What Should I Put on My Rally Sign?
5 simple ways to help you choose the words that will make your sign—and your voice—stand out
You’ve decided to show up for a pro-democracy rally. You care deeply about what’s at stake. You’ve even got your poster board and markers ready.
And now comes the moment that trips up a lot of first-time rally-goers: What should my sign say?
At Southwest Crier, we hear this question all the time.
The good news is: your sign doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours. In fact, the most powerful signs aren’t complicated — they’re clear, direct, and heartfelt.
5 Easy Ways to Start Making A Rally Sign
Here are 5 simple ways to help you choose the words that will make your sign—and your voice—stand out.
1) Speak From the Heart
The best place to start is with why you're showing up. Ask yourself:
What makes me care about democracy right now?
What feels unfair, broken, or at risk?
What kind of future do I want to see?
Your answers are your message.
For example:
“Every Vote Matters”
“Protect Our Freedoms”
“Democracy Is Worth Fighting For”
Remember: your lived experience gives your sign authenticity. That’s what people will connect to.
2) Keep It Short & Bold
At a rally, your sign needs to be easy to read—from across a street or in a crowd. A good rule of thumb is to keep your message to 5 words or fewer.
Think more like a bumper sticker, not a paragraph.
For example:
“Defend Democracy NOW”
“Voters Decide, Not Politicians”
“Freedom. Justice. Accountability.”
Short messages make a big impact — both in person and in photos shared online.
3) Use Powerful Words
Certain words carry strong emotional weight and rally people together. You can mix and match action words, values, and rallying phrases.
Action Words:
Defend
Protect
Resist
Demand
Unite
Stand
Core Values:
Freedom
Truth
Justice
Equality
Integrity
Accountability
Slogan Starters:
“We Demand…”
“No More…”
“Our Democracy, Our…”
“Vote Like Our Future Depends On It”
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Simple words, powerfully combined, move people.
4) Borrow Strength from History
Throughout history, some of the most memorable signs have borrowed words from great leaders, movements, or moments. You can too.
For example:
“The Arc of the Moral Universe Is Long — But It Bends Toward Justice.” — MLK Jr.
“Democracy Dies in Darkness.”
“I Am a Voter.”
A short, well-chosen quote can give your sign lasting resonance.
5) Aim for Hope, Urgency — or Both
Your sign can inspire hope, call out injustice, or create a sense of urgency. Any one of these approaches can be powerful — and sometimes, combining them is even stronger.
Hopeful:
“A Future for All Of Us”
“Democracy for the Next Generation”
Urgent:
“Stop Attacks on Democracy”
“They Silence Us — We Show Up”
Choose the tone that reflects how you feel and what you want others to feel.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Overthink It
The most important thing is this: showing up with your sign is already a powerful act.
Your sign says:
I’m here. I care. I will not sit silently while democracy is threatened.
That’s enough. And that’s powerful.
What is the most creative protest sign you’ve seen?