Guidance on Protests

Get prepared

• Identify the protest purpose of your event and your key message

• Identify the protest location (see “Organize your location” below)

• Notify your city police and other officials about your event (each country will have its own set of rules on marches, double check with your local authorities)

• Notify local press before and after the event

• Use your DA social media platforms before, during and after the event; share fotos, etc. across your social channels

• Consider meeting ahead of time to make posters together

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

• Reach out to Our Revolution and other local American groups

• Identify a place to meet before and after the march

Organize your location

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

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

• If you’re marching, start at a good meeting point where you can talk with your marchers about the goals of march and go over do’s and don’ts

• After the march, meet at a restaurant, cafe, or pub to continue the conversation

Dos

• Focus on what we support and what we are against

• Stand up as loyal opposition

• Hold the Republican Congress accountable

• Call out DOGE

• Do remind protesters that we need to be registered and ready to vote this year and next

• Keep the focus on what we as Democrats believe in and need to achieve 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

• Don’t discuss local politics and policy

• 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.)