Action Protocols

Welcome to the Pittsburgh Overpass Project (P.O.P.) Action Protocols page! Here, you'll find essential guidelines to ensure safe and impactful participation in our volunteer efforts. We're glad you're here and are committed to making a difference.

Understanding Our Approach

The Pittsburgh Overpass Project (P.O.P.) is a peaceful/non-violent, grassroots volunteer group. We all participate with the understanding that our own actions are our personal responsibility and we accept our own personal liability. By participating, you acknowledge this understanding. We recommend that you proceed with caution and awareness.

For Overpass Adoptees

This page is specifically tailored for our dedicated overpass adoptees. Here you will find the necessary protocols and guidelines to ensure your actions are safe, effective, and aligned with the P.O.P.'s dedication to peaceful, non-violent actions.

Confidence in Action

Our aim is that after reviewing these Action Protocols, you'll feel confident and prepared to carry out your overpass action. We believe in empowering our volunteers with the knowledge to contribute positively and safely to our shared spaces.

Suggested Protocols for P.O.P. Overpass Actions

The Pittsburgh Overpass Project (P.O.P.) is a non-violent, informal volunteer group in which we all participate with an understanding that our own actions are our personal responsibility and we accept our own personal liability. You participate with this understanding and we recommend (stronger word than “recommend”?) that you:

 

  1. Avoid doing anything that could either harm ourselves or anyone else. This includes stepping into traffic, holding a sign where it could fall onto cars below, climbing fencing, etc.

 

  1. Do not block pedestrian and bike traffic, so please keep the middle of the overpass and/or sidewalk clear to allow them to pass.

 

  1. We supply the banner messages and you supply the handwaves. However, you are welcome to also display your own poster boards. Consider avoiding any messaging that would be rated above a PG-13. 

 

  1. Do not litter. If we find litter, we pick it up and throw it away.

 

  1. Do not use stickers or anything that leaves a permanent mark on the overpass. However, chalk is okay and even encouraged.  If someone from the ‘opposition’ comes up to talk with us, do not engage with them. Best to just ignore them. One member

      will be designated to handle them and video record any aggressive interaction so that you can go right on waving. We also strongly

      recommend  you watch Hands Off’s De-escalation and Safety Training video 

 

  1. Take lots of pictures and videos during our action for circulation on social media. If you prefer not to be included, please consider wearing a mask.

 

  1. Inform the local police department of our action a few hours ahead of time, but please note that it is only as a courtesy. Our action is protected by the First Amendment.  However, should law enforcement pay us a visit, only the Admin-designated point person from the group should address them.

 

  1. Ignore the middle fingers and negativity coming from some of the cars below. For every one of them, you are providing hope to another 100 people!

 

Adopted with slight modifications from the Visibility Brigade Toolkit. 

"P.O.P.'s commitment to peaceful, non-violent actions is a guiding principle. These suggested protocols empower volunteers to make a difference safely and responsibly."

A fellow P.O.P. Volunteer