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Protest Guidelines

Organizing a protest abroad is a powerful way to amplify your voice and build community. It's also a great energizer and really helps build team unity!

This page guides you through the key steps for planning a successful protest, with tips on location, messaging, and working with partners to ensure alignment with Democrats Abroad values.

Remember - if 3.5% of a population protests, regime change happens

Planning a protest or joining a larger march requires thoughtful preparation to ensure impact, safety, and alignment with our values. Use these guidelines to help structure your event effectively.

Choosing a Location

Selecting the right location can enhance visibility and effectiveness.

✅ Do:

  • Choose iconic spots in your city or town (main squares, recognizable landmarks).

  • If marching, start at a good meeting point where you can talk through goals and guidelines.

  • Plan a post-march gathering at a restaurant, café, or pub to continue the conversation.

❌ Don't:

  • Don't choose a location in front of local government offices—our message is to the world, not local officials.

Key Dos and Don'ts for Democrats Abroad Protests

✅ Dos

  • Follow all local laws regarding assemblies, rallies, and marches.

  • If a permit isn't available, check if a standing demonstration is allowed.

  • Stand up as loyal opposition—hold the Republican Congress accountable and call out DOGE.

  • Remind protesters to register and be ready to vote this year and next.

  • Keep the focus on Democratic values and what we need to achieve in the U.S.

❌ Don'ts

  • Don't use anti-USA language or signage.

  • Don't hold the U.S. flag upside down or suggest burning it.

  • Don't mix the DA brand with other political party brands during events.

  • Don't endorse or condemn local political parties or candidates.

  • Don't invite local political figures to speak at a DA-organized protest.

  • Don't discuss local politics or U.S. foreign policy in DA-led protests (unless explicitly approved, e.g., supporting the Paris Climate Accords).

Working with Partners (as Dems Abroad)

✅ Do Partner With:

  • Other American abroad organizations you know well.

  • Left-leaning groups that are not affiliated with a political party or government, and who you know well.

  • The key here is to take an abundance of caution and work with groups you know well. Ask your Country and regional leaders if in doubt.   

❌ Don’t Partner With:

  • Organizations that must remain non-partisan for funding or legal reasons (e.g., 501(c)(3)s and 501(c)4s).

  • Foreign political parties or government organizations.

  • Groups that have unknown backers.

❌ Don’t Share Data with Partners - EVER 

  • Our privacy policy, which is based on GDPR, prohibits this in order to protect our members. 

Joining Other Marches 

Participating in a larger protest can amplify your message and increase visibility.

✅ Connect with Organizers

  • Reach out in advance to march organizers.

  • Ask about guidelines—who can join, what banners are allowed, etc.

  • Confirm that marching as Democrats Abroad aligns with the march’s goals.

✅ Represent Respectfully

  • Follow the march’s tone and guidelines.

  • Respect other groups and their messaging.

  • Avoid distracting from the primary purpose of the march.

✅ Prepare Your Messaging

  • Consider bilingual posters in both English and the local language.

  • Keep messaging clear, positive, and aligned with both DA’s mission and the broader protest goals.

  • Have a person there responsible for coordinating / greeting the press, and knowing who is available for interviews