Rush-hour Resistance Rally @ Bell Rd & Civic Center Dr in Surprise · Desert Democracy
# Welcome to the Rush-hour Resistance!
📣 [Rush Hour Resistance Rally](https://rhrr.us) began with a clear idea: **neighbors, gathering peacefully and regularly on busy nearby streets, could remind our communities that democracy is essential and that silence is unacceptable.** Over the last year, RhRR expanded from a handful of participants to multiple locations across the Valley, reaching thousands of pedestrians and motorists each week. This momentum is significant, as is the duty it brings.
🗳️ As we approach the midterm elections, our united mission is to safeguard free and fair elections and promote civic participation, particularly in local and primary races where every vote carries weight. **Our weekly rallies are more than outlets for frustration; they are consistent, visible commitments that normalize voting and democratic engagement as neighborly expectations.**
🕊️ RhRR is a peaceful, nonconfrontational movement. **Our goal is to reach the broader community, not to confront those seeking conflict.** When tensions surface, we withdraw, stay composed, and look out for one another. This discipline keeps our rallies inviting and helps newcomers feel secure joining us.
🫂 Most of all, RhRR is about people caring for one another while standing up for the future of our democracy. **Every person who shows up, every sign held, and every conversation sparked on a street corner is part of something larger and deeply hopeful.**
## Here’s what’s in store for our Wednesday afternoon event in Surprise:
🕥 The event starts at 4:00 pm. You are free to show up anytime, but we recommend arriving a few minutes early to introduce yourself. We end promptly at 5:30 pm.
🅿️ There is limited parking behind the plaza, and a vacant building with parking just down from Civic Center next to the bank. We haven’t had issues before, but parking enforcement is unpredictable. If concerned, check with others.
🚦🚶➡️ Some people stand on a corner of the intersection. Others walk the crosswalks when the lights change. You do you!
🖌️ One of RhRR’s strengths is that people feel free to express themselves. Ideally, your signs would help articulate any of our three pillars:
- **Defending democracy and the rule of law**
- **Encouraging voting**
- **Protecting neighbors and communities** (e.g., immigrants, LGBTQIA+ people, workers, and veterans)
This approach keeps signs aligned with RhRR’s purpose, while preserving personal expression and emotional authenticity.
At this location, we're more focused on stopping the ICE detention center just down the street. So signs to that effect would be great!
🇺🇳 Flags, banners, and even inflatable costumes are welcome. Some blow lots of bubbles. While our mission is serious, humor and camaraderie matter.
😷 RhRRs are peaceful, public events. Most attendees don’t hide their faces, though some do; participate at your comfort level. Photos and videos are common on social media, but you can ask posters to remove accidental appearances.
Thanks in advance for joining us. See you on the streets! ✊
AZ Advocacy Hub
