Where do you protest?

We protest in many places and times, but our most regular protest is every Saturday at Noon in Chapman Park (the corner of Park and Main Streets) in Rockland.

How do you find time to get to Chapman Park?

Not everybody comes every week. Sometimes even the most committed of us take breaks. But we think of it like a regular public, social, civic activity — like heading to the town office. Also, we tend to have fun!

Who is paying you to demonstrate?

Nobody is paying us to demonstrate. We pay for our expenses by literally passing a bucket around at our meetings.

What are these demonstrations I see all about? What do you care about?

We diverge on many issues and have many different backgrounds and ideas — this is what democracy looks like. Despite our disagreements, we agree on the following:

• We oppose authoritarianism, bigotry, and corruption.
• We support inclusive democracy, equity, and freedom.
• We are nonviolent in our actions.

Who is in charge of Audacity CAT?

We have many leaders. Some are process leaders. Some pick a niche area or a project to head up. Are all volunteers — no one is paid.

What’s with the CAT thing?

It’s an acronym, standing for Creative Action Together. Also, come on: cats, amiright?

Are dogs part of your movement, or do you only permit cats?

We are pet-ecumenical. Well, almost. Pet cassowaries are kind of frowned upon.

What should I bring or not bring to Saturday protests?

• Bring Maine-Responsible Gear — We know it’s “spring” now, but the forecast says it’s going to be at or slightly below freezing, so don’t forget your coat and hat! If you get thirsty, bring a reuseable bottle full of water. Pack the headache meds. Whatever it takes for you to be safe and comfortable when you’re out for a few hours.
• Don’t Bring items or behaviors intended to escalate the situation toward violence. Even if it’s legal for you to carry, we suggest you leave your weapons at home and help keep the demonstration fully expressive but nonviolent. We will have yellow-vested peacekeepers in the crowd who have been trained in situational response. We strongly suggest that you avoid responding to provocateurs (it’s what they want) and instead find a yellow-vested peacekeeper for help.
• Bring Signs, Costumes and Other Creative Stuff! WE MEAN IT!!! Hankering to get into that inflatable T-rex costume? Go for it! Got just the right words for a sign? Bring it! Got a nonviolent resistance line dance to teach? Go the heck for that! People bringing their biggest selves to the civic square for full expression of liberty is what democracy is all about. Folks will cheer you on.
• Bring Friends. If we are going to peacefully prevail against this surge toward a bigoted autocracy of cronies, we’ll need the help of every person we can get. Send ten friends a text and ask them to come along. It’s a great reason to host a get-together with your ten friends after the protest!

I don’t feel comfortable protesting in public – are there other ways I can support the movement?

You bet. Oh, this is such a good question we need a bit of time to get back to you on this.