How do I organize a protest in NH?

When we say “determine your message,” we aren’t just talking about a slogan for a sign; we are talking about how everyone seeing or participating in your protest will understand it.

The most effective protests have a clear message and a clear goal. For example, in 1963 the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom advocated for the passage of the Civil Rights Act. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous “I have a dream” speech at that event. The message was clear, and the Civil Rights Act became law.

As another example, the Occupy Wall Street movement had a catchy name and a general goal for Wall Street reform, but it did not have clear demands. That may be one reason why it didn’t accomplish significant policy change.

When people ask about your protest, you should be able to tell them in one or two sentences why you are protesting and what you want to change. Most people aren’t going to listen to a long speech or read multiple paragraphs. A clear message will help unify protestors, inform the public, and motivate change.

If you hold a protest on your front lawn, most people probably won’t notice – unless you live on a high traffic street across from City Hall. Generally speaking, you want to protest at a place that gets lots of eyeballs and/or relates to the change you want to happen.

If you’re protesting a local event or policy, you probably want to pick an area near Town Hall. If you’re focused on state lawmakers, you should consider the Statehouse in Concord. 

The First Amendment protects the right to protest, which means the government cannot shut down a protest just because they disagree with the message. 

However, the Constitution also allows “reasonable time, place, and manner” restrictions. In other words, the government can restrict protests – and all public assemblies – to protect a specific, significant government interest like public safety. Public officials can ban loudspeakers at night, require unobstructed streets outside a fire station, and so on. Your right to protest also cannot trample someone else’s constitutional rights. For example, you cannot obstruct the entrance to a polling place and intimidate voters.

Private property owners, meanwhile, can set their own rules and may have you arrested for trespassing.

Keep in mind these potential restrictions when you consider locations. You may need to apply for a permit (as outlined in step 5, below).
 

Once you have identified your ideal location, come up with a plan for logistics. Some things to consider include:

• Do you want to march a planned route?
• Where can people park?
• Where are the entrances and exits?
• Are there public restrooms nearby?
• Do you need a sound system? Are you planning on having any speeches, or will this just be a group holding signs? Will there be any group chants or songs? Will there be any performances?
• Is your group large enough to need a first aid station or emergency area?
• Will you provide water?
• Will you need a tent or table?
• Will you print or provide leaflets with your message?
• Do you plan on lighting candles (e.g. for a vigil)?
• Amnesty International offers 50 other ideas for public demonstrations 

Many of these plans will impact permit applications (as outlined in step 5, below).

Of course, not all protests are legally authorized. The Boston Tea Party did not seek a permit from the British before dumping tea into Boston Harbor. Sit-ins during the Civil Rights Movement resulted in arrest. Citizens Count does not advocate for breaking the law, but we acknowledge that on rare occasion civil disobedience has been effective in changing policy. If you believe the most effective way to protest an unjust law is to refuse to obey, keep the following in mind:

• If you are violent or destroy property, you are not going to win hearts and minds. You will likely discredit your cause and alienate potential supporters.
• You may be arrested. Know your rights and consider identifying a lawyer to call before your protest.
• If you resist arrest, you risk the safety of yourself and law enforcement.

If you intend to fundraise for any part of your protest, keep in mind there are strict laws about how you collect donations and how you spend them. Speak to a lawyer to ensure you are in compliance with tax laws, and/or work with a nonprofit organization to handle funds.
 

Depending on the size of your protest, where it is taking place, and what you plan to do, you may need to request one or more permits from local government. These are often the same permits for a parade, concert, or festival. The Fire Department, Parks Department, or other officials may be involved. The requirements will vary from town to town and city to city, so visit your local government website and reach out to your local officials to learn what paperwork you may need. 

For example, Manchester, New Hampshire has a special event guide for pre-planned events expected to draw 100 or more people held on public property. 

Concord, New Hampshire has a Citizen Self Service Portal that includes event permits. 

The New Hampshire Department of Administrative Services manages protest permits for the Statehouse in Concord. 

The University of New Hampshire offers their protest guidelines here. 

Remember, a government official may deny your permit if there is a conflicting event during the time you chose, your plan threatens public safety, or if you fail to meet their other “reasonable time, place, and manner” restrictions. For example, the Department of Administrative Services requires at least one portable restroom for every 500 attendees.

The permit may also come with a fee. The government is within its rights to cover the cost of administering the permit system, assigning police, sanitation, and so on. They may also require the permit applicant to provide insurance for large events. However, fees may not vary based on the content or topic of your free speech event. They similarly cannot deny a permit just because they expect it will draw counter protesters or controversy.
 

If you want people to join your protest, you need to tell them it is happening! Here are some ways you might share your protest date and location:

• Post on social media, such as local Facebook groups and the New Hampshire subreddit
• Post flyers at local coffee shops and other businesses (with the business owner’s permission)
• Reach out to local news outlets, particularly specific reporters, or pay for a newspaper advertisement
• Contact advocacy groups and/or local political parties that share your perspective
• Inform elected officials (check out our Advocacy Toolkit tutorial for tips on reaching out)
• Use word of mouth at other community gatherings, from church groups to condo meetings

Sometimes protest organizers will host sign-making parties before a protest. Provide posterboard, foam board, markers, paint, glitter, paint-stir sticks, and other supplies for memorable messages. You might also make matching shirts or hats.

When you are recruiting attendees, it is helpful to share your clear message and goal for the protest. An angry crowd full of mixed messages will have less impact than a more unified group.

It is also helpful to share information with attendees about bathrooms, parking, and so on.

Keep in mind that the more widely you share information about your protest, the more likely you are to catch the eye of counter-protestors or other opponents.

On the day of your protest, make sure to dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water. Some protestors wear costumes to draw attention. Come up with some chants. Bring signs and/or pamphlets. There’s nothing wrong with having some fun with free speech!

It is a good idea to keep a copy of emergency phone numbers on paper (or even written somewhere on your body) just in case something goes wrong and you can’t use your cell phone. It is wise to leave any valuables at home. If you intend to carry a legal weapon, remember that may make other people – including law enforcement – more likely to perceive you as a threat.

Lastly, if you think there is any possibility of law enforcement using tear gas or sprays, consider leaving your contacts at home and put on glasses instead. 

Once again, Citizens Count does not advocate for breaking the law, but we acknowledge the reality that some protests become chaotic. We want all our readers to prioritize their personal safety. 

During the protest stay aware of the whole area. Protests may attract confrontation. Remember that arguing rarely changes a person’s mind, so if you are challenged by a passerby or counter protestor, try to stay calm and share your message without raising your voice. Walk away and remove yourself if necessary. A provocateur may be happy to get you to lose your cool and get arrested. At the same time, if a person physically threatens you, involve law enforcement. Similarly, if you see unusual activity, like someone leaving behind an unattended package, say something to law enforcement. 

Legal actions

• You have a right to record anything in plain view in a public space, including law enforcement and fellow protestors (although they may not appreciate it). Private property owners may set their own rules on photos and video. 
• You may wear a mask at a protest in New Hampshire.

Illegal actions

• Do not damage property.
• Do not become physically violent.
• Do not threaten violence or tell fellow protestors to get violent.
• If you have a permit for your protest, do not violate the terms of that permit. For example, do not block fire exits.
• If a law enforcement officer asks for your name and address, do not lie. However, the officer may not arrest you solely because you refuse to answer. (This changes if you are driving a car; New Hampshire law requires you to provide identification if you are pulled over while driving.)

What police may do

• Law enforcement may separate protestors and counter protestors, but both groups have the right to make their voice heard.
• If police stop you, you do not have to answer questions; ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, you may walk away. Otherwise, the officer may place you under arrest.
• You do not need to consent to a search, but an officer may still pat you down if they suspect you have a weapon. 
• A law enforcement officer may not confiscate your phone unless you are under arrest and may not search a locked phone without a warrant.
• If a crowd is getting out of control and there is an immediate threat to public safety, law enforcement may shut down a protest and order everyone to disperse. They must in turn provide sufficient time and a clear path to exit before they start making arrests.
• Law enforcement officers may wear masks.

If you believe law enforcement has given you an unlawful order, it is safest to obey, document the incident, and challenge it later.
If you get arrested, remember you have the right to remain silent and the right to contact an attorney. Do not physically resist or argue with law enforcement.
 

At the end of your protest, encourage everyone to pick up their trash and leave the space as clean as it was before the protest started. Cleaning up doesn’t just leave a good impression – it helps build a sense of community. 

You should also give your attendees a clear “call to action” before they leave. Maybe you ask everyone to contact at least one elected official, advocating for your goal. Maybe you circulate a sign-up sheet during the protest for participants to get email updates about your issue going forward. You may encourage participants to post about their experience on social media (although some people may prefer to keep their protests private). 

Whatever follow-up action you recommend, consider giving attendees a flyer with clear recommendations.

And, keep advocating for the issue in other ways. Browse other tutorials in our Advocacy Toolkit to learn how.