The people’s voice will be raised!
Our Purpose
We are participating in the Visibility Brigade Movement, seeking to draw attention to the unconstitutional and dangerous behavior of the Trump Administration. While we very much appreciate the support of those who agree with us, we hope to engage independent and moderate people to join us in resisting the direction that Trump is taking our country.
We hold signs while standing on the Deering Avenue Bridge on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. The signs are designed to be visible to drivers on route 295 as they pass under the bridge going both north and south. We also hold signs while standing on the bridge’s sidewalk that can be read by people driving or walking on the Bridge. Sometimes we pass out literature to people walking on the bridge. We seek to develop short, easily read messages that will identify some of the general problems our country is facing and will draw people together to oppose them. We want to focus on big issues that we believe are of concern to the public. We emphasize our messaging by using American and Maine flags.
Our Ground Rules
These rules have been crafted, with careful guidance from a national network of Visibility Brigades, to ensure that our protests are safe, respectful, and rooted in community.
1. Co-leaders alone decide on the messages and bring materials for the display. Anyone can share ideas with co-leaders, but the co-leaders have the final say.
2. Nothing can be attached to the fence (per Maine DOT).
3. Nothing can be held over the fence/guardrail or on top of the fence/guardrail.
4. Everyone must remain peaceful and positive at all times.
5. Only the designated spokesperson speaks to counter protesters, police, or Maine DOT. The designated person will always be a co-leader.
6. The co-leader on the bridge will designate (with their consent) a videographer to video any interactions with passersby or with police or DOT.
7. Ignore negativity.
8. Do not block or impede the sidewalk or the shoulder.
9. If you do not consent to have your image posted on social media or elsewhere, let the co-leader know at the beginning of the action. When we take a picture, you can step away or turn around.
10. No signs can include violent images or words. All messages need to be rated PG-13 (or younger).
11. No drones near the highway (this is illegal).
12. Safety first: it is imperative to ensure that nothing falls on the road below (including: letters, signs, flags, pool noodles, but also hats, glasses, rings, etc, so be sure that everything is in a secure pocket if it might come off). Safety is everyone’s responsibility.
13. Prepare appropriately: The Deering Avenue Bridge is breezy and unshaded. Please consider taking along sunscreen, a hat and dress in layers. Stay hydrated!
14. Clean everything up when we leave; leave the area as good as or better than we found it.
