Every year on May 1st, communities around the world recognize May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day.
For some, May Day brings to mind labor strikes, marches, and large public demonstrations. Historically, the day is rooted in the labor movement’s fight for safer conditions, fair pay, and dignity for working people. Over time, it has grown into a broader symbol of grassroots resistance, mutual aid, and collective people power.
At its core, May Day asks a simple but urgent question:
What happens when ordinary people decide they deserve better?
Across the United States, May Day is often marked by public rallies, worker walkouts, immigrant rights demonstrations, food drives, teach-ins, and neighborhood organizing.
But while these national moments are powerful, local communities must also ask:
what does meaningful participation look like for our own neighbors?
Here in Polk County, we know many residents are balancing impossible choices. Taking unpaid time off work is not easy. Missing a shift can mean missing groceries, rent money, or gas for the week.
That economic reality matters.
Community organizing should not only be accessible to those who can afford public activism.
It should include everyone.
That is why Indivisible Polk is observing:
May Day, Our Way.
Instead of focusing solely on one large demonstration, we are choosing a weekend of intentional, accessible, grassroots participation centered on practical actions that make a measurable difference.
Petition Signing for Progressive Candidates
One of the most immediate ways residents can impact local elections is by signing petitions to help grassroots progressive candidates qualify for the ballot.
Without petition signatures, many local candidates face qualifying fees nearing $5,000. A steep barrier for ordinary community leaders, teachers, nurses, service workers, and advocates who want to run for office.
Your signature helps remove that barrier.
Mutual Aid and Neighbor Support
Mutual aid remains central to every Indivisible Polk event because political change must also include direct care for one another.
We will be collecting and distributing requested items, donations, and supplies to support neighbors facing hardship.
Supporting Local Small Businesses
By gathering in community-centered small business spaces, we intentionally choose to invest in local owners rather than funneling more money into corporate chains.
Economic solidarity is part of movement building.
Building Grassroots Relationships
Movements are not sustained by viral posts alone. They are built through conversations, volunteer recruitment, trust, and repeated opportunities for neighbors to meet one another.
May Day, Our Way is designed to create those moments.
Join Us May 1–3
EVENT SCHEDULE
MAY 1 • 11 AM – 1 PM
KITTY CAT LOUNGE
Petition Signing + Community Gathering
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblepolkflorida/event/945355
MAY 1 • 6 PM – 9 PM
FIRST FRIDAY
Community Outreach + Mutual Aid + Petition Signing
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblepolkflorida/event/945864
MAY 2 • 4 PM – 6 PM
KITTY CAT LOUNGE
Community Meet-Up + Petition Signing
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblepolkflorida/event/945355
MAY 3 • 1 PM – 5 PM
Y’ALLTERNATIVE
Grassroots Action • Mutual Aid • Community Building • Petitions
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblepolkflorida/event/945876
A signature matters.
A donation matters.
A volunteer shift matters.
Showing up matters.
This May Day, participation does not have to look dramatic to be meaningful.
Little differences create lasting change.
And that is exactly how community power grows.