(Minghui.org) Practitioners participated in the annual Folk Festival in Riverside County, East Providence, Rhode Island, on Sunday, August 25, 2024. The event took place in a scenic park and attracted many residents and tourists who enjoyed the late summer breezes and sunshine.

Practitioners demonstrated the exercises, and told people about Falun Dafa and the persecution in China, and collected signatures on a petition to be sent to the U.S. Senate, urging senators to pass the Falun Gong Protection Act.

When people heard about the persecution of Falun Dafa (Falun Gong) in China and how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) harvests organs from practitioners, they were shocked. Almost everyone who visited the booth signed the petition in support of the Falun Gong Protection Act.

Some people who were already aware of the situation immediately signed the petition. They said, “We support you!” and signed their names. Around 150 people signed the petition that day.

Practitioners from Rhode Island and Massachusetts participated in the Folk Festival on Sunday, August 25, 2024. 

Practitioners told people about Falun Dafa, and explained that it’s based on the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. In addition to doing the exercises, practitioners also strive to improve their character. People were encouraged to read Zhuan Falun, the main text of Falun Dafa, available online for free. Many were pleased to learn there was a local practice site and asked for more details.

“I Feel a Strong Energy!”

As people attending the Folk Festival passed by the Falun Dafa booth, they heard the peaceful exercise music and saw practitioners demonstrating the exercises. Some slowed down and watched, while others approached the booth to learn more. A woman who learned the exercises on the spot said, “I feel a strong energy!”

Marina and her mother came to the booth. While her mother listened attentively to practitioners as they told her about the persecution, Marina read the Falun Dafa materials. She told practitioners she wanted to learn more about Falun Dafa. She wishes to improve her health, so she practices yoga. Practitioners explained in detail what Falun Dafa is, and she was very interested in the online workshop.

“This Information Is Important”

A young woman from Massachusetts signed the petition after learning the facts. She thanked practitioners for telling her about the persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners in China, including organ harvesting, and how she could help stop this persecution. She said she plans to become a doctor, and said, “Knowing this information is important to me.”

A 70-year-old Vietnam War veteran and his wife visited the Falun Dafa booth. Practitioners spoke with his wife, explaining the ongoing organ harvesting in China. When the veteran heard the petition was connected to the CCP, he said the CCP has done many bad things that most people don’t know about, and he signed the petition.

After a woman signed the petition she brought her family to sign to support the Falun Gong Protection Act. After learning the truth, a doctor brought his father to sign the petition.