Yesterday, April 5, 2025, massive protests were organized across the United States. Today, the numbers are in; over 5 million people marched in peaceful protest against the current Republican administration in the white house. 

Protests are not just for show. Peaceful protests work; it’s been proven. The magic number of protesters needed to bring about a peaceful change of government? It’s 3.5% of the population. The United States achieved half that number yesterday which is remarkable given the limited amount of attention mainstream media gave to the event. The next “Hands Off” march is already scheduled, April 19, 2025.

The motivating factor behind these protests? It could best be summed up as “the whole ball of wax”. The signs told the stories—hands off our democracy, medicare, medicaid, veteran’s benefits; hands off diversity initiatives, the gay and trans community; hands off immigrants; hands ON Signalgate. 

Erica Chenowith is the researcher behind the 3.5% number. She and her team studied over 200 violent revolutions against 100 nonviolent campaigns. Peaceful protests were more effective and brought about change 53% of the time. Violent revolutions were successful 26% of the time.

The BBC covered Chenowith’s research and the history behind successful protests in their article, The ‘3.5% rule’: How a small minority can change the world. It’s a worthy read, highly recommend.

Keep your joy.

Anne Milne is an every Sunday blogger, unless it’s a holiday weekend. Or summertime. 

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