Many of us are often unaware of the issues that face our own communities. Peaceful displays of activism allow communities to work together to educate others about an issue, and send their message out to the world. These activist days give people the chance to meet others who are interested in preserving their local rivers. They create the beginnings of social networks that build community capacity.

We organize and support creative demonstrations, providing interested communities with the resources they need to get the attention of local government and media. Activist Days can take on many forms. We promote Free Flowing Expression!

Nearly forty university students from around Mexico came together with FFR to create this colorful sign. Using just a bit of paper and paint, they blocked traffic on a bridge to get their message out to the public. The word spread quickly, as we heard people talking about this event days later in surrounding communities.

Many people who live along the banks of the Rio Papagayo will be forced to leave their homes if the planned hydro project goes ahead. The dam will create huge energy revenues for the Mexican government, but will leave the local residents with nothing. To learn more about these projects, please visit our trip blog

The community of Futaleufu, Chile, worked with Free Flowing Rivers to create a massive sign that expressed their feelings towards dams. The Futaleufu River is in danger of being dammed by a Spanish hydro company named Endesa. The damming of this river would destroy the community these people live in, as well as their tourism-based economy. A total of 120 people, 55 kayaks, 9 rafts, 6 inflatable kayaks, 5 cat-rafts and 2 dogs participated to create the sign. To learn more, and see the results, watch our short documentary. The photo below has been published in a book in Chile.