Thousands of activists are expected to converge in Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention, hoping to draw attention to abortion rights, economic injustice, and the war in Gaza.

While U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has energized crowds of supporters as she prepares to accept the Democratic nomination, progressive activists maintain their mission remains unchanged.

Activists say they have learned lessons from last month's Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and expect larger crowds and more powerful demonstrations in Chicago, a city with deep roots in social activism.

Illinois Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker said on Sunday that he expects the demonstrations to be peaceful and rejected any comparisons to the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago, which saw violent clashes between Vietnam War protesters and police.

Pritzker added on "State of the Union": "If there are rioters, they will be arrested and prosecuted."

Who is protesting?

Demonstrations are expected each day of the convention, and while their agendas differ, many activists agree that an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war is the priority.

Things are set to kick off on Sunday evening with a march for abortion rights along the iconic Michigan Avenue.

Linda Liu of the organization stated that while Democrats have pushed to protect reproductive rights at home, the issue is international. She said she will march in solidarity with people everywhere fighting for the right to control what happens to their bodies, as well as protesting the money the U.S. spends to support wars that could be used for healthcare.

"We believe the billions of dollars that continue to flow to Israel and the flood of weapons have an enormous impact and horror, particularly on women and unborn children," she said. "All these things are interconnected."

The largest group, the DNC Alliance, has planned demonstrations during the first and last days of the convention.

Organizers say they expect at least 20,000 activists, including students who protested against the war on campuses.

Liz Rathburn, a student organizer at the University of Illinois in Chicago, said: "The people holding the power will be there. The people inside the center are the ones who will dictate our foreign policy one way or another."

Where will they protest?

Activists filed a lawsuit against the city earlier this year, claiming restrictions on where they can demonstrate violate their constitutional rights.

Chicago leaders denied their requests for permits to protest near the United Center on the West Side of the city, where the convention is being held, instead offering a park by the lake more than three miles away.

Later, the city agreed to allow protests at a park and on Mars Road near the United Center. A federal judge recently approved the group's roughly 1-mile (1.6 kilometers) route.

DNC spokesperson Hatem Abudayyah said the group is pleased it won the right to protest near the convention, but believes that their preferred march two miles (three kilometers) away will be safer for the large crowds. The group is bused in for activists from about half a dozen.

"We are moving forward, full speed ahead."

The city designated a park just a block from the United Center for a sound stage. Those who signed up receive 45 minutes.

The Poor People's Army in Philadelphia, which advocates for economic justice, plans to protest in Humboldt Park on the city's northwest side.

Some members of the group have spent the past few weeks marching more than 80 miles (130 kilometers) from Milwaukee, where they protested during the Republican convention.

Spokesperson "Honkala" said in a statement as the group arrived in Illinois: "The poor and homeless are facing brutality, with tents and camps destroyed, from San Francisco to Philadelphia to Gaza and the West Bank. These preventable human rights violations are being committed by both Democratic and Republican leaders."

How will the new candidate change things?

Many activists believe that nothing will change because Harris is part of the Biden administration.

"The demands have not changed," said Erica Bentley, an activist protesting for cancel solidarity. "I haven't seen any changes in policy. If you're going to be here, you have to listen to what's important to us."

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Chicago have been very clear, blocking roads to the airport and staging settings at congressional offices. Some plan a one-day conference on Sunday with third-party candidates.

Fayane Abiyoma Megana, an organizer with the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, said: "No matter who the candidate is, we're marching against the Democrats and their wicked policies that have allowed Israel to kill over 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza."

It's unclear if the convention will attract right-wing extremists who support former President Donald Trump.

Last week, U.S. Secret Service Deputy Special Agent in Charge Derek Meyer said there are no known specific security threats against the convention.

Is Chicago ready?

The convention is expected to draw around 50,000 people to the country's third-largest city, including delegates, activists, and journalists.

The city says it has made necessary preparations with police and the Secret Service. Security will be tight, with streets around the convention center closed.

To combat traffic concerns, city leaders are promoting an $80 million new train station from the United Center. They also tried to beautify the city with newly planted flowers and new signage. City leaders have also cleared a nearby homeless camp.

Police have undergone training in constitutional policing, and county courts say they are opening more space in anticipation of mass arrests, while hospitals near the secure area are boosting emergency preparedness.

But some have safety concerns, worried that protests could become unpredictable or turn into chaos.

Mayor Brandon Johnson told the Associated Press in a recent interview: "We will ensure that people have their First Amendment rights protected, and that they can do so in a safe way."

Activist High Thurman protested and was arrested at the infamous 1968 convention. The now 74-year-old lives in Alabama but plans to come to Chicago to protest the war in Gaza.

He said: "It’s very personal for me. I see the similarities."