A group of Peterborough residents have launched Project 189, named for the 189 residents who make up 3.5% of Peterborough’s population, to advocate for democracy and the founding principles of the United States.

“Research by Erica Chenoweth shows that sustained, peaceful protest by just 3.5% of the population can have an impact against authoritarian government,” said Francie Von Mertens, one of the founders. “In Peterborough, 3.5% of the 5,413 registered voters is 189. The question is, how do we engage at least that number of people?”

Chenoweth, a professor of public policy at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, is the co-author, with Maria Stephan, of “Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict.” According to Chenoweth and Stephan’s research, long-term, peaceful protest is 10 times more effective in achieving democracy than violent protests.

Project 189 evolved from the informal, grassroots vigils that have been taking place Saturday afternoons in Peterborough at the Route 101-202 intersection to protest what participants feel is growing authoritarianism in the Trump administration.

“Some of the signs are really wonderful; people are very creative. One sign says “The U.S. Constitution Makes America Great,’” Von Mertens said.

Von Mertens said that while the recent protests against the Trump administration drew millions of supporters nationwide, local roadside vigils advocating for democracy “are hard to sustain.”

“Even though there are a lot of people who have told me they can’t sleep because of what is happening to our country, the momentum for standing on the side of the road is just not there,” Von Mertens said. “We know it can be hard for people to attend the vigils, especially when it seems to rain every Saturday. But we also know, from the reactions we have had from people driving by, that so many people support us; we get honks and waves from most passing drivers. We were looking for a way for people to show their support without having to stand out there in the rain, and yard signs are part of the answer.”

The Project 189 yard signs, which are designed to indicate support for democracy and the principles of the United States Constitution, are already popping up all over Peterborough.

“Our emphasis is with signs that state what we stand for, not what we are against,” Von Mertens said. “We nonpartisan; we are for our country, we support our constitution, we believe in democracy. We are patriotic, and we want to build bridges with people. We want to call people in, not call them out.”

On Saturday, June 14, the new group will take part in the national “No Kings Day” protests which will coincide with the military parade in Washington, D.C., originally planned to commemorate the founding of the United States Army and will now also celebrate President Trump’s 79th birthday.

“We will be at the vigil at the Peterborough stoplights, and we’ll have signs there for people to pick up.” Von Mertens said.

Signs are $10. People who are unable to attend on Saturday can contact Von Mertens at 329france@gmail if they would like a sign.