For 15 weeks, a group of monks and their dog walked across most of the country. Starting in Fort Worth, Texas and ending in Washington DC, 19 monks have walked thousands of miles in a peaceful protest promoting goodwill called the Walk for Peace. The project is completely independent, relying on the donation and volunteer acts of others to fund lodging and food.
The monks grew popular online with their official Instagram account reaching two million followers. Unofficial merchandise has started appearing all over the internet, including shirts, totebags, stickers and even an apron for sale. None of this merchandise is official, however, and buying it does not support the monks in any way. To directly support them, their official website has donation links. Also on their website are articles that explore how to promote peace and mediate conflict. These articles go in depth on topics like how to be a peacemaker without driving conflict, how to meditate on small issues and even a step by step guide to organizing your own peace walks. The Walk for Peace has ended, but the monks’ advocacy continues, and they still post articles on their website.
What the monks did is similar to a walkout, a form of strike where people gather in peaceful protest and walk. It’s becoming more common now for schools to organize walkouts like this with students in reaction to policies or laws. The more people that gather, the louder the statement. Strikes and protests work to bring more attention to issues, and convince those in charge to fix harmful policies. Historically, strikes have given people like workers better hours, and brought human rights to minorities.
On February 18, 2026, Arlington Public School (APS) students performed a walkout in protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices. Hundreds of students across the schools protested, some making their own signs. Walkouts aren’t the only form of protesting students can participate in, however.
Protests are open to the whole public, minors included. Most protests also don’t have a sign-up, and if you see one on the street you want to participate in, you’re always welcome to. But, to organize one, there are a few steps.
Different states have different laws on how to legally protest, but generally you need relevant permits and permission from local law. The monks’ guide to organizing a protest is simple and informative, and there are many other good articles across the internet. The first step is usually developing a main message and gathering supporters, called stakeholders. It’s important to have reliable communication between the organizers and stakeholders to come up with a solid plan of action. Once your motive and support is established, you map an accessible route so the protestors know where to gather.
Once you have your basic information, you need to apply for permits. In Virginia, small groups that stay on sidewalks and do not obstruct the general public do not need a permit, but if you want to close a street or use amplified sound then a permit is required. There are laws you need to follow in the protest, including not obstructing passage or camping on residential property. It’s important to always do research to know what is and isn’t legal before organizing.
When legal measures are accounted for, the protest can begin. Make sure to post publicly and proudly the information for the protest, so others know your directive and where to find you. Then the actual protest can begin. Remember to stay civil, as only peaceful assembly is permitted by the First Amendment.
Check online frequently for protests if you’re interested, because there’s almost always something in the area to participate in. Remember to stay safe on the street, and stay kind.
