Join us for a May Day Rally on Thursday, May 1, from 4–7 PM at Bandshell Park as we stand united with workers, students, immigrants, and neighbors to demand a future that works for working families. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/surj/event/778832/

We’ll begin with the Ames Visibility Brigade’s regular sign rally from 4:00–5:30 PM, followed by a powerful speaker lineup at 5:30 PM, featuring voices on workers' rights, education, immigrant justice, economic inequality, and community empowerment.

MC: Merl Crabb, Merl on the Move

Peter Hird, Secretary-Treasurer of Iowa AFL-CIO

Todd Copley, President of AFSCME Council 61

Jaimee Scala, President of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 1081

Kevin Hilton, United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners, Local 106

Kelly Winfrey, President of Ames School Board

Binx Hilton, ISU Student

Representatives from coalition organizations

The sign rally will continue after the speakers until 7:00 PM.

We’ll also be hosting a mutual aid food drive—bring non-perishables if you can. Solidarity means showing up for each other in every way.

This rally is a team effort—organized by a growing grassroots coalition of Indivisible Ames, Democracy Every Day, Ames Visibility Brigade, League of Women Voters, ISU Dems, and Story County Dems..

We’re organizing for a world where every family has housing, healthcare, fair wages, union protection, and dignity—no matter your race, zip code, or immigration status.
Their time is up. Stop the billionaire takeover. We are the many. They are the few. This is May Day. Join us.

Guidelines for Rally Participants

Our Approach: Be Respectful & Effective
Remember, a message delivered respectfully and without confrontation has the best chance of being heard. Always be polite and respectful, even to those who might disagree or try to engage negatively. * Do not engage in arguments. If someone yells at you from traffic, remember Michelle Obama's advice: "When they go low, we go high."

Safety First: Stick Together & Stay Aware
Never participate alone. For safety, always ensure you are with at least one other person. If you find yourself alone, call a friend to join you or return another day. Trust your instincts. If any interaction makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, disengage immediately, leave the area, and call the police if needed.

Location & Conduct: Be Safe & Legal
Stay on public sidewalks or within the park. This is vital for everyone's safety (yours and drivers'), ensures pedestrians can pass (step into the park grass to let them by), and keeps us on legal public property. Public property includes sidewalks, the grassy area between the street and sidewalk (right-of-way), and city parks. Do not enter private property. * Keep yourself and your signs out of the street. Do not stand in the road or wave signs into traffic lanes.