Portland Frog Brigade – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Portland Frog Brigade?
The Portland Frog Brigade is a grassroots coalition of artist-activists using creativity, humor, and inflatable frog costumes to model peaceful protest and civic engagement. The movement began in 2025 when an image of an inflatable frog—later nicknamed Toad—being pepper-sprayed by federal agents became a symbol of joyful, nonviolent resistance.
What does the Frog Brigade stand for?
The Brigade believes in artful nonviolence — transforming protest into a form of creative expression that exposes the absurdity of authoritarianism. They see joy, whimsy, and spectacle not as distractions, but as strategic tools for change. Their motto could be summarized as: Whimsy is a weapon, joy is resistance.
What is “artivism”?
Artivism blends art and activism. The Brigade’s version involves using costume, music, humor, and visual spectacle to make social issues visible while lowering barriers to participation. A frog giving a peace sign can do more to defuse tension than a shouted slogan.
Why nonviolence? Does it actually work?
Yes. Research by political scientists Erica Chenoweth and Maria Stephan shows that nonviolent campaigns succeed twice as often as violent ones, and that no regime can withstand sustained peaceful participation from roughly 3.5% of its population. Peaceful movements also tend to produce more stable democracies afterward.
What are the Brigade’s Rules of Engagement?
Members agree to uphold five core principles:
Nonviolence, always. Practice restraint and de-escalation.
No antagonizing. Toward police, counter-protesters, or bystanders.
Positive tone. Use humor, music, and joy—not anger or obscenity.
Safety in community. No one operates alone; everyone looks out for each other.
Message discipline. Actions should widen the coalition, not divide it.
How can I join or participate?
Participation is not a roster — it’s a practice. Anyone acting in line with the Rules of Engagement is effectively part of the Brigade. You can:
Attend events or marches in costume.
Help with art, props, or coordination.
Share stories, photos, and educational materials that model peaceful protest.
What are the “pods” and “roles” mentioned on the site?
Pods are small, self-contained groups (3–6 people) who coordinate on-site actions safely. Each pod typically includes a lead, a spotter, a safety/support role, and someone documenting the event.
What if something escalates or authorities engage?
Members are trained to de-escalate through calm language and humor. If tear gas or pepper spray is deployed, move upwind, flush eyes with clean water or saline, and regroup. Never retaliate physically — record, report, retreat.
What are some key legal and safety guidelines?
Know local protest laws.
Don’t block emergency access.
Carry ID and a legal hotline number.
Avoid physical confrontation or property damage.
Respect privacy when sharing media and blur non-participants’ faces.
How can I learn more or start my own Frog Brigade chapter?
The Portland Brigade encourages others to form local brigades worldwide, grounded in the same principles of peaceful, art-driven resistance. Start by reading the Rules of Engagement and How to Frog guides at portlandfrogbrigade.com.