Spontaneous Protest in Holland
Well, that was a humdinger of a protest in Holland today!
We had an incredible turnout, with a sea of signs representing a rainbow of causes and concerns. The vibe was positive, energy was high, and for the most part, it was a peaceful, joyful gathering filled with hugs, smiles, laughter… and even a few bubbles.
That said, we did have one agitator in the crowd, someone clearly triggered by our presence and the message we were there to share. After a brief scuffle, he stormed off, only to return moments later looking for a confrontation.
And that’s when the real gold of our group began to shine.
Without naming names, one of our veteran volunteers calmly engaged him, even as the young man escalated with aggressive gestures and loud words. Then, with absolute poise, another volunteer, a notably petite woman from our group, gracefully stepped between them. Without saying a single word, she diffused the tension completely. Magic.
Thanks to these two outstanding volunteers and the rapid response from the Holland Police Department, the situation was managed swiftly and safely, with no incident.
It was a powerful reminder of why our Safety Manager Volunteer group is so important. We're looking forward to their upcoming training sessions so we can continue holding events that are not only powerful but also safe for everyone involved.
A million thank-yous to the volunteers and protestors who handled today with such care and grace.