By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Democrats took to the streets of Hays to protest the Trump administration’s grip on small organizations and the broader economy.
Local Democrats had a Saturday rally called "Hands OFF!" as part of a nationwide movement. Chairwoman of the Ellis County Democratic Party, Anna Towns, said it was an effort to show that rural areas are impacted.
"I had a few people that wanted to be involved but couldn't go to Topeka," Towns said. "We talked about how it's important in our local community to stand up for these issues, show our friends and neighbors that there are real Kansas who are impacted by these things."
The protest challenged federal policies under the Trump administration and Elon Musk, particularly opposing cuts to public services for the benefit of billionaires.
The Facebook event for the gathering stated President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are taking everything they can, including health care, data, jobs, and services, calling it a 'crisis.'
Event organizer Anniston Weber said a similar protest was taking place in Salina, adding the demonstration's aim was to make progressive voices more visible throughout the region.
"We live in a very rural and conservative area. I think it's important to remind people who are less conservative or more progressive that there are people here they can find kinship in and safety with," Weber said.
Weber said national issues often reach the local level, as federal funding cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have affected nearby organizations.
Weber, who works in the local nonprofit sector, said organizations have been forced to adjust their operations amid federal funding confusion and financial concerns.
"Just because we're a small town doesn't mean that our voices aren't important," Weber said.
Towns said federal policy changes have led to job losses and disruptions for Ellis County residents, particularly in nonprofit work and agricultural research positions.
"I do know that there are people who are involved in our group and people who have spoken to me personally who were part of the rounds of layoffs," she said.
Towns and Weber urged people to stay informed, contact their representatives and legislators, speak up on key issues and help create meaningful change.
More than 75 people attended the protest on a cold and windy afternoon. Weber noted a wider range of participants than the February demonstration, which focused on deportation efforts under the Trump administration.
SEE RELATED STORY: Hays institutions react to deportations; protesters speak out
"Not everybody loves to see a group of progressives standing on the side of the road. I know that it's annoying and people don't want to see people who disagree with them," Weber said. "I hope that somebody, even if it's one person, saw us out there and felt a sense of solidarity or they went away with questions that they will research."
Towns said she hopes attendees leave feeling empowered, less isolated and part of a larger movement. As for the many onlookers who drove by, she hopes they recognized and respected the protesters’ First Amendment rights.
"Part of what's great about being an American is our right to free speech. Anytime that I see groups protesting, whether I agree with them or not, I am comforted to know that we are still able to have a voice and be out here proclaiming our truth to the world."
Towns also said the Ellis County Kansas Democratic Party is working on setting up recurring meetings and welcomes anyone interested in getting involved, regardless of political affiliation.
You can follow the political organization on Facebook.
