How to Talk to Someone Who Is Not Sure About No Kings on March 28
A short guide for bringing one more person with you.
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March 28 already has more than 3,000 events planned across all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and a dozen countries. But the size of the day depends on what happens in the conversations before it. This is a guide for talking to the people in your life who are hesitant, tired, unsure, or just waiting for someone to ask them. Five common objections, five grounded responses, and even a script you can use word for word.
The objective is not to win an argument online when trying to convince someone to join. Talk to someone you already know and help them feel less alone. That could be a friend, a parent, a sibling, a neighbor, or a coworker. And right now, anything helps, because as of right now, March 28 already has more than 3,000 events planned across the nation.
Organizers are building on October’s No Kings mobilization, which drew an estimated seven million people to more than 2,700 events.
A lot of people are not firmly opposed but they’re hesitant. They might be tired, cautious, or waiting to be asked. That means the goal is usually not to overpower anyone with facts.
We should be lowering the temperature, making the invitation feel human, and show them that showing up is okay.
There is an official No Kings training on March 25 specifically about how to talk to friends, family, and community members in ways that move people.
Speak personally.
Start with why you’re going.
Keep it short.
Offer practical help…“I’ll go with you,” “we can stay an hour,” and “there’s one close by” usually do more than a lecture about going.
We’re not trying to shame anyone into attendance… We’re trying to make it easier for them to say yes.
Five common objections and what you can say back
“It won’t change anything.”
October changed a lot of people’s sense of what was possible. More than seven million people showed up at more than 2,700 events, making it one of the largest single-day nationwide demonstrations in U.S. history. One protest doesn’t solve everything, but it shows us we’re not isolated and that sense of community is more important than most people think.
“I’m too old.”
Our average reader is over 40. A lot of people paying the closest attention right now are people who have lived long enough to recognize what democratic backsliding looks like. You don’t have to stay all day or march for miles. Your presence counts. You could even hop in your car and support with some honks and cheers!
“It’s not safe.”
Safety is being taken seriously. No Kings events are built around nonviolent, de-escalation-first principles. The coalition is running safety planning and de-escalation trainings, and the ACLU is leading protest-rights and risk-reduction sessions for attendees. This event is organized, trained, and intentional.
“I don’t want to be political.”
Defending the Constitution is not partisan. The First Amendment protects the right to peacefully assemble and it doesn’t ask for your voter registration first. This isn’t about left or right. Wanting your kids to have safe public schools, your parents to keep Medicare, and your neighbors to not get detained without due process is not political. These are basic human rights.
“I can’t travel.”
There are already more than 3,000 events planned across all 50 states with more being added daily. There’s a good chance something is closer than you think. Check the official event map first, and keep checking back!
Look, we even put a script together for you…
“I’m going to No Kings on March 28 because I don’t want to do nothing and watch this happen in silence. You don’t have to be super political or ready for a huge commitment. Just come with me for a little while. We can go together, stay as long as feels right, and leave when you want.”
People are more likely to come when the ask feels more specific and relational, and personal. Not “you should care more.” or “how can you stay home at a time like this.” More like this kind of language: come with me. Movements grow when one person brings one person, and that person brings one more.
If someone says no, leave the door open. Send them a flyer or some info. Tell them they can think about it. Sometimes people need a little time, and a little more information, and some reassurance that they won’t be doing something unfamiliar alone.
Fiftyfifty.one | 50501 Groups and Resources
No Kings | Official event finder, trainings schedule including March 25 conversation training, safety planning, and de-escalation framework
ACLU | Know Your Rights: Protesters | Protest rights and risk-reduction guidance
Mostly I hear “I’ve never been to a protest before,” but folded in that statement may also be reluctance tied to safety. I tell people how great it feels to be with others energized to change the country. But in case there’re concerns about safety, I’ll share protests are peaceful, joyful and police are there to protect.
There are virtual events too, right? For people who have a hard time moving about, especially in crowded spaces.