Moderators behind 50501 protests subreddit explain why they paused activity on official pages

The moderators of the 50501 subreddit announced a pause on official page activities, stirring a mix of confusion and concern among its members. They took to the platform to clarify their decision and reassure the community.

K, a Discord team member and moderator (u/honeydoulemon), issued a statement apologizing for any mixed messages. They explained that the movement, being grassroots, has seen its mod team evolve from a loose group of volunteers into a more structured unit. However, this growth has been challenging as they balance their roles with personal lives.

The decision to pause posts on the subreddit and official pages was not taken lightly. The moderators said they faced challenges unifying efforts across all 50 states. They needed a system to manage permits, safety guidelines, legal information, and resource distribution. At that time, the necessary infrastructure was not in place. In response, they partnered with groups like Political Revolutions, No Voice Unheard, and Build the Resistance to help provide an event platform and a way to coordinate volunteers.

Some users on social media raised concerns that the subreddit was being censored. Posts on other subreddits, such as r/PrepperIntel, noted that new posts on the 50501 subreddit were blocked. Users mentioned that the slowdown of posts on YouTube and BlueSky coincided with this pause. Many speculated that automated bots or coordinated attacks could be behind the sudden change.

But after the mod’s post, many supporters were relieved. “Thank you for what has been done,” wrote one commenter, noting the protests introduced many first-time demonstrators to activism. Others praised the moderators’ “tireless” work, while some expressed frustration over limited media coverage. Several users reported local protests were ignored by major networks, though MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow and PBS NewsHour highlighted the events.

The moderators emphasized that the movement remains in the hands of its supporters. They encourage everyone to continue protesting and organizing locally. The Discord state channels remain open for coordination while they work on a media team and a hub for safety and legal resources. In the end, the mods made it clear that they do not intend to control the movement. They ask for patience as they build a more efficient and safe system to support the protests across the nation.

Featured image credits: u/TamraLinn / Reddit