Our First Protest: Standing for Love, Unity and the Future of Our Children
March 28th marked a powerful first for us at AMBER, attending our very first protest, alongside the incredible Together Alliance.
Together is a coalition of hundreds of civil society organisations united against the far right. According to their website, their members represent over 7 million people, from teachers and firefighters to care workers, cleaners, midwives, and engineers. It’s a movement built on everyday people standing up for something bigger than themselves.
A few of us from AMBER decided it was time to step forward and be part of that collective voice.
Why did we attend?
Lately, we’ve felt a growing pull — a sense that we need to do more. As mothers, as women, and as a community, we care deeply about the kind of society our children are growing up in. We want it to be rooted in love, unity, and belonging, not division, fear, and hate.
With the rise in discriminatory rhetoric, particularly from far-right narratives targeting women and people of colour, we felt that silence was no longer an option. We didn’t want to sit back in apathy or turn away from what’s happening around us.
We chose to stand alongside organisations whose values align with ours, standing firmly against racism, sexism, and injustice.
How did we get there?
One of the things that made this experience so accessible was how well it was organised.
The Together Alliance partnered with communities across the country to provide return coach travel. Andi travelled from Newcastle in the North East, while Sharon joined from the Midlands — both making their way to London to march together. It felt intentional, inclusive, and designed to bring people together.
Were we scared it would be dangerous?
Interestingly, when we told people we were attending, the most common reaction wasn’t excitement — it was concern.
“Are you sure?”
“Will it be safe?”
But what we experienced couldn’t have been further from those fears.
This was a march against hate and division, and what we felt, overwhelmingly, was love and unity. People from all backgrounds came together with kindness, empathy, and respect. The atmosphere was supportive, not intimidating.
There were clear resources and guidance shared beforehand, and the event itself was well organised with a strong sense of community throughout.
Of course, we recognise that not all protests are the same. But for us, this experience was defined by hope, not fear.
What was the experience like?
In one word: powerful.
The sheer number of people who showed up was incredible. There was something positive to see everywhere you turned, from the signs people were holding to the smiles and the energy. Despite all our differences, there was a deep sense of belonging. It didn’t feel like strangers gathered in one place, it felt like a community where everyone was watching out for each other.
There was music, chanting, dancing, moments of joy woven into a shared purpose. People were kind, open, and mindful of one another. Conversations flowed easily.
If we had to describe the day in a few words, it would be: hopeful, joyful, kind, and inspiring.
What are our key takeaways?
What stood out most was how many different causes were represented, and yet, how connected they all felt.
We saw people marching:
For the NHS
For women’s rights
For workers’ rights
For Palestine and Iran
Against racism
Against fascism
Against war
And many more
At one point, it felt like we had passed through 20 different protests — each with its own message, but all united under one powerful theme: standing against hate and division.
It was a reminder that while these issues may seem separate, they are deeply interconnected.
And perhaps most importantly, it gave us hope.
Hope that people do care.
Hope that people will come together.
Hope that a more inclusive, united future is possible for the next generation.
If this is what collective action looks like, we know this won’t be our last.
If you are interested in hearing more about organisations that were represented at the Together Alliance March, see some of the links below:
Amnesty International UK, Amnesty feminist UK
You can find many more supporters of the Together Alliance work here.