Planning Protests in Washington, DC
An overview of action locations, permitting requirements, and protest regulations
Washington, DC is home to the federal government. The White House, the US Capitol, the Supreme Court and the headquarters of nearly every federal agency are all located in Washington, DC. People come from all across the country and around the world to protest, demonstrate, disrupt, confront and directly engage with the decision makers and power brokers that make and enforce the laws that impact so many aspects of our lives.
Washington, DC is also a city where more than 700,000 Washingtonians – a majority of whom are Black – live, work, play, and go to school. Our city faces a lot of the same challenges that other major cities face: We are experiencing an affordable housing crisis and rapidly increasing property values pushing native Washingtonians out of our community. We have some of the best hospitals in the world and at the same time, Black mothers in DC experience one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country. We also have one of the highest incarceration rates in the country.
And while the Congress of the United States meets in Washington, DC we don’t have representation in the House of Representatives or the Senate.
So if you’re planning a protest in the nation’s Capitol, Welcome to DC. There is plenty of terrain for organizing powerful and dynamic actions. This guide will walk you through the landscape and some technical considerations to keep in mind while you’re planning. But also remember that Washington, DC is home to 700,000 people and we’ll still be here long after you go back home. So please be mindful of how you’re showing up in our community and the long-term impact that you’re having on our home.