Get Prepared:

• identify the purpose and objective of your event, as well as the message you are trying to convey

• notify your city police and other officials of the vigil or march (each country will have its own set of rules on marches, so double check with your local authorities)

• notify your local US Embassy or Consulate (the regional security officer (RSO) at a minimum) - be alert to security concerns, terrorist threats to large groups of Americans, etc.

• notify local press before and after the event

• use your DA social media platforms before, during and after the event; share fotos, etc. on DA Facebook and Twitter

• consider meeting ahead of time to make posters together. This will help shape the dialogue at the vigil

• create a Democrats Abroad {your country} banner to carry

• reach out to Our Revolution and other local American groups to see if they would like to join in

• if other groups are also joining, be clear about the message of DA   

• find a place to meet before and after the march

Choosing a location:

• iconic spots in your cities/towns (main squares, in front of recognizable bldgs)

• not in front of local gov’t offices – we’re not talking to local governments, but to ourselves and people of the world

• begin somewhere where you talk with attendees to discuss goals of march, go over do’s and don’ts

• meet afterwards at restaurant or pub to continue the conversation

DO’s:

• do focus on the positives – what we support:  tolerance, equality, human rights, civil rights, an economy that works for all, liveable wage, equal pay, family leave, quality affordable education, Obamacare/quality affordable health care, progress on climate and the environment, protection and expansion of voting rights, multilateral foreign policy, comprehensive immigration reform, bridges rather than walls, evidence-based policy decisions
• do talk about what we are not for, but focus on issues not personalities. We’re not for: concentration camps, walls, racism, sexism, cronyism, trickle down economics, unilateral impulsive foreign policy, ignoring science, etc
• do point out that as loyal opposition we will stand firm, keep fighting for our values and common sense policies, will try to achieve our policies and prevent implementation of policies harmful to USA or the world

• do hold the Republicans in WH and Congress accountable as they are now responsible to govern
• do talk about working to win the WH and the US senate in 2020
• do welcome all to join, other US citizen organizations and  non-Americans, but focus on DA members/ US citizens talking about what we as Americans believe in and need to do in the USA

DON'Ts:

• don't use anti-USA language or signage
• don't hold the US flag upside down, and never suggest burning the flag 
• don't mix the DA brand with other political party brands during events
• don't endorse any local political party or candidate, likewise do not condemn any local political party or candidate
• don’t invite any local political party or candidate to speak at a protest that DA organizes
• in short - avoid discussing local politics and policy

• in general - don’t comment on US foreign policy (Some exceptions:  for example, ok to express support for Paris climate accords.  If uncertain, check DA Comms talking points in the wiki or consult with your RVC.)  
  
  

Questions:  Please feel free to ask for specific guidance as you think through any unique situation/complexities in your country - email the Global Comms team at comms@democratsabroad.org or the Chair at chair@democratsabroad.org