Occupy Ames Hopes For Change Through Awareness

One woman has ancestors who sought the right for women to vote.

Others protested the Vietnam War in the 1960s.

All believe that their voices can help make a change in the country's policies.

an offshoot of the movement that began in Ames last week, held its first rally at Grand Avenue and Fifth Street Friday.

Organizers plan to hold another rally at Stuart Smith Park at Lincoln Way and University Boulevard at noon Saturday.

Friday, a group of about 28 people held up protest signs as vehicles drove by.

Jeff Hall, 50, an Iowa State University librarian, said the rallies and marches would help raise awareness about the country's economic problems.

“It's really about education and getting more people active. That's how change happens,” he said.

April Anderson, a doctoral student at Iowa State University, said she went back to school when she couldn't find a job, even though she had a master's degree in library science.

Anderson added that protesting is in her blood — women in her family have been protesting since the suffrage movement decades ago sought to secure women's right to vote.

“Every generation has had something to say,” Anderson said. “I want a job when I graduate.”

Retirees Bert and Nancy Schroeder were protesting for jobs, as well.

Their grandchildren are about to enroll in college.

“I'm afraid that none of their dreams will be realized,” Nancy Schroeder said.

Another set of occupy protesters, sisters Margaret and Jan Holmgren, said the protest was their first since the 1960s.

Margaret Holmgren, an Iowa State Philosophy professor, said there needs to be more equality between CEOs and the people who work for them.

But will standing on street corners with signs make a difference?

“It can have a definite impact,” Margaret Holmgren said, adding that the 1960s anti-war protests proved that.

“Besides, it's fun,” Jan Holmgren said.