Portland Frog Brigade — Rules of Engagement
If you are part of the Portland Frog Brigade, you are expected to abide by the following rules of engagement.
Purpose
Protect people, preserve joy, and model effective nonviolent protest. Our presence should widen the coalition, not narrow it.
Core Principles
Nonviolence, always. Strategic restraint and de-escalation over reaction.
No antagonizing. Not toward police, counter-protesters, media, or bystanders.
Positive tone. Humor, music, dance, play — not taunts or obscenities.
Safety in community. Look out for one another; no one operates alone.
Message discipline. We’re here to grow participation and public sympathy.
Conduct On-Site
Keep distance from authorities. Maintain clear, visible space; follow lawful orders.
Pods & roles. Move in small groups (3–6) with a spotter for each inflatable; designate a lead, safety, and comms/contact.
Situational awareness. Eyes up for risks from any side. If conditions escalate, step back as a group.
No weapons. Nothing that could be construed as a weapon.
Signs & visuals. Keep messages positive and inclusive; avoid antagonizing or demeaning language.
De-escalation first.
Breathe, lower your body language, palms visible.
Acknowledge without arguing: “We’re here peacefully.”
Use calm, measured voice; do not mirror aggression.
Create space; disengage rather than debate.
If chemical agents are used. Move upwind/crosswind, avoid rubbing eyes/skin, flush with clean water or saline, bag contaminated items.
Inflatable-Specific Guidelines
Comfort & safety. Wear breathable base layers; hydrate before arrival; take cooling breaks every 20–30 minutes.
Mobility. Practice walking, turning, sitting; know your visibility limits.
Power. Bring spare batteries/power bank for fans.
Spotters. Each inflatable has a dedicated spotter to guide, warn, and communicate.
What We Don’t Do
No provoking, shouting matches, or obscene chants.
No property damage, no blocking emergency access, no masking intent.
No doxxing, stalking, or online pile-ons. We do not “own” individuals; we model dignity.
Security & Privacy
Planning info is need-to-know. Share meetups and routes only with trusted participants.
Anonymity. Use movement accounts and press forms rather than publishing personal emails/phones.
Vetting. Openness to interest; discretion in coordination. Participation is an idea and a practice, not a public roster.
Media & Documentation
Assume cameras are on. Act accordingly.
Designate documentarians. Independent of performers; gather wide, respectful coverage.
Rapid share pipeline. After actions, send photos/video to the media coordinator for distribution via the official kit.
Privacy in publishing. Blur faces of non-participants and minors when possible.
Messaging Anchors (for interviews & conversations)
We are peaceful, art-driven protestors using humor to defuse fear.
Nonviolent movements win more often and invite broader participation.
Our goal is to counter narratives of chaos with community, dignity, and joy.
After-Action
Pod debrief: what worked, what didn’t, who needs support.
Health check: hydrate, cool down, handle irritants safely, clean inflatables.
Content handoff: deliver media to coordinator; log lessons learned.
Five Key Phrases
If you are detained by a member of law enforcement, always be calm and polite, and say only these things:
Am I free to go?
I wish to remain silent.
I do not consent to this search.
Am I under arrest?
I want to speak to a lawyer.
