Civics-travaganza! A day in the sun to celebrate democracy, voting rights, and the Constitution, together!
Join us tomorrow–Sunday, September 14–for Civics-travaganza in Civic Center Plaza. Grab a blanket and a lawn chair, or stroll around the community fair that Indivisible SF and 50501SF have put together to mark a series of days that celebrate ideas fundamental to America: International Democracy Day, on September 15; National Voter Registration Day, September 16; and Constitution Day, September 17.
The fair (at Polk and McAllister) begins at 11 am with St Gabriel’s Celestial Brass Band. Accompany the band as they parade around the Plaza to herald the opening of the fair.
Do you have banners? Feel free to bring them and show off your free-speech creations!
By 11:30 am, the fair’s activities will be open!
Visit our civics tabling fair to learn how you can become a more active participant in our democracy
with ISF’s working groups on the Judiciary, Immigration, and State/Local Action, the Golden Gate fREADom Writers, Federal Unionists Network, National Active and Retired Federal Employees, and the League of Women Voters
Participate in our Stamp Rally: visit multiple tables at our fair to earn prizes
Hear accounts of resistance from the voting rights movement and cautionary tales about loss of democracy to dictatorship in ISF member-led teach-ins
As part of a talking circle, you can share thoughts and experiences with Constitutional rights, the federal government, and democracy, with the guidance of ISF facilitators
Do you want to participate in Direct Action training? Indivisible SF members will run two sessions
Visit our artists’ station and choose among several easy crafting projects offered by Indivisible SF members and friends in different media. We provide limited supplies; feel free to bring your own small projects and hang out in our artists’ corner with fellow crafters!
Grab a pen and add your embellishments to our DEFEND DEMOCRACY banner
Craft a paper flower inscribed with personal reflection on what self-determination and rights as an individual mean to you; share it #GardensofDemocracy
Do you hear the news and think to yourself, this #GOPGoneBananas ? We have a crochet pattern for that–but any medium can make a statement!
Have you ever thought, I wish I had a hands-free protest sign? Use modestly sized evenly cut cardboard pieces, a hole punch, and string to drape two small signs on your back and chest hung over your shoulder. Then message away!
Throughout the first half of the fair, continue to enjoy music by St Gabriel’s Celestial Brass Band.
For more, visit our website.
Safety and Nonviolence
This is a peaceful, nonviolent civics fair. Please help keep it that way in your actions throughout the event. It is NOT a march or rally.
We will see park rangers and may see other Rec & Park staff or minor police presence. You are safe. We have permits, and the City is informed of our event. As long as the event remains orderly, the police will not interfere.
If police do show up, do not engage in any way with police. Do not speak to them, wave anything at them, display any body language, and do not approach them. Pretend they are not there.
If a police officer approaches you with a question, say “Please speak to the police liaison”. Otherwise, fall upon police know-your-rights.
In the very unlikely event of agitators who want to start and film verbal confrontations, do not engage. The best way you can thwart them is to ignore them. Don’t talk to them, yell at them, or anything else. Leave any engagement to our friendly safety monitors in yellow hi-vis vests.
We are not anticipating any situations that exceed the regular risk of a nonviolent fair. However, the risk of arrest at a political event is never zero, so if you absolutely cannot be arrested for any reason including immigration status, do not come to Civic Center Plaza.
There will be photography at this event, from friendly pro-bono photographers, press, and individuals. Your face may be photographed without your consent. Please be aware of this if you cannot be photographed.
Restrooms
Restroom access is limited at this event. We strongly encourage you to use the restroom before you arrive at the event, or step off the march route to use the bathroom at a business.
Restrooms near Civic Center Plaza include:
The Main Library
Public toilet at Grove and Larkin, across from the Library (note: long self-cleaning cycles between users, so expect a wait)
Public Works Pit Stop in Fulton Plaza, near Hyde
The following restrooms are unavailable for our purposes:
- The Asian Art Museum (generally requires a ticket)
- City Hall (closed weekends, and would require going through security even if it were open)
We strongly encourage you to use the restroom before you head out.
Parking
Civic Center Garage will be open and available. However, you should arrive early, well before the march arrives—no later than 12:30. Enter the garage from McAllister or Larkin. (https://www.sfmta.com/garages-lots/civic-center-garage)
UC Law SF parking garage will be open and available, and is only a block away. (https://sites.uclawsf.edu/garage/)
Weather
It is forecast to be warm and sunny tomorrow.
We strongly encourage you to bring a shade hat, sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes. Wear your hat and sunscreen to prevent sunburn, and drink your water to prevent dehydration. You’ll enjoy the event much more that way.
We will have water available for anyone who needs it.
ADA/Wheelchair Seating
We will not have dedicated ADA seating at this event.
Food
If you’re heading straight to Civic Center, there are several good food options in the area, including Max’s at the Opera in Opera Plaza, Ike’s Love and Sandwiches at Polk and O’Farrell (one block east of Tesla), and more. Opera Plaza has limited picnic seating, and there are benches outside the hospital at Van Ness and Geary.
Thank you for coming!
We deeply appreciate you choosing to spend your Sunday morning and afternoon in an act of resistance. Thank you.
We will get through this by working together, looking out for each other, taking our rest when we need it, and not ever stopping.
