NHBBD: Who We Are, Our Lane & Our Rhythm

After a year of rapid growth, experimentation, and increasing statewide visibility, the NH Bridge Brigade for Democracy Leadership Team has reached a point where we need to pause and bring more clarity to what we are building together.

What began as a few people showing up has grown into a steady presence across New Hampshire, powered by incredible volunteers who are committed to protecting democracy and who continue to stand on New Hampshire’s bridges week after week. Along the way, we have learned a great deal — what makes our work effective, what stretches us too thin, and what our volunteers need in order to stay engaged over time.

As we approach our one-year anniversary, it has become clear that if our efforts are going to last — and continue to grow — we need to be more intentional about who we are, the roles we play, and how we operate. This document is meant to guide real decisions: what we say yes to, what we decline, how we work with others, and how we keep showing up in a way that is effective, sustainable, and supportive of the people who make this work possible.

A) NHBBD’s Identity, Values, and Purpose

NHBBD is a peaceful, volunteer-driven civic visibility movement dedicated to protecting democracy. Our strength comes from ordinary people choosing to show up publicly, consistently, and without violence.

We focus on issues rather than candidates. Our purpose is to draw attention to what is happening and why it matters; it is not to promote individuals or political figures.

Although we organize locally, many of the people who see us do not live or work locally. New Hampshire’s highways carry travelers from across the country, which means our messages often speak to issues of national importance as well as those affecting our state.

What We Do That Others Don’t

We provide a consistent, visible presence that people encounter in their everyday lives — not just at rallies or online. By showing up in ordinary public spaces across the state, we meet people where they already are.

We offer a low-barrier way to participate. Someone can join a bridge or caravan for the first time with little preparation and quickly feel part of something larger than themselves.

Because our efforts are distributed across many locations at once, we reach people who may never attend a traditional protest and who might otherwise feel disconnected from civic action.

We emphasize repetition and reliability. Showing up again and again — across many bridges, week after week — builds visibility, trust, and momentum, and reminds people throughout the state that they are not alone.

Taken together, these qualities create a statewide signal of presence and solidarity that cannot be ignored and cannot be easily dismissed.

How We Want to Be Experienced by the Public

We want NHBBD to feel kind, welcoming, and calm — not confrontational. Our spaces should be easy to approach and easy to join, and open to people from every background as long as they are peaceful. Above all, we want to be a source of encouragement rather than anger.

Many people are feeling discouraged, anxious, or unsure of what they can personally do right now. Our visible presence is meant to send a simple message: you are not alone, and peaceful actions that yield results are still possible.

We aim to create places where someone can arrive by themselves and leave feeling part of something larger — connected to others, strengthened in purpose, and reminded that their presence matters.

At its heart, this work is about “bridging” in the deepest sense. Not only are we standing on physical bridges, but we are also connecting people across isolation, linking communities that might otherwise feel powerless, and helping courage move from one person to another. In doing so, we strengthen the relationships and shared resolve that make democratic life possible.

B) Our Lane — Boundaries and Strategic Focus

Our lane is peaceful civic visibility through coordinated bridge and caravan actions.

We cannot do everything — and trying to would weaken our impact. Clear boundaries keep our work focused, effective, and sustainable.

What We Do

● Coordinate statewide Bridge Brigades, primarily on Sunday afternoons. NHBBD’s goal is to move toward weekly brigades on all bridges.

● Organize Caravans for Democracy, most often in support of aligned events such as No Kings actions or other peaceful civic gatherings.

● Provide structure, infrastructure, guidance, and safety practices so volunteers can participate confidently and responsibly.

● Maintain a welcoming entry point for people who are new to civic action.

● Table at major events to meet people, recruit volunteers, and share information about our work.

● Use social media effectively — including Facebook, Bluesky, Substack, YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms — to spread our message, inform the public, and cultivate community.

● Offer merchandise that supports visibility, shared identity, and organizational sustainability.

What We DO NOT Do

● We are not a general announcement channel for every worthy cause or event. Our communications are primarily focused on NHBBD activities so that our messages remain clear, timely, and useful.

● We do not sell or share member data for any reason.

● We do not engage in candidate campaigning.

● We do not organize actions that fall outside our model or capacity, nor do we take on roles that compromise safety or sustainability.

● We do not attempt to replace organizations that already specialize in other kinds of work.

When We Partner

We work well with others when expectations are clear and the activity aligns with our model.

Whenever possible, we send trained volunteers or leaders to represent NHBBD. We also spread leadership responsibilities so participation does not depend on a small number of people, thereby enabling more volunteers to have opportunities to be visible in the community.

Examples include:

● Aligning with major statewide or national pro-democracy efforts

● Participating in coalitions around shared concerns

● Collaborating with other bridge-based groups

● Supporting aligned events through caravans or visibility

What Requests We Often Decline

To protect our volunteers and maintain focus, we may decline:

● Requests for NHBBD to organize caravans for events we did not initiate. While we may choose to deploy caravans in support of aligned actions, we do not provide caravans on request.

● Last-minute mobilizations that create unnecessary strain on volunteers.

● Activities requiring infrastructure we do not currently have.

● Collection drives or charitable efforts outside our core mission.

● Requests better handled by organizations with specific expertise.

When appropriate, we will share guidance so others can organize similar activities themselves.

C) Message Approach

Bridge messaging generally falls into three categories:

● General Messages — Broad reminders about democratic values

Example: “Don’t Look Away”

● Current Issues — Timely national or state concerns

Example: “Protect Democracy”

● Sustained Focus Messages — Issues leadership believes require ongoing public attention

Bridge Captains are encouraged to choose messages that are clear, readable at highway speed, and appropriate for a broad audience.

D) Our Rhythm — Consistency for Impact, Sustainability for Volunteers

Consistency matters more than intensity.

We are moving toward a standard rhythm of weekly NHBBD actions. This pace allows us to:

● Be a predictable presence in the communities we reach

● Become part of the community’s rhythm

● Maintain ongoing visibility and recognition

● Give volunteers time to rest and plan

● Build long-term participation

● Avoid burnout

NHBBD may also participate in additional major moments when capacity allows, but our regular cadence remains the foundation of our work.

Showing up steadily over time is what builds trust, recognition, and lasting impact — and is how our pro-democracy movement endures.

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NHBBD Board NHBBD Leadership Team Greta Roberts Jacqui Trainer

Jamie Cunningham Erin Walthour

Jessie Sangona Doreen Wiggins

Deb Jadczak Cheryl Whitney

Matt Kahn