Protesting at District Offices
Protesting peacefully outside of district offices is an effective way to show anti-abortion rights members of Congress exactly what you and other constituents in their state think about attacks on abortion rights and sexual and reproductive health care.
Like bird-dogging, protesting at in-district offices is a tactic best reserved to let members of Congress that are against sexual and reproductive rights, including abortion, know your views.
To learn more about your elected officials’ voting record on sexual and reproductive health, visit Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s Congressional scorecard.
Expressing your first amendment rights — including peaceful protest and demanding answers from elected officials — is critical to our democracy. That said, nothing on this website is intended to encourage, produce, or incite imminent lawless action. Before engaging in these tactics, be sure to understand and abide by all applicable laws.
How to Plan Your Peaceful Protest
Review a Protest Safety Plan:
Peaceful protest is our right. Demonstrations are a compelling way to demand justice — they can lead to transformative change. But it's not easy to know what to expect.
Concerned about COVID-19 protections? Police presence? Harsh weather? Counter protesters? Before you go out to rally for abortion rights, review this "Protest Tips: How to Stay Safe at Abortion Rights Rally" guide.
Pull Your Group Together to Start Planning:
Jump on a Zoom or conference line and start talking logistics.
Pick a day to protest and a time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., since that’s when district offices are usually open. Consider what’s convenient for the members of your group, such as during lunch hour.
Research the member's district office location. Find out if their office is in a highly foot trafficked area. These actions are more effective if they take place in more visible areas to the public. Don't forget to determine whether the location of your protest requires a permit!
Register Your Event on the Planned Parenthood Action Fund Map:
Once you have your event set, register it on the Planned Parenthood Action Fund Map. That way, we can measure the reach of the movement, help recruit attendees, and connect you with a local organizer who might be able to provide support.
Pro-tip: Is your event only for established group members and volunteers? Mark it as “private” when you register.
Delegate and Determine Roles:
You’ll need at least four people: one to sign in attendees (which includes getting their contact info to build your group), one to prep speakers, one to organize materials/swag, and one to post on social media (during and after the event).
If your event is large, you may want to create teams or have one point person for specific duties.
Brainstorm and Recruit Speakers:
Most effective events have two to three speakers who talk for 3-5 minutes each.
- Recruit speakers who can discuss abortion rights.
- Is there a developing activist with a personal story about abortion rights?
- Is there an ally from a local organization that you can invite?
Make a plan to invite and confirm your speakers.
Prepare Any Props or Setup Needs:
You'll need a megaphone and a few signs showing your demands. If available, set out a podium and water, as well as orange traffic cones to block off traffic.
Reminder: Obey all public safety laws and regulations. Keep to public spaces and sidewalks, unless you have secured a permit.
Right Before the Event:
30 minutes before the event:
- Gather the people who have key roles (MC, speakers, etc.).
- Bring snacks and water.
- Assemble any art pieces, test any technology, and prepare any individual accessibility accommodations that have been requested.
- Make reminder calls to everyone who signed up to attend.
- Huddle with the speakers and run through their talking points: Make sure they’re speaking to your member of congress’s words and actions, and that they know the order in which they will be speaking.
15 minutes before the event:
- Sign in attendees.
- Huddle with your activists. Introduce new faces and remind them of the importance of these peaceful protests.
- Explain the plan of action and get into position.
During the Event:
Kick-off the event: The MC starts some chants and welcomes the crowd.
Speakers: Each speaker talks for 3-5 minutes about attacks on reproductive rights and what’s at stake, including attacks on abortion rights and the essential need for protections for abortion care.
Close: The MC closes the event by thanking everyone for coming, clearly reiterating our calls to action, and finishing out strong with some chants.
Ongoing: The social media manager records, live tweets, and/or broadcasts the entire experience live. Tweet excerpts from speeches, pictures of the crowd, or GIFs.
- Tag your member of Congress and news outlet(s).
- Use the hashtag #BansOffOurBodies
- Post photos of the action to your social media accounts.
After the Event:
Immediately after: Send your stories and pictures to your organizer and/or [email protected].
The night of the event:
- Email your attendees to thank them.
- Immediate follow-up is important for recruitment and group longevity.
- Invite attendees to a debrief meeting.
For More Information:
See sample questions for bird-dogging at officials' town halls and other public appearances.