How do I organize an event?

It’s easy! Just follow these simple steps:

  • Use our map to pick your corner
  • Pick your date/time and submit
  • Publicize your event
  • Make your sign
  • Show up!

How do I pick a corner?

You want lots of visibility, but you also want it to be a safe spot for your group. Think about busy intersections with ample sidewalk space, or consider your local park or playground. Don’t forget about accessibility. Is your location accessible to people who use wheelchairs or walkers? Will there be shade available, and are there places someone could sit if needed?

How do I pick a date/time?

What works for you? When will your neighbors be free to join you? When will you have lots of visibility at your favorite corner? #StandOnEveryCorner is for everyone to find a time and way to protest that is easy and convenient. If you’re not sure what time will work best, try something one time and you can always change the day or time next time.

Do I need a permit?

Not usually, but permitting rules are extremely local and variable so check with your city or town if you have questions. These aren’t large rallies, and you shouldn’t block traffic, close streets, disrupt pedestrians or block building entrances. See the ACLU’s Know Your Rights: Demonstrations and Protests for more guidance.

How do I publicize?

This site will be a central location allowing people to find your corner. In addition, we encourage you to put as much (or little) time and effort into promoting your event as you like. You will reach so many people just by showing up!

You can share on social media, to your personal accounts/pages, and in local activist groups and other groups that allow political posts. Use the #StandOnEveryCorner hashtag on Twitter and Facebook. Tag your neighbors! If you are posting on Facebook, consider making a public facebook event to make it easier for people to indicate interest and share your event.

Talk to the people you know in person! Call or text your neighbors—or hey, call over the fence! And let your friends and family who are far away know, too: encourage them to host their own #StandOnEveryCorner!

Do I need a sign?

Yes! Make a sign, and consider making a few extras for people who show up empty-handed and excited. We would like #StandOnEveryCorner to be a family-friendly event, so please keep that in mind when making your signs. This is a strategic decision: kids will be attending the event and driving by, and clean messaging is something parents will be able to discuss with their kids (and maybe join in next time!). We’re adults, and feel profanity is often appropriate for the times we live in—but for this protest, we’re encouraging folks to leave it out. Some great heartfelt “Families Belong Together” signs can be found here.

What do I bring?

Bring your sign. You might want some of the other things listed. But! This should be easy. Keep it simple. You can bring extra water or snacks, especially for hot days, and what to bring may change as the weather changes. If you know how to register people to vote, we encourage you to bring voter registration forms (and if you don’t, your local Board of Elections will likely give you a short lesson!) If you want, you can have extra signs, or poster board and markers for new people to make their own.

Can I collect contact info?

That’s up to you and others attending. Greet everyone who shows up, and ask if they’d like to voluntarily share their email/contact info so you can be in touch and keep them updated about future protests. A clipboard or a notebook and pens can be helpful for this, but your cell phone or the back of an envelope works fine too! After the event, you can reach out to the participants about next steps and engage them in future resistance work.

How do I capture the moment?

Take photos to share on Twitter, Facebook, etc. (with permission from participants). Consider livestreaming on Facebook or another platform, to help spread the word and build excitement about these events. Share your photos and a brief recap of the event on your private social media accounts but also in any activist social media groups or your local paper. Write a letter to your neighborhood newsletter or local paper, and share a group photo and why you protest.

What if I want to do more?

#StandOnEveryCorner isn’t just about protesting, it’s about making connections and working to create positive change together. Come equipped with suggested actions such as registering or contacting voters about the midterm elections, contacting local, state, and federal representatives, fundraising for a cause, joining an activist group, or whatever other actions you feel most passionate about sharing. Encourage others to get involved, and be ready to talk about your experience taking action. Over time, as you get to know the regular participants at your protest, you may find that you all want to take action together!

Have fun. This is a marathon, not a sprint—take the time to have fun with your fellow protesters! It will fuel you all up for more protests and more actions.