Last weekend's No Kings protests were epic for our democracy, our people, and for the Backbone Campaign. Over 11 million people helped launch the Summer of Resistance, and Backbone is ALL IN.

As leaders in artful activism for over 20 years, our focus is two-fold: give the news media big, bold, beautiful and non-violent images to convey people’s commitment to democracy and give people a meaningful and joyful experience in their activism. And we did just that.

Our props were at the forefront of many actions last weekend (and honestly they have been non-stop since Jan 20th), including two giant We The People replicas of the preamble of the Constitution that took the streets of LA and Seattle. We also trained up hundreds of folks across the country to deploy our giant freeway overpass banners and we were able to throw in a few incredible light projection protests as well.

Thanks to you, Backbone Campaign is able to deliver props to We The People across the US. Please read on to see what your support of this scrappy nonprofit has made happen!

On both Friday and Saturday, Bill led an incredible couple of days in Los Angeles with the 200’ long We The People. On Saturday, with the help of hundreds of volunteers it took center stage during the LA No Kings march, ending up on the top of the steps of Los Angeles City Hall, situated between armed LA police and thousands of protesters waving flags and signs. It is a powerful and iconic image; participating in its deployment strengthens peoples’ resolve and gives the media a perfect image that encapsulates the people’s resistance and determination to protect our democracy. 

We are grateful to see that it captured the essence of the protests - unassailable, hopeful, and peaceful. It was an honor to be in LA in support of the diverse and powerful community there.

The We The People (WTP) replica was originally created in 2007 by visual artist Steffon Moody. Over the last week, Steffon worked with Backbone staff and volunteers to create two more Preambles.

That meant that in addition to the LA march, we could also deploy our new WTP in Seattle where an estimated 70,000 people marched from Cal Anderson Park to the Seattle Center. Led by a bucket drum corps and vuvuzela (plastic horn) brigade, the Preamble brought energy, joy, and a raucous good time to all those lucky enough to see it.

Hundreds of marchers and rally goers were able to be the first to sign this new prop. We are so grateful to all of the volunteers who made this deployment for democracy possible. 

Please, support Backbone Campaign with a tax-deductible donation. Your generosity powers our capacity to generously show up in these inspiring and impactful ways. There were comments this weekend that our prop was so good that it must be funded by George Soros…. NOPE!  This work is 100% funded by YOU -  individuals who chip in to keep churning out compelling props that get attention, that draw folks in, and that inspire nonviolent activism. 

With gratitude for all the ways you contribute to this creative work,

- Team Backbone

PS: A lot of other work is also happening - advocacy for transportation alternatives to barging in the Lower Snake River system, two Human Orca Murals recently - in Seattle and Chimacum WA, and more. But we will save that report for another time, as we celebrate the success of our We The People prop to inspire and promote nonviolent action. 

We now have 3 We The People Preambles. We’d like to create a tour of them across the country, but that requires funds for an organizer, for shipping, and supplies. Your donation will help make that happen!  

PPS: If you're looking for info about bannering, check out our Banner Page, with How Tos, a Supply List, a link to order your own toolkit, and a training video.