The Helpers: Dissenting with Band-Aids, Waters, and Bubbles

Medical support, a bottle of water, and a friendly face—the Laughing Warrior Brigade

Over the past few months, millions have protested. Behind every march, every rally, and every protest, are thousands of planners—the organizers, the marshalls, the social media team. Among them are other helpers. In Greenville, SC, one such group goes by the name of The Laughing Warriors.

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And if you’re tempted to click away, to hurry to wash the dishes, may I encourage you to pause? You can listen in the app if you prefer. This is a story of hope, and we need to make space for hope. Let’s continue….

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In 2020, Ash, their partner David, and their son Bec began attending Black Lives Matter protests. “We immediately noticed needs springing up and just started trying to fill them. We began with bringing water and snacks as well as masks and hand sanitizer.”

Photograph courtesy of Laughing Warrior Brigade

Eventually, kids activities were added as were like-minded friends. Today, about five to twelve people attend demonstrations, offering water, snacks, bandaids, treats for furry demonstrators, and sunscreen. They also bring a less tangible service—de-escalation.

“While there (at a 2020 protest) we encountered a group of people from ‘our side’ surrounding and accosting a single guy in a Trump shirt who had crossed the line and tried to ask questions.” After intervening in the heated exchange (read Ash’s Medium article HERE), Laughing Warrior grew to incorporate nonpartisan conflict resolution. “Water, food and healthcare are human rights… So, though our members are encouraged to express our individual political beliefs, we serve anyone who is in need regardless of ideology.”

As protests have grown throughout 2025, Laughing Warriors have been there.

“There is a need for what we do,” Ash shared. “In truth it's an endless and varied series of needs. People will continue to gather to express themselves politically and inevitably some of them will forget their sunscreen or not realize how much water they need to be out in the heat that long or have a medical emergency or encounter angry people whose energy needs redirecting... So we will always be needed.”

Despite the mantras repeated on social media, what makes any nation great is capacity for compassion and care. That’s what struck me about Ash and their group—their care for their community. Resistance movements need groups like the Laughing Warrior Brigade to be, as Mr. Rogers put it, the helpers.

“You can see the difference you are making in the relief of a thirsty person (or the wagging tail of a thirsty dog!) In the smiles and laughter of kids who get an unexpected treat or the gratitude of someone who forgot to put sunscreen on.”

The group also hosts their own dissent through art instillations and public performances. They have hosted funerals for democracy and art installations that borrowed existing statues to make a new statement.

“The work of protest and activism has always been important.” Ash said. “In many ways it is the unwritten fourth branch of the government. No major progressive change has ever occurred in this country without the work of countless, tireless activists. Given the extraordinary times in which we live what we do is vital work now.”

How you can help…

Even though you may not live in South Carolina, you can support their work in two ways. One, donate a box of snacks, a case of water, or other supplies. They have created a list. It can be accessed below.

Second, follow them on social media. There they have links to donate. Even $5 goes a long way. They have a Facebook and and Instagram.

Also, if their work appeals to you, but you live in another state, consider whether you can begin a similar group in your community.

Until tomorrow, happy dissenting.

K