SOUTH DEERFIELD — As protests against the Trump administration proliferate across the U.S., a new group of voices is rising in South Deerfield, on the corner of Route 116 and Sugarloaf Street.

Originally formed as the Old Folks’ Rebellion and now known as the Good Trouble Democracy Brigade, the group has started hosting Friday afternoon standouts in response to cuts across the federal government put forward by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.

Deerfield residents MA Swedlund and Leslie Dubinsky were the two driving forces in organizing the group.

“This is in response to what the Trump administration and the Musk non-administration is doing,” Swedlund said, describing Musk, the wealthiest individual in the world, as the “co-president.” “Almost everybody I know knows somebody who’s been affected by the horrible things Trump and his people are doing.”

Following a test run in early March, the Good Trouble Democracy Brigade is welcoming anyone to attend future protests, which are planned for every Friday afternoon from 3 to 4 p.m.

“Anybody can come. Bring a sign and bring a friend,” Dubinsky said. “It feels good to be able to say something and know you’re being heard. It feels better than sitting at home doomscrolling.”

The Good Trouble Democracy Brigade takes inspiration from the ideals of two civil rights icons, one national and one here in the Pioneer Valley. The name comes from late civil rights activist and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, who urged folks to cause “good trouble” to achieve change. The Franklin County connection, Swedlund said, is war-tax resister and social justice advocate Randy Kehler, who died in 2024, and his efforts to rally people to fight for democracy.

“Randy was somebody who was an amazing mentor for me and a longtime friend,” Swedlund said.

In creating a group drawing people from around Franklin County, Swedlund and Dubinsky said the goal is to keep these issues fresh in people’s minds each week.

“I think everybody is looking for a way to respond to a situation in Washington that they can’t believe is happening. … [Our protest is] a way for local people to be able to respond. It’s happening all over the country,” Swedlund said. “We are going down a road we thought the United States would never, ever go down.”

Dubinsky added that the group’s weekly demonstrations are also a way to show support for those affected by government cuts, while establishing a community network.

“It’s partly to let people know they’re not alone and make it really clear we are not happy with the way things are going,” Dubinsky said. “The power is with the people at this point.

“We’ve got to speak out,” Dubinsky added, “and be strong and say, ‘No, this is not OK.’”

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.