POCATELLO — Southeast Idaho Citizens for Democracy are inviting local residents to participate in a National Day of Action peaceful protest event set for July 17 at Caldwell Park in Pocatello.

The event, known as Good Trouble Lives On, was inspired by a quotation by the late civil rights leader, Congressman John Lewis, who said, “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble and help redeem the soul of America,” according to a news release from one of the event’s organizers, Steve Neiner.

The “country before (political) party” event starts at 5:30 p.m. on July 17 at Caldwell Park. The peaceful protest will feature comments by community speakers and organizers, after which participants will walk two blocks to the corner of the Bannock County Courthouse for a rally showing their support for democracy and in the spirit of “good trouble,” the news release said. Organizers of the event are encouraging participants to bring their own signs, flags and voices for a peaceful, pro-democracy protest.

Pocatello will join 400 other “good trouble” events across the United States and will be joined by Idaho cities that include Nampa, Caldwell, Rexburg and Twin Falls.

The event was created in response to attacks on constitutional rights by the current federal and state administrations,” the news release said. Working in tandem with the nationally organized protests on goodtroubleliveson.org, the website states that ‘good trouble’ is the action of coming together to take peaceful, non-violent action to challenge injustice and create meaningful change.

“The civil rights leaders of the past have shown us the power of collective action,” the website said. “That’s why on July 17, five years since the passing of Congressman John Lewis, communities across the country will take to the streets, courthouses and community spaces to carry forward his fight for justice, voting rights and dignity for all.”

The website added, “This isn’t the government our founders envisioned, nor the democracy generations of Americans have fought to realize. As the Trump administration continues violating civil liberties and attacking fundamental freedoms, pro-democracy groups are staying vigilant. The power lies with the American people to unify and ‘Make Good Trouble.’”