50501 the best chance to build relationships with other pre-existing groups, gives organizers a much-needed change of pace, and solidifies us in the activism world as “team players”.
If May 1st is chosen, I think it should be heavily emphasized to 50501 organizers that we are not planning events ourselves, but rather joining/ supporting already existing events and offering them the support in whatever way they need us to show up (graphics, press, peacekeepers, medics, etc). But of course, if an event doesn’t exist in one’s area already, a 50501 state group can host one.
Choosing the 2nd or 3rd would be hurtful to our image, our ability to work with other groups in the future, and overall, May Day itself. Joining in on a pre-existing call-to-action would solidify us as “team players”, as many groups have not viewed us as such before April 5th. The Hands Off! website is also now endorsing May Day, so it would raise eyebrows if we do not also act on that day. If two May Day events exist, with one on a weekday and one on a weekend, most people will choose to go to the weekend one. This would detract from the actual May Day events that are already being planned. The people’s need for the event to be on a weekend is not greater than our need to build a network with other activist groups.
I am not entirely sure if May Day exists in the capacity as a day for people to do a strike or a walk-out from their place of employment/ school, but there is great potential for 50501 to market it that way if it is not being done so already. Calling for smaller actions, like a walk-out, could help us reach younger Americans, whom we have struggled to get in-person attendance from.
May 1st also offers 50501 organizers a change of pace, as the weight of organizing will not entirely be on them (considering other groups are already planning for May Day). The work would be more that of coordination and coalition building, which I feel some states might be struggling to do, simply because of being overworked/ needing more organizational volunteers. This is not the fault of anyone specific. Coalition building takes time and intention, which May 1st provides the space for.
At the end of the day, we are here to make change, and taking part in other national call-to-actions is the best way, in my opinion, to go about it. We are stronger together.