UPDATE | 50 State VA Event | MOVING FORWARD USE ⛔️

Lessons Learned: Communication is Key to Safety - Know Your Rights

BIG MIC - ARE WE A NATION? AND WHAT KIND OF NATION ARE WE?

The above video is from the recent Friday Power Lunch, where I talk about the upcoming program and my statement on what led me to not endorse the VA Bell Tower event —and I am glad to report that it was a successful event. An 8th grader organized the event! Moving forward, we must use best practices by better communication and preparedness & safety training.

Dear Friday Power Lunch friends,

I wanted to update my post about the 50 STATE Events and why I posted a strong statement of not endorsing. As stated in my newsletter, I could not verify who was organizing the Bell Tower event in Virginia. I had previously sent information about the event and encouraged people to attend. I didn’t do my due diligence to verify who was behind the organizing; I just blindly trusted the 50501 Movement. I then did a deeper dive and could not find any information on the event at the Bell Tower. I even contacted the RVA newspaper to ask them who sent the flyer they were circulating — and they could not verify.

My next step was to inquire about the 50051 movement in a national leadership Google group actively pursuing and trying to identify organizers. This group was reporting that not all 50501 events had verified organizers. There were reports by members that links to event organizers had disappeared or went nowhere. Also, some were reporting that the alt-right had infiltrated Discord and Reddit groups. So I grew even more concerned that my previous endorsement may lead people to a dangerous event. I then decided to post that we did NOT endorse. I did not want to send people on my recommendation.

I am glad to report that the event in Virginia was well attended and safe. I received the news on the late side to retract my concerns. And even that information was vague.

I appreciate your understanding. If you know me, you know that I am not an alarmist. Moving forward as a community operating under a new alt-right regime, we must insist on more information and details.

Review: ACLU KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Review: Indivisible Guide to Safety and Security and Preparedness in 2nd Trump Administration

Before You Go

• Research any demonstrations you plan to attend. Before committing to participate in a given protest, ensure it represents your values. ...

• Buddy up. Protests are safer in groups. ...

• Pack a bag. ...

• Be mindful of your phone settings. ...

• Dress appropriately. ...

• Know your rights. ...

• Follow the lead of organizers. ...

• Stay vigilant.

Let’s keep on fighting and showing up for each other.

In solidarity,

Katherine

BELOW IS MY PAST POST ON NOT ENDORSING

Feb. 4, 2025

Hello Friday Power Lunch friends,

After much research about the 50501 State Project (50 PROTEST 50 STATES 1 DAY) that went viral this week encouraging people to organize protests at their State Capitol across 50 states, we are concerned it is a false flag as we cannot find concrete sources to verify who is organizing and the intention behind this movement.

Because the event came through Reddit and Discord — and some of the statements are not common in our groups (“don’t bring weapons”), we don’t want to endorse these events. We strongly recommend not attending. With the recent attacks on the FBI, we do not know if anyone is out there guaranteeing our safety. Worse, with the release of Jan6th criminals who organized the attack on the Capital (on Discord), we suspect that this event is NOT from our people.

This came from an organizer friend:

Some of experienced political organizing partners who were initially trying to collaborate or were in chats with the 50501 Group organizing the Wednesday, Feb. 5 state by state protests which we just mentioned in our last email are now telling us to approach with caution.

We're told now that some contacts have evaporated or links to google forms no longer work. It really might just be poorly planned, but it might be something less innocent.

We are now inclined to avoid or approach these with caution.

Again, it may just be extremely decentralized or disorganized/lack experienced leads, or vary state to state.

We LOVE new people jumping in! We were there as of only about 6 months ago. But there's a lot stuff to consider with protests and some bad-actors in the world.

Sorry, we hate sending out two emails in one afternoon, but wanted to give people this important update.

WHAT WE DO KNOW

We know that the Feb. 4 event at the U.S. Treasury is organized by Indivisible and legit.

Our activist arm of the Friday Power Lunch, Network NOVA is organizing alongside Indivisible. You can sign up at our mobilize link. Here is an invitation to wear red and meet us at Starbucks nearby beforehand.

Save safe,

Katherine White

BIG MIC