Overview

Protest Aid is an initiative founded by 18-year-old Hector Zaldivar to support young individuals organizing protests aimed at addressing issues of police brutality. Recognizing that many of these young activists lack prior experience in demonstration organization, Zaldivar aims to provide essential resources and mentorship.

Since its inception about two weeks ago, following Zaldivar's first protest experience in Los Angeles, the group has mobilized to assist youth in effectively leading demonstrations and fostering positive changes in law enforcement practices.

Key details

  • Founder: Hector Zaldivar, 18 years old.
  • Purpose: To provide supplies and guidance to young protest organizers.
  • Target group: Youth involved in the national movement against racist police brutality.
  • Group formation: Established two weeks ago after Zaldivar's first protest.
  • Initial inspiration: Attended a march in Los Angeles after the killing of George Floyd.
  • Current volunteers: Approximately 60 individuals.
  • Recent collaboration: Assisted Nicole Nguyen's group, MEEP Shows, with a Garden Grove Black Lives Matter protest.
  • Protest attendance: The Garden Grove protest attracted between 3,000 to 4,000 participants.
  • Location: Based in Orange County, with plans for expansion to neighboring counties.
  • Team structure: Five team leaders recruited, primarily experienced protesters in their mid-20s.
  • Mentorship: Team leaders provide advice on managing protests and ensuring safety.
  • Goal: To consolidate smaller protests into larger, more impactful demonstrations.

Context

The rise of youth-led protests in response to police brutality has seen many young individuals stepping into leadership roles for the first time. Protest Aid seeks to empower these novice organizers by equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to lead effectively.

What happens next

Protest Aid plans to continue its outreach and support for young organizers, aiming to enhance their skills and foster collaboration among different protest groups to create a more unified front against police brutality.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific resources and supplies provided by Protest Aid, as well as the exact plans for expansion into neighboring counties, have not been confirmed.