Editors’ note: This story was updated on March 25 to correct the spelling of two rally organizers’ names. 

Two hundred citizens of the Rockbridge County community gathered outside of the courthouse square on Main Street on Feb. 28 to express their concern with recent events surrounding the Trump Administration, according to The News-Gazette. The event was organized informally by members of the community, without association with any local organizations.

Community members said they started this event to emphasize the importance of love in times of fear and uncertainty.

“Some friends of mine and I have really felt inspired to try to reach through and ask what we are afraid of losing, because that’s what anger is really about,” said Tasha Walsh, one of the rally’s three co-hosts.

The first rally was called the Valentines for Democracy rally. Participants made valentines for the things they loved that they believed have been threatened by the Trump Administration. Participants also made signs expressing concern for a wide variety of issues including Elon Musk’s involvement in the U.S government and resources being cut from the national parks.

After the event’s successful turnout, community organizers planned to have 10 additional Rallies for Love. These rallies are held each Friday at the same location on Main Street from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

“I really feel strongly that silence is complacency, and what is currently going on in the U.S. is not okay by me,” said Susan Bedell, a Lexington resident who has attended three of the Rallies for Love.

Walsh said the Rally for Love takes a different approach to political activism than protesting.

“There’s absolutely a place for protest…and there is also a place for working to stay connected to what we love,” said Walsh.

Unlike protests, Walsh said the Rally for Love has a relaxed environment. Community members are encouraged to make signs sharing what they love. Topics on the signs have included protection for the environment, sovereignty for Ukraine, preservation of LGBTQ rights, and support for federal workers. Community members ranging from children to older adults attended.

Walsh said the Rally for Love has provided community members with a space to heal from the fear and anger they have experienced during the Trump administration.

“There’s so much going on right now that is causing distress and dismay, and it is really easy to fall into depths of hopelessness and shock,” said Walsh.

Another rally host, Caroline Coons, described participating in the rallies as a form of grief support and anger management.

“It mends my heart to stand in community with others who feel the same as I do,” Coons said.

This form of rallying is beginning to catch on in nearby communities, according to rally co-host Elise Sheffield. The rally organizers said they plan to share resources with those who are interested.

“We are beginning to put together a kit of resources to share with other communities that our ideas resonate with,” Sheffield said.

Sheffield said this kit will be a simple website that includes the original press release, letter to the community and pictures from the rally. The rally organizers said they hope that this will be a resource to bring more communities together to express what they love.

The fourth Rally for Love took place on Friday, March 21, and the events will continue throughout the spring.