The United States was founded on a strong tradition of protest, and the founders thought that tradition was so important, they protected it in the First (first!) Amendment. Two hundred and thirty-five years later, that tradition is alive and well. Whether you choose to protest with the folks who Occupy Wall Street, the Tea Party Patriots or the Rally to Restore Sanity, the Constitution protects your right to make your voice heard!

That’s why we’ve just released (with a big assist from the ACLU of Massachusetts), a new Know Your Rights: Demonstrations and Protests, explaining your right to freedom of speech, to peaceable assembly, and — oh yes — petition your government for a redress of grievances (‘cause they sure didn’t dress them very well the first time)! The guide covers such topics as where you can march, when the government can require permits, whether you can distribute leaflets and more.

Armed with this new resource and our already popular Know Your Rights: What to Do if You’re Stopped by Police, you’re ready for any popular movement, whether it’s a million man march or just you and your friend shouting at cars from a street corner. We’ll be releasing additional resources for protestors over the next week, so keep your browser tuned to this blog and remember: Dissent IS Patriotic!

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