You showed up this weekend, Granite Staters—and it mattered. Even in the balmy 30-degree weather, there was no shortage of funny signs, neighbors, and energy on No Kings Day 🔥.
A vibrant crowd filled the streets of Market Square in Portsmouth. Many wore inflatable costumes, sang peaceful songs, and joined pro-democracy chants hand in hand with their neighbors. The day also brought out dozens of elected officials holding signs, peacekeepers watching over their communities, and local leaders passing out pizza, water, and coffee.
As a Community Organizer, I am often asked: are protests like No Kings Day effective? Yes. The right to protest has been the backbone of American democracy since its conception. Attending protests have been shown to foster lifelong civic engagement, boost voter participation, and build hope within communities and individuals. The No Kings Day protests show the world that millions of Americans are willing to stand up to protect democracy.
The message at No Kings was clear: no kings, no war, and no more rising gas prices. What’s next? Protect your neighbors, organize locally, and make sure you (and your friends and family) are registered to vote.
Here’s our weekly round-up of upcoming events and actions:
Tuesday (March 31)
603 Forward: NHMARF Drive at Totally Tea + Coffee (Concord, 11-2 p.m.)
Join us at Totally Tea + Coffee as we collect items to donate to NH Mutual Aid Relief Fund, and share resources on running for office. It’s an easy, low effort way to get to know 603 Forward while giving back to your community + helping your neighbors!
Saint Anselm Humanities: New Hampshire Humanities’ US@250: Big Watch (Manchester, 5:30-7:30 p.m.)
Together, we’ll watch a short excerpt from “THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION,” a new film directed by Granite Stater Ken Burns, as well as Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, followed by a community discussion. The featured segment from “THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, The Spirit of Service,” explores service as a core American value, from the nation’s founding through to the present day–examining volunteerism, civic participation, public leadership, and more.
603 Forward: Run for it: State House 101 (Virtual, 6-7 p.m.)
Curious what it actually means to serve in the NH State House? This training breaks down the basics of everything you need to know to run and serve.
New Hampshire Peace Action: Solidarity with Palestine (Warner, 4:30-5:30 p.m.)
Hosted by community members. In solidarity with the people of Palestine and any place where oppressive regimes are carrying out genocidal programs.
NHDP: Political Trivia Night (Northwood, 6-9 p.m)
Join the Nottingham & Northwood Democratic Committees for a Political Trivia Night!
There will be a $20 cover charge.
Wednesday (April 1)
New Hampshire Peace Action: Vigil for Permanent Ceasefire Now! (Dover, 2 p.m.)
At the district offices of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Congressman Chris Pappas. This vigil alternates locations weekly.
New Hampshire Peace Action: Ceasefire Now! (Hanover, 4-5 p.m.)
Vigil for a permanent Ceasefire Now! in Gaza and the West Bank on Ledyard Bridge between Hanover, NH and Norwich, VT.
Thursday (April 2)
New Hampshire Peace Action: Ceasefire Vigil (Concord, 12-1:30 p.m.)
Ceasefire Vigil, City Plaza, Concord (in front of the State House). Sponsored by Concord Friends Meeting and NH Peace Action.
Open Democracy NH: Managing Great Volunteers (Hanover/virtual, 5:30-7 p.m.)
This workshop will focus on recruiting, training, and sustaining volunteers, with strategies for creating inclusive and energized teams that can carry the work forward.
NHDP: Conversation with Congressman Maggie Goodlander (Pembroke, 6-7:30 p.m.)
Join us for this informal small town opportunity to get to know your state leaders, and how she’s fighting to help keep NH both free and secure, but also educated and affordable.
Mariposa Museum: Peterborough International Affairs Forum (Peterborough, 7 p.m.)
The program will include an audience discussion of key issues including the justification for the war, its legality, America’s goals, and the war’s possible outcomes and implications.
American Friends Service Committee: Meeting for Worship with Attention to Peace, (Virtually, 7:30 p.m.)
Each week, AFSC’s Quaker Engagement team hosts a virtual Meeting for Worship for Friends worldwide. Following the Quaker tradition of unprogrammed worship, participants come together to witness injustice and build solidarity with those facing oppression. These sessions provide a space to explore the spiritual side of activism and social justice.
Friday (April 3)
American Friends Service Committee: Action Hour for Palestine, (Virtual, 12 p.m.)
Join AFSC staff every Friday to hear updates on what’s happening in Gaza. Then, take action and call Congress for a permanent cease-fire, arms embargo on Israel, and humanitarian access for Gaza.
Indivisible: Nashua Bridge Brigade, (Nashua, 2-4 p.m.)
Every Friday afternoon, weather permitting, members of Southern NH Indivisible and NHBB occupy the bridge at exit 6 in Nashua.
Reproductive Freedom Fund of NH: Repro Fund Fundraiser w/ Olive Klug, Happy Just to See You & Eve Pierce! (Keene, 7-10 p.m.)
This show is in benefit of the Reproductive Freedom Fund of NH’s Fund-a-Thon campaign, raising money to pay for abortion and reproductive health services in New Hampshire.
Saturday (April 4)
NH Peace Action: Standing against authoritarian actions (Kingston, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Gather on the grassy area across from Kingston State Park, rain or shine. Respectful, non-violent participation only. Follow the law, de-escalate tension, and stay on topic. All who share this purpose are welcome.
NH Peace Action: Hancock Community Conversations on Race Group (Hancock, 12-1 p.m.)
Peaceful vigils on Saturdays from noon to 1 p.m. on Routes 101 and 202 in Peterborough.
Sunday (April 5)
Occupy Seacoast: Civil Rights Sunday (Portsmouth, 12-4 p.m.)
In Portsmouth every Sunday, sponsored by Occupy New Hampshire Seacoast and Seacoast Peace Response.
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Exeter: Bridge Brigade (Exeter, 5-5:30 p.m.)
Vigil for peace and democracy every Sunday at the church.
Have an event to add? Email State Organizing Coordinator Lily Jackson, lily@couriernewsroom.com with details (please send details at least one week before the event).
Related: Seacoast ‘No Kings’ protesters reject Trump and ‘concentrated power’
