By Victoria Andrews

This Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025 is another National Day of Action, and the theme is “Take Back America.”

If you feel powerless or angry or fed up, there’s something you can do and it will help not only you but your fellow neighbors. Come to Big Catch Plaza from 1-2 p.m. with a sign (or not) and show passing motorists you care about what’s happening to our America. That’s the part that will help you, because you will feel heard and will be among others who are just as frustrated.

The part that will help your neighbors is the donation table for the Des Moines Food Bank. Despite what the Trump administration is boasting, grocery prices are NOT going down and the economy is NOT thriving. What helps the local food bank most is cash donations, enabling them to buy in bulk the items people need the most. But non-perishable food donations are also appreciated. Anything helps.

Once again, Seniors for the Constitution and Des Moines Indivisible are the sponsors of this peaceful demonstration, and they emphasize the word “peaceful.” Free speech – on both sides – is part of being an American. Violence is not. The organizers now have a trove of signs if you don’t have one of your own. They encourage people to car pool and to park on side streets around the plaza, located on the corner of S. 216th and Marine View Drive, in consideration of the local businesses.

If you can’t make it Saturday, Des Moines Indivisible has rallies every second and fourth Wednesday from 3-5 p.m., also at Big Catch Plaza. Both groups recognize that a constant commitment to speaking out will be necessary to turn the tide.

Photo credit: Ellen Hasegawa

Victoria Andrews has called Des Moines home since 2004. Before her retirement in 2016 she served as Special Programs Coordinator for Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services. Prior to that she was the Executive Director for three statewide non-profit organizations beginning in 1993. She is a member of the city’s Citizens Advisory Board and volunteers with Seniors for the Constitution and other activities. Victoria has a MS in Public Communications from Syracuse University and a BS in Education from the University of Southern Maine.