Democracy Rocks

Rocks are small and easy to place in public spaces and at home. Discovering a piece of art in an unexpected place brings excitement and joy. Plus, art has the power to tap into your innermost thoughts and feelings. Public art projects have the power to reach a wide audience and to change minds for the better. Also, it’s fun to paint a rock! 

A Democracy Rock shows your neighbors that they are not alone in loving democracy. It also provides an avenue to action! We hope that people who discovering Democracy Rocks take a picture, share it with their friends, and join a democracy action group. Maybe they will even start their own rock-painting group!

Painting rocks can be relaxing and therapeutic. Hosting or participating in a rock-painting event is a wonderful social activity that builds community. 

You can place your rock in your yard in a location that’s visible to passers-by or in a public space where it’s visible but won’t cause a hazard to walkers. 

You don't need to be an artist! Painting a rock is as satisfying for beginners as it is for advanced painters. There are many easy techniques to make your Democracy Rock look great.

July 4, 2026, will mark 250 years of maintaining government “of the people, by the people, and for the people” in the United States. Everyone who lives in this country is protected under our amazing constitution! But we are at a dangerous point in our history. Globally and at home, democracy is under threat from monied interests and totalitarianism. We all benefit from living in a democracy, and we all have a duty of care to our nation and our neighbors.

Democracy Rocks are similar to Kindness Rocks, with one important difference: In addition to making a rock finder feel happy and seen, Democracy Rocks aim to inspire the finder to take action to strengthen democracy!

We don’t support partisan messaging or negative messaging. Here is a quick decision process on what to write on a rock: Just ask, “Will my message make someone happy and bring them a sense of civic duty?” and “Is my message non-partisan?” If you answer “yes” to both questions, keep going! Otherwise, move on to another message. 

Our main goal is to inspire the finder of a Democracy Rock to take action to strengthen democracy. Here are examples of inviting, action-inducing messages. 

A More Perfect Union 

Democracy Rocks

Rock the Vote

Vote

Free Speech

Justice for All

Due Process

Equality 

Hope

Liberty

Liberty and Justice

Land of the Free

Home of the Brave 

Save Democracy 

Let Freedom Ring 

Pursuit of Happiness 

Protect Our Rights

Unity

Unite

Courage (Is Contagious)

Be Brave

Democracy Needs You

Together We Can! 

Your Vote Matters

You Matter 

We the People

Your Vote Is Your Voice 

Speak Up 

We Are the Change

Call Your Reps

Checks and Balances 

The Spirit of ‘76

Of, by, and for the People

Protect the Constitution

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