As crowds gathered once again for the third “No Kings” protest, organized by local activist group Indivisible QC, the energy was familiar: signs raised, chants echoing, and community members standing side by side. But beyond the visuals and slogans, the movement has sparked a larger question—are events like these meaningful acts of community building, or simply examples of performative activism?
For event planner Carol Morris, the purpose of the protest goes far beyond visibility. “My main goal was to bring together people who understand that our democracy is threatened and our rights are being trampled on,” Morris said. “Protests are never the end game; they’re just a part of the overall plan.”
Indivisible QC, a grassroots organization and local branch of the national Indivisible movement, defines its mission as fighting for a more just and equitable future while bringing people together. The group includes a wide range of participants—from college students to retirees—and emphasizes that civic engagement is built through consistent, collective effort.
Their recent “No Kings” protests reflect that philosophy. Previous events have drawn thousands, including over 3,000 attendees at the first rally in Rock Island and approximately 5,000 at the second in Davenport’s Vander Veer Park. These large turnouts suggest more than momentary interest—they point to a growing network of people willing to show up, connect, and engage with shared concerns.
According to Morris, that connection is the point. “We want [protests] to draw attention, to send a message not just to the government, but also to tell people they’re not alone, and help them find their courage,” she said. “Protest is the most visible way we grow the movement.”
Beyond protests, Indivisible QC also organizes events aimed at education and dialogue. A screening of John Lewis: Good Trouble brought community members together for discussion on voting rights and civic responsibility, while other events have combined demonstrations with more accessible, community-focused activities. These efforts highlight a broader goal: building relationships and encouraging sustained involvement, not just visibility.
Still, critics argue that protests like “No Kings” can fall into the trap of performative activism—actions that raise awareness without leading to tangible change. Social media posts, large crowds, and symbolic messaging, they say, may create the appearance of impact without addressing systemic issues in a lasting way.
Bradley Levinson, a media spokesperson for Indivisible QC, acknowledges the criticism but challenges its assumptions. “I’d ask what it means to be ‘performative,’” Levinson said. “The No Kings movement has been bringing in more and more people who never thought of themselves as ‘being political.’ It’s a huge win just to be shaking people out of their complacent routines.”
Levinson emphasized that the organization uses social media not as an endpoint, but as a starting point. “We don’t want people sitting around using social media to comment or vent,” he said. “We want them to get out and do something.” Posts are designed to direct people toward meetings, protests, and other forms of real-world action.
While he acknowledged that some participants may treat protests as a one-time experience, Levinson said the organization works to connect people to ongoing efforts. “It’s a start, at least—it helps people feel less isolated and gets them connected to ongoing initiatives,” he said.
Morris echoed that idea, emphasizing that participation doesn’t end when the protest does. “The next step is to keep on fighting however you are able,” she said, pointing to actions like contacting elected officials, engaging in community discussions, and joining local organizations.
In this sense, the “No Kings” movement can be seen as both symbolic and practical. The rallies provide a visible expression of shared values, but they also serve as entry points—moments where individuals can become part of a broader, more sustained effort.
The debate over performative activism is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. But in the case of Indivisible QC, the answer may not be as simple as choosing one side or the other. While the protests carry symbolic weight, they also appear to be building something more lasting: a connected, engaged community that sees activism as an ongoing responsibility rather than a single act.
As Indivisible QC continues to grow and organize, its impact may ultimately be measured not just by the size of its crowds, but by the strength of the community it creates—and what that community chooses to do next.
