General Information about our Demonstrations
The Usual Info
- The core/center of the rally is the Big Catch Plaza in Des Moines, at the corner of S 216th Street and Marine View Drive. Let’s spread our presence out all four directions from that core – north and south on Marine View Drive, both sides of the street (wherever there is the safety of sidewalk) and east and west on 216th.
- When you make posters, please stay in keeping with the theme of the day. Our “library” of posters will also be available for you to borrow.
- Parking can be a complex matter, especially for big events. There is parking on the east side of Marine View Drive, at the corner across from the gas station, but it is limited. And we want to discourage you from filling up the parking in front of the strip mall. Businesses need space for their customers. So we are encouraging you to find parking farther away from the plaza, south on Marine View Drive or on the next street down, 7th Street. In order to be good neighbors, please don’t park up 216th on Wesley Des Moines properties. Wesley parking is reserved for residents and guests.
- Please do not block crosswalks or access to crosswalk signals. And be considerate of people wanting on or off the bus to ensure full access. Above all, do not ever step into the street or even reach into the street with your posters or flags. Maintaining safety is very important to us and our right to assemble does not extend into the streets. Be aware of your surroundings so that your posters or flags do not block the view of others’ efforts. If participants or becoming too dense, spread out more.
- Sorry, we don’t have porta-parties. We apologize if this inconveniences anyone. They are quite expensive.
- The Des Moines Food Bank will be on hand again to accept food or $$ donations. Cash donations are the most efficient way to give, probably for you and definitely for the Food Bank. Food stuffs will also be accepted.
- Seniors for the Constitution and Des Moines Indivisible split the cash donations received at the registration table.
- Avoid engaging with any hecklers. Just walk away. No amount of conversation will change anyone’s mind in this setting. Leave the area if you don’t feel comfortable. And above all, do not be a heckler of our opponents. That will accomplish nothing and muddy up our message. If you see a monitor in a yellow-green vest, summon them to your aid.
- If a monitor asks you to step back or spread out please honor their request. It’s all a part of having a peaceful and considerate demonstration. If you need assistance, get a monitor’s attention. They will know who to call if outside assistance is needed.
Transportation is provided for residents of Wesley Homes who need help getting to the rally. They should be in front of their respective buildings at 11:45. Drivers will also circle back around from time to time. And they (wearing blue vests) will be around the East side of Marine View Drive to return residents home whenever they wish.
Both of our organizations are committed to peaceful demonstrations. Please read the following PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION guidelines.
Our Peaceful Demonstration Guidelines
All our demonstrations are intended to be peaceful. Please follow these guidelines
GUIDELINES FOR DEMONSTRATION PARTICIPATION
First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution – Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
- Our expression is constitutionally protected in traditional “public forums” such as streets, sidewalks and parks.
- Allow enough space for normal pedestrian traffic. Do not obstruct or detain passers-by. Do not block access to adjacent buildings.
- Counter-demonstrators also have free speech rights, but should not be allowed to physically disrupt the event they are protesting. They do have the right to be present and to voice their displeasure.
- ALWAYS avoid engaging with counter-protestors. JUST WALK AWAY. Do not be provoked or goaded into engaging.
- The police are charged with safeguarding the public during a demonstration, but they cannot use their powers to stop you from exercising your free-speech rights. Police are not allowed to break up a gathering unless there is a “clear and present danger” of riot, disorder, interference with traffic upon the public streets, or other immediate threat to public safety.
- If approached by the police, you have the right to remain silent. If asked, you must give your name and address, but are not required to say anything else.
- Protect the privacy of your fellow demonstrators.
- Be aware of the “tone” you are demonstrating. Remember, you are pro democracy.
- Maintain 360 degrees situational awareness. Know what is going on around you at all times. If you see something suspicious, tell a monitor in a yellow vest .
- When you are lawfully present in any public space, you have the right to photograph anything in plain view, including the police. Washington State and federal courts have upheld the right to record or observe the police performing their official duties in public, so long as the conduct does not interfere with police doing their job. Individuals should keep a reasonable distance from police and take care to not actually interfere with police activities while recording.
- Stay hydrated and dress for the expected weather. Wear comfortable shoes.
- Fully charge your cellphone, but turn it on airplane mode unless actively using it.
- Let an emergency contact know you are participating.
