While members of Congress officially kicked off the new term on Thursday, many of their constituents were participating in rallies back in the districts.

The rallies were organized by the left-leaning group Indivisible. Participants called on Congress to end the government shutdown. But they also wanted to remind House members that politics and activism don't end when election season does.

Joe Seeman helped plan the event in the 21st congressional district which is represented by Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, and Dustin Reedy helped organize the event in the 20th district which is represented by Democrat Rep. Paul Tonko.