​​> Bring your signs. > Bring your energy. > Bring your voices. Please Remember: > These are non-violent gatherings. > Do not agitate or instigate others. > Do not engage with counter-protesters. > Keep crosswalks and entry/exit points clear for pedestrians. > Do not block business entrances or antagonize their visitors. WHEN ARE WE PROTESTING? Every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday at NOON, Thursday at 4:30 PM and pop ups as needed.  We will line the sidewalks with our voices, signs, and energy. As national protest movements arise, we’ll incorporate their themes into our local efforts—while continuing our regular gatherings.  WHY WEEKLY PROTESTS? Troubling developments and attacks on our freedoms continue daily. Consistent weekly action helps us stay persistent, visible, and vocal in defense of democracy.  WHY THIS LOCATION? This highly visible downtown intersection allows for safe, legal assembly on public property. It’s also home to the Wichita offices of Senator Moran (NE corner, Douglas & Broadway) and Senator Marshall (SE corner, Douglas & Market). Senator Marshall's office is located in a building next to Chester I Lewis Reflection Square Park. This park is named for Chester I. Lewis, the late prominent local Civil Rights leader who served on the legal team that argued the landmark 1954 Brown v. Topeka Board of Education case before the U.S. Supreme Court. He also provided guidance to the NAACP Youth Council during the first successful series of student sit-ins at the Dockum Drug Store lunch counter in 1958. Their courage inspired other similar sit-ins across the country and helped bring about racial equality at places including restaurants, businesses, and swimming pools. Dockum Drug Store sit-in in Wichita, Kansas, in 1958 is considered one of the first successful student-led sit-in protests of the Civil Rights Movement. Organized by African-American teenagers, including leaders Ron Walters and Carol Parks Hahn, the peaceful protest at a segregated lunch counter lasted for three weeks and led to the integration of all Dockum stores in Kansas. It is considered one of the first successful student-led lunch counter sit-ins in the United States, happening two years before the more widely known sit-in in Greensboro, North Carolina.  ​ WHAT ARE WE PROTESTING? In short? Everything threatening democracy and that starts with a corrupt administration and federal members of congress. We stand against attacks on fair elections, government transparency, the rule of law, and basic rights—regardless of race, gender, identity, or political affiliation. WHO CAN ATTEND? Everyone. If you’re dissatisfied with the actions of the current administration—or the inaction of Kansas’ elected representatives—this space is for you. Meet others who care, get inspired, and learn how to get involved. PROTEST IN ACTION – WHAT ELSE ARE WE DOING? Protesting is only part of the work. We also:  > Call, email, and write to elected officials. > Vote and help others stay informed about elections. > Join or support campaigns, or even run for office. > Serve on boards and committees. > Partner with and highlight local organizations to collect donations, volunteer, and share resources. When appropriate, protests on Saturdays will feature guest speakers from local social service groups and community organizations, sharing ways we can support those in need right here in our community. Many are under attack and afraid to speak out—we protest for them too. Our collective responsibility is to take care of each other. ​ WANT TO GET INVOLVED? Future event details will include the featured organization, action items, and speaker information. ​​ If you know a group or community organizer who would like to speak, message us on: Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, TikTok — @DefendDemocracyICT Or email: DefendDemocracyICT@gmail.com ​ DONATE Currently donations can be made in person or via Venmo (@DefendDemocracyICT). All donations go directly towards our protest and community support efforts.