How to hold a rally.

Know your rights.

• The First Amendment states that “Congress shall make no law…abridging the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances”.
• This right is often interpreted as encompassing both the freedom to assemble (gather together) and the freedom to petition (appeal to the government for redress of grievances).
• Assemble in public places like sidewalks and parks. Avoid private property unless you have explicit (written) permission from the property owner.

Decide when and where.

• One to two-hour rallies are doable for most people.
• What time of day? Lunchtime? after 5? or on a weekend?

Share that info with police, city officials, and the media.

• You don’t need permission to assemble peacefully in a public space, but it’s common sense to ask if there are other events planned for that time/place, and it is good citizenship to give your city a heads-up.
• Let the police know what you are planning so they can protect you.
• Send an email to the publisher/editor in your local news outlets so they can send a reporter to cover the event.

Gather a team.

• Who will be the media spokesperson?
• Photographer?
• Who will lead the chants/songs/speeches?
• Designate one or two as safety officers at street crossings.
• Every member of the team should learn de-escalation techniques to diffuse hot tempers.

Put out the call on social media, posters, radio, press release in the newspaper. Include this info:

• Planning to have speakers? Ask who has a portable sound system or bullhorn?
• Invite singers? Chant leaders?
• Holding a sign making party – when/where?

The day of the rally

• Show up ½ hour early so you can direct people to where they need to be and to answer questions
• Welcome everyone and clearly state why you are gathered, what to expect, and when to leave.
• Stand back and let your team do their jobs.
• Bring garbage bags and clean up the space after everyone departs.
• Go have a beer and congratulate yourselves on being a positive force in your community!

There is a wealth of information about holding successful events at this link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qKLbO6hortChJ2bCnS1q8rUNzAOvz7eP2Ufei4NzrMU/edit?tab=t.0