Dear Kent Streeters,

We are nearly 100 days into the Trump regime: A 100-day assault on immigrants, on LGBTQ+ people, on federal workers, on unions. A 100-day assault on public health, social safety nets, the environment. A 100-day assault on our freedoms, our institutions, the economy, the rule of law.

In his “Documenting the Damage:100 Harmful Policies from the First 100 Days of the Second Trump Administration” Brett Heinz* has laid out in daunting detail the most devastating of Trump’s actions and dictates.

But in these 100 days we have also seen thousands upon thousands of acts courage, resilience and resistance. Just here in New Hampshire, we have seen:

• people gathering in protests large and small across our state – from tiny street corner visibilities to protests 5,000 strong at the State House. Many of the protests are being organized and attended by those new to the movement, such as our friends at 50501 NH, while others are being hosted by growing coalitions, such as the upcoming May Day rally in Concord;
•  lawsuits filed against the worst of Trump’s policies and in defense of the most vulnerable, with big wins in state and federal courts, and even it seems, the possibility of wins at the Supreme Court. We thank NH’s own ACLU for fighting (and so far winning) the good fight on so many fronts. We thank the brave plaintiffs who have come forward and the attorneys and law firms who have joined pro bono in the fight;
• people showing up and signing in at the State House to oppose the GOP’s effort to enshrine the worst of Project 2025 into New Hampshire law;
• people coming together in community, finding those with whom they can best navigate this brave new world, whether it be a small gathering of trusted friends, an affinity group, a local legislative accountability effort….the possibilities are really endless;
• a new crop of grassroots organizations coming together, figuring out their best courses of action;
• established organizations, who have guided us and served us well for so many years, once again taking up the mantle, even though faced with threats and legal challenges from the administration;
• legislators staying the course, confronting ignorance and a seeming lack of compassion at every turn, yet showing up anyway;
• teachers and school districts standing up to bullies in both the federal and state Departments of Education;
• parents raising children, young people pursuing their dreams, hard-working trades people, union members…all choosing to invest in future….

Like the origami cranes strung together as a symbol of hope, endurance and healing, we are building the chains that will keep us strong and connected. They remind us that together we can.  Together we will.  Together we must. It is our resolve to choose this path…the transformative power of hope.

With eyes on the prize,

Louise