March was a month of preparation, creativity, and strategic planning. From knitting “Anti-ICE” hats to training our lead marshals, our community mobilized to ensure we were ready for the massive “No Kings” nationwide protest and beyond. We turned our pens into tools of mass communication and our yarn into symbols of resistance.
Here is a look at what we accomplished together this month.
In March, GRIT members stayed active with:
- Protests & Honks: Multiple events including Fairport, Pittsford, and Rochester.
- Training: Lead Marshal sessions held twice.
- Creative Output: Hundreds of signs, posters, and “Anti-ICE” hats created.
- Letters: Thousands of words written to protest detention centers.
A Month in Review
Monday, March 2
For those who couldn’t attend the physical protest, we protested the ICE Detention Center with our pens. We hosted a “Wine and Write” night, providing letters, envelopes, and stamps.
Monday, March 9 GRIT Knit, Planning & Sign Making Meeting
This was the first of two meetings preparing for the protest. We gathered to make signs and launch a knitting circle for those wanting to knit red ANTI-ICE caps.
- Pattern Info: We used the “Melt the Ice Hat” pattern (available on Ravelry). It supports three yarn weights: Fingering (size 4 needles), DK (size 6), and Worsted (size 8).
- Technique: Knit in the round using double-pointed needles (or starting on circular needles shorter than the head circumference).
- Knitting Pattern: Melt the Ice Hat on Ravelry.
“This is going to be a good one. Lots of creative outlets, lots of community reminding you that you’re not alone.”
Monday, March 16 Lead Marshal Training | 5:30–7:30 PM @ Junction361
We doubled down on safety protocols, ensuring our local marshal team was ready for the scale of the upcoming nationwide action.
March 18, A Sign of the Times
We offered a bulk lawn sign order from Signs of Justice to protest for us when we can’t.
Monday, March 23 Protest Plan & Prep w/ Sign Making — Marshal Equip Pick Up Final preparations were underway. We finalized sign designs and distributed marshal equipment to ensure our team was fully equipped for the weekend ahead.
Friday, March 27 & Saturday, March 28 NO KINGS Nationwide Protest
Our events for the NO KINGS protest!
- Friday, March 27 (4:30–5:30 PM): Weekly Honk and Wave at Church and Main Street in Fairport.
- Saturday, March 28 (9:30–11:30 AM): Joining the Canal Brigade group in Pittsford for their Honk and Wave.
- Saturday, March 28 (12:00 PM): The main event! Marshals and protesters moved to the big protest in downtown Rochester.
Monday, March 30 Debrief & Future Planning
We came together to reflect on the weekend’s success and look ahead.
- Protest Debrief: Analyzing what worked and what we learned.
- Midterm Strategy: Discussing actions to support successful midterm elections, including getting the vote out, supporting candidates, and pushing back against voter suppression.
- New Privacy Protocol: In keeping with our own privacy tips, we announced our new email address: GRIT@gritroc.com.
“The people DO NOT want this anymore. It’s obvious. It’s nonpartisan. And it’s overdue. Use your influence to remove him & save our country.”
Join the Movement
Whether you are knitting hats, writing letters, or training to be a marshal, there is a place for you in this fight.
- Knitting Pattern: Melt the Ice Hat on Ravelry
- Contact Us: Email us at GRIT@gritroc.com (Proton account).
- Stay Connected: Check our website and Facebook page for the latest event updates.
Together, we are not just reacting; we are organizing, creating, and marching toward a better future. See you at the next meeting.
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