| | | | A Monthly Newsletter from NH Bridge Brigade for Democracy ~ June 2026 | | | | One Year Later, We're Still Here
—and Still Growing
| | As NHBBD begins its second year, I have been reflecting on what we have built together over the past twelve months and and what comes next.
Many movements get a burst of energy and then fade. Yet NHBBD has continued to grow: - Ever more Volunteers have continued showing up on bridges across New Hampshire week after week after week.
- New volunteers continue joining us.
- New leaders continue stepping forward.
That is something remarkable and worth celebrating.
As successful movements grow, they inevitably encounter obstacles, resistance, and changing circumstances. We've bumped into some already. The challenge is not to avoid these realities, but to adapt without losing sight of the larger goal.
Not every obstacle deserves our energy, and not every challenge requires a fight.
In looking ahead to our second year, I believe we need anticipate the possibility that our tactics may need to change in response to new rules, new challenges, or changing circumstances, but our mission remains very much intact.We remain committed to showing visible public opposition to fascism, authoritarian movements, policies, and laws through peaceful bridge demonstrations across New Hampshire, even if the way we pursue that mission needs to evolve over time. We have no idea how the chaos in Washington and the upcoming midterms will impact our ability to keep protesting as we have over the past year.
As we begin our second year, let's keep our eyes on the real prize: more democracy and less fascism. Let's watch out for our fellow Bridge Brigaders, stay focused on our mission, and continue moving forward together.
See you on the bridges, Greta | | Democracy Doesn't Fund Itself | | On Memorial Day, NH Bridge Brigade for Democracy celebrated its first birthday.
One year ago, NHBBD did not exist. - Today, volunteers are gathering on more than 25 bridges spanning nine major highway corridors across New Hampshire.
- Since the beginning of this year alone, NHBBD volunteers have organized statewide bridge actions on 36 different dates, contributing nearly 8,000 volunteer hours on bridges across our state.
That didn't happen by accident. It required volunteers. It required leadership. And it required money.
NHBBD has been funded entirely by the Board and grassroots donations. Every new bridge, every new volunteer, every new Bridge Captain, and every new opportunity for participation starts with people willing to invest in this work.
Because we are a grassroots organization, every donation—large or small—helps make this work possible.
Your donation equips Bridge Captains, supports Bridge Teams, activates more bridges, and helps more people take that first step from watching to participating.
If NHBBD has given you hope, community, purpose, or a place to make your voice heard, please consider making a donation today so others can find the same opportunity.
| | | | Happy Pride Month to our LGBTQIA+ Volunteers
| | As Pride Month begins, we want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ members of our NHBBD community.
You are welcome here. You are valued here. And you are loved here. Our bridges are stronger because of the diversity of people who stand on them. People of different backgrounds, experiences, identities, and life stories come together around a shared commitment to democracy, community, and human dignity.
Thank you to the LGBTQIA+ volunteers who contribute their time, energy, leadership, and courage to this movement. We are grateful you are here, and we are better because you are part of our community.
Happy Pride Month! | | NHBBD: Who We Are,
Our Lane & Our Rhythm | | B) Our Lane — Boundaries and Strategic Focus Our lane is peaceful civic visibility through coordinated bridge and caravan actions.
We cannot do everything — and trying to would weaken our impact. Clear boundaries keep our work focused, effective, and sustainable.
What We Do ● Coordinate statewide Bridge Brigades, primarily on Sunday afternoons. NHBBD’s goal is to move toward weekly brigades on all bridges. ● Organize Caravans for Democracy, most often in support of aligned events such as No Kings actions or other peaceful civic gatherings. ● Provide structure, infrastructure, guidance, and safety practices so volunteers can participate confidently and responsibly. ● Maintain a welcoming entry point for people who are new to civic action. ● Table at major events to meet people, recruit volunteers, and share information about our work. ● Use social media effectively — including Facebook, Bluesky, Substack, YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms — to spread our message, inform the public, and cultivate community. ● Offer merchandise that supports visibility, shared identity, and organizational sustainability.
Because this is an important document with several sections, we will be sharing portions of it in the next few newsletters. Click below if you'd like to read it now.* | | | | | | | | - Thanks to everyone who weighed in on what our logo should represent. We took this feedback seriously.
- Thanks to Heide Fraley for designing our logo for us. She was amazing to work with and really took to heart the spirit of what we were trying to convey.
- We highly recommend her if anyone needs to do a graphic project!
| | | Could Your Faith Community Support NHBBD? | | Does your faith community share a commitment to democracy, justice, civic participation, and strong communities?
Many faith traditions see protecting democracy, advancing justice for all, building stronger communities, and encouraging people to speak up and participate as moral responsibilities. NH Bridge Brigade for Democracy brings people together each week to put those values into action across New Hampshire.
If you're part of a community that shares these commitments, consider asking whether it would be interested in supporting NHBBD's work. Through weekly bridge gatherings and other community activities, NHBBD helps people exercise their First Amendment rights, build community, and participate in democracy.
Many faith communities make donations to organizations whose missions align with their values, and a personal introduction from a member is often the best place to start. If you think your community might be interested, we'd be happy to provide information or speak with a member of its leadership team.
If you think your faith community may be interested in supporting NHBBD, send us an email. We'd be happy to talk through the best approach with you. | | Memorial Day Delivers Second-Largest Bridge Day in NHBBD History | | With 186 volunteers spread across 20 bridges throughout New Hampshire, Memorial Day became the second-largest Bridge Day in NHBBD history—just six people shy of our all-time record of 192. Woo Hoo!
What excites us most isn't just the number. It's the staying power behind it.
Many movements experience an initial burst of energy and then gradually fade. NHBBD hasn't. Even with beautiful weather and countless other ways to spend a holiday weekend, 186 volunteers chose to spend part of Memorial Day on 20 bridges across New Hampshire.
That's remarkable.
Now all eyes turn to D-Day, June 6, 2 - 4pm. Being only six volunteers short of a new record has us pretty excited. Not because records matter for their own sake, but because every person we inspire to step into action strengthens the ability of ordinary people to shape the future. | | Nolan R. Steps up to be our Video Storyteller Nolan was making incredible videos for the Nashua Region. We loved them so much that we have asked her to be the official video storyteller for NHBBD! She has already made more incredible videos and posted them to the Social Media Approved Slack channel. As a reminder, that is where you should post any photos or videos that you want included in social media. If you are not yet on Slack send us an email support@NHBBD.org and we'll send you an invite! | |
Upcoming Events
Saturday, June 6th (D-Day), 2pm - 4pm - Statewide Bridge Brigade Sunday, June 21st, 2pm - 4pm - Statewide Bridge Brigade
Sunday, July 5th, 2pm - 4pm - Statewide Bridge Brigade
Saturday, July 18th, 1- 3pm - NHBBD Get Together in Concord
Sunday, July 19th, 2pm - 4pm - Statewide Bridge Brigade
| | | | A Reminder of NHBBD's Mission
| | As NHBBD has grown and matured over the past year, our mission has become increasingly clear.
NHBBD's bridge volunteers show visible public opposition to authoritarian movements, policies, and laws through peaceful bridge actions across New Hampshire.
Our bridges serve as public proof that people are paying attention, speaking up, and refusing to remain silent when democratic values are threatened. Every bridge action is an opportunity to encourage civic participation, inspire others to step into action, and remind our communities that ordinary people still have the power to shape the future.
When people see their neighbors speaking up, it inspires others to participate. Participation builds civic power. And civic power is how ordinary people shape the future of their communities, their state, and their country.
And, that's why our bridge actions matter. | | | | Save the Date: July 18 NHBBD Get Together in Concord - WOO HOO!!!
Please save the date for an NHBBD get together in Concord on July 18.
This is a chance for us to see each other away from the bridge, spend time together, meet volunteers from around the state, share ideas and suggestions, and strengthen the relationships that make this movement possible.
Details will be posted on Slack and Facebook. We can't wait!
| | Thank You, Concord Tabling Team
A special thank you to Melanie S., Jessie K., Deb J., Doreen W, and Marge B. for representing NHBBD at many of our Concord tabling events.
Events like these help us connect with people who have seen us and wondered who we are, distribute hundreds of NHBBD business cards, gather donations, and help people find their way into this movement.
| | Would Your Group Like Its Own Bridge? | | I can't help but think there are groups all across New Hampshire that are concerned about the direction of our country and looking for ways to make their voices heard.
Perhaps you're part of a local Democratic committee, a faith community, an environmental organization, a social justice group, or another community organization that would benefit from a regular, visible opportunity to participate.
If a group you're connected to might be interested in exploring its own bridge action, we'd love to talk with you. | | What We Can Learn From Other Successful Movements | | One thing I enjoy doing is reading about successful social and political movements throughout history.
A lesson from the Civil Rights Movement that has been on my mind recently is the importance of staying focused on the larger goal.
Movement leaders faced an endless stream of obstacles. Permits were denied. March routes were changed. Participants were harassed, arrested, threatened, and subjected to countless attempts to slow them down.
Yet the most successful leaders remained focused on their mission. Rather than allowing every obstacle to dictate their response, they continually asked, "What best advances our goal?"
There is a lesson there for NHBBD.
As we continue to grow, we will encounter frustrations and unexpected challenges. Part of our job is learning which battles are worth fighting and which situations simply require us to be nimble, adapt, and keep moving forward. Not every obstacle deserves our energy. What matters is continuing to build community, expand participation, and advance our mission.
As you're reading books, articles, or listening to podcasts about successful movements, if you come across a lesson, strategy, or idea that NHBBD might benefit from, please send it our way. We'd love to hear your thoughts. | | | | Carol S Today a group of Dover Bridge Brigaders completed their first "Signs of Fascism" event on Central Avenue in Dover. Cheers to Lisa who has taken over spearheading the group and a special thank you to Seacoast Indivisible for loaning us the signs. Lots of honks and thumbs up!
Deborah J So my kids said aside from dinner what would you enjoy for Mothers Day and I said, come to the bridges with me and they did! An amazing day all around!
Jacqui T My daughter came to my bridge during her 1/2 hour break from work. She brought me flowers!
Patrice K Candia had a visit from a gruff looking biker - my son who arrived, with BBQ from Goody Coles in his saddle bag! So I did get a little something fun for Mother's Day besides honks!
| | | | What is your Favorite Protest Song? | | Submitted by Patrice K Get Up, Stand Up - Bob Marley and the Wailers Listen on YouTube Submitted by Doreen W American Idiot - Green Day Listen on YouTube We would love to feature a song(s) each month, email Doreen@NHBBD.org or send a direct message to Doreen Wiggins on SLACK with your favorite! | | 
Editor: Doreen Wiggins | | | | | | | | | | | |
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