Everything you need to safely organize or join a Caravan for Democracy with the NH Bridge Brigade for Democracy (NHBBD). New volunteers are welcome — no experience required.​

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What Is a Caravan for Democracy?

A Caravan is a group of 3–10 (or more) vehicles decorated with pro-democracy messages that travel together through communities.

 

Caravans spread visibility, energy, and hope — especially to people who may never pass a bridge.

They are joyful, peaceful actions designed to activate supporters and strengthen local democratic communities.

 

Statewide caravans are organized periodically, and smaller local pop-up caravans happen (and are encouraged) throughout New Hampshire.

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Why Caravans Matter - Who can resist a parade?

Cars decorated with signs, music, balloons, and movement energy often create excitement similar to a holiday procession. People wave, cheer, and come outside to watch. Think ice-cream truck meets democracy. 

 

Joy is powerful. It reminds people they are not alone — and hope fuels action.

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Pro Tips

• Many people assume that if there is a Caravan coming it is a pro MAGA caravan. Make sure your caravan is instantly recognizable as a pro democracy Caravan. Lots of blue. Lots of pro democracy signs. 

• Always do a test drive before the event

• You may encounter other caravans — honk and wave enthusiastically

• Place larger vehicles with speakers near the front

• Avoid horn burnout — use music or horn-sound playlists instead

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Where to Hold a Caravan

Caravans are most effective when supporting an existing protest or public action. By driving safely around the protest area with visible pro-democracy messages, they boost morale, increase visibility, and reach people far beyond the immediate crowd.

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Caravans energize participants, signal solidarity, and amplify the impact of peaceful demonstrations while following all traffic laws and safety practices.

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Ideal locations:

• Democrat-leaning neighborhoods
• High-visibility residential areas
• Main streets
• Shopping districts
• Community hubs and sports venues

 

This upbeat action draws attention and brings
new people into the movement.

 

Vehicle Messaging

Messaging should always be:

• Pro-democracy
• Non-violent
• Positive
• Non-antagonistic

 

Some caravans use unified messaging. Others allow each vehicle to design its own signs. Your caravan team can decide what works best.

 

Starting a Caravan (Minimum Requirements)

• 1 - 3 vehicles (more creates greater impact)

• A designated lead vehicle

• Clear communication among participants

 

Recommended Participants / Roles

• Drivers - Focus solely on safe driving.

• Co-pilots - Handle communication, navigation, and coordination.

• Passengers - Wave, create energy, manage music, and record video.

• Photographers/Videographers - Capture the event for outreach and social media.

 

Caravans represent the NH Bridge Brigade for Democracy as a whole, not any specific candidate or official.

 

Planning Your Route - (Pre-planning is essential)

Always:

• Drive the route in advance

• Confirm safety and traffic flow

• Share the route with all vehicles

• Plan regroup points in case vehicles get separated

• During winter, many people will be inside homes. Music, horns, and visible signage help draw attention

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Route Best Practices

• SLOW DOWN. Aim to drive less than 25 MPH

• Minimize left turns (safer and more efficient)

• Avoid complex intersections

• Choose wide roads with lower speed limits (25 mph or less)

• Identify safe pull-off areas for regrouping

• Check train schedules if crossings are involved
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When to Hold a Caravan

Best times:

• Weekends
• Daylight hours
• Periods when people are home or out in public

 

Busy shopping areas or recreational destinations can also be effective. Avoid dangerous weather conditions, icy roads, or standing water.

 

Typical Timeline (About 2 Hours)

• Setup: 20–45 minutes

• Route: 40–60 minutes

• Breakdown: 20–45 minutes

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The goal is to be impactful and easy to repeat.

 

Who Can Participate?

Everyone. Caravans are especially accessible for:

• Seniors

• Families

• People with mobility challenges

• New activists

• Those uncomfortable with bridge actions
   

Participants remain inside their vehicles, offering both comfort and a degree of anonymity.

 

Is This Legal?

Caravans are lawful driving activities.

No state permit is required because roads remain open and traffic laws are followed.

 

Participants should ensure:

• Driver has a valid driver’s license

• Current registration

• Functional vehicle lights

• Unobstructed driver visibility

• Compliance with local noise ordinances

Decorations must not interfere with safe operation of the vehicle.

Each participant accepts personal responsibility for their vehicle and actions.

If approached by law enforcement, remain calm and respectful and follow all instructions.

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DESIGNING MESSAGES AND SIGNS 

 

Effective signs are:

• Short (4–5 words)

• Large and bold

• Easy to read from a distance

• White text on dark backgrounds is highly visible.

• Display large QR codes on both sides of the vehicle when possible. Driving slowly allows people to scan them safely.

• Decorations such as balloons and streamers add visibility and joy — just secure them carefully.

• Lightweight poster board with painter’s tape and or magnets are very effective at low speeds.

• Magnetic signs work well.

• Mix printed and handmade signs for a human, energetic feel.

 

Good Staging Locations Include:

• Municipal parking lots

• Park-and-Ride locations

• Mall parking lots

• Supportive church or community lots

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Arrive early to decorate vehicles, assign roles, and complete safety checks

Staging volunteers should arrive 15–30 minutes early and wear high-visibility vests

 

Before Departure, Confirm:

• Decorations are secure

• QR codes are visible

• Music systems are working

• Communication channels are ready (download an online walkie talkie app like 

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Vehicle Preparation

• Ensure signage and / or magnets are firmly attached

• Secure all decorations

• If anything detaches while driving, pull over safely to fix it or pick it up

• Use liquid chalk only on windows, not painted surfaces

 

After the route, regroup for photos and organized breakdown.
 

CARAVAN ROLES

 

Driver

• Follow all traffic laws

• Maintain safe distance between vehicles

• Do not use a phone while driving
   

Co-Pilot

• Manage navigation and communication

• Use pre-planned routes rather than live navigation apps

• Help coordinate regrouping if needed
   

Passengers

• Provide energy and visibility

• Wave, cheer, and engage positively

• Manage music and noisemakers

• Record photos or video
   

Behavior Guidelines

• Keep messaging positive and inclusive

• Avoid profanity or obscene gestures

• Do not engage with hostile individuals

• Focus on visibility, not confrontation
   

Working with Police

• No advance notification is typically required

• Follow all traffic laws

• If stopped, comply respectfully

 

Safety

Safety always comes first.

• Pull over safely if decorations shift or fall

• Stay at the scene if involved in an accident

• If a situation becomes tense, calmly leave the area
   

Logistics & Supplies

Helpful materials include:

• Poster board and Painters Tape are ideal for making large signs

• Liquid chalk markers for windows

• Strong magnets or magnetic adhesives

• Suction cups with hooks for non-steel vehicle surfaces
   

Including NHBBD branding via QR CODE and website information helps observers connect with the movement.

 

Additional Equipment Ideas

• Portable speakers can amplify music or messages.

• External mounts or holders may be used carefully to avoid vehicle damage.

• Always secure equipment thoroughly before driving.

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Ready to Join a Caravan?

Caravans bring hope, visibility, and connection to communities across New Hampshire.

We would love to have you participate.

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👉 Sign up to volunteer for caravans