GO PROTEST! Safely.

With everything happening in the US, there has been an enormous uptick in protests around our nation. I, myself, have been to a few and I don’t see that stopping anytime soon. While protesting can be empowering, especially when everything feels so out of control, it is important to prepare and remain cognizant of your surroundings to stay safe during the event.

There are various ways to protest (it’s not always about shouting while holding a clever sign), though for the purposes of this article we’ll be focusing on events like rallies and marches. Here are a few tips to keep yourself safe and ready to fight the good fight:

1. Plan Ahead

• Validate the Organizers: Make sure you are getting the event details from a reputable source. Contacting your local chapter of Indivisible is a good place to start.

• Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the rights you have as a protestor in your area (e.g., freedom of speech, assembly rights). This will help you understand what actions you can legally take and what to do if confronted by authorities.

• Have an Exit Plan: Familiarize yourself with the entry and exit routes to the protest area so you know how to leave quickly, if needed. Know where to access the nearest public transportation if you’re unable to safely get back to your car.

• Inform Someone: Let a trusted friend or family member know where you are going ahead of time and check in periodically during the event if you plan to stay in the crowd for an extended period.

• Prepare a Sign: This is optional, but creating a message aligned with what you are protesting is an impactful way to get your point across.

2. Self-Care Preparation

• Dress Comfortably: Wear closed-toed shoes and loose-fitting clothes. Avoid anything that could be easily torn or removed, and dress in layers to prepare for weather changes.

• Pack Essentials: Carry water, snacks, your ID, phone, sunscreen and necessary medications. If you’re planning for an all-day event, bring a portable phone charger if you have one.

• Wear a Face Mask: Consider wearing a face mask, especially in large crowds, for protection against airborne pollutants or tear gas.

• Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of water rand take breaks, if needed.

• Be Prepared for Tear Gas or Pepper Spray: Bring saline solution to rinse your eyes if exposed. Avoid wearing contact lenses, if possible, and do not touch your face with unwashed hands, especially after contact with potentially contaminated objects or people.

• Protect Your Identity: If you're concerned about surveillance, consider wearing a mask, sunglasses, and/or a hat to obscure your face.

3. Stay Secure

• Watch for Escalating Situations: Stay alert to any signs of violence or rise in tension, whether from protestors, law enforcement or outside agitators. If you start to feel unsafe, consider leaving before things become dangerous.

• Stick Together: Try to stay with a group of people you know. It’s safer and makes it easier to spot any changes in the atmosphere.

• Remain Peaceful: Nonviolent protest is generally safer and more protected by law. Avoid getting involved in confrontations or actions that could escalate violence.

• Secure Your Devices: Use encrypted messaging apps like Signal for communication with fellow protestors. Turn off location services or use a VPN to protect your privacy.

• Document Safely: If you're taking photos or videos, do so discreetly. Be aware of the potential for surveillance or your own image being recorded.

4. Interacting with Law Enforcement

• Remain Calm and Non-Confrontational: If approached by law enforcement, stay calm, keep your hands visible and speak respectfully. Avoid aggressive body language or language that could provoke an officer.

• Record Interactions: If you can do so safely, consider recording any interactions with law enforcement. Your phone can also help document the event in case you need evidence later.

• Understand What to Do if Arrested: Know the phone number of a lawyer or legal aid organization, and don’t resist arrest. If detained, remain calm and assert your right to remain silent until you can contact an attorney.

5. After the Protest

• Check In: Once the protest is over, check in with family or friends, especially if you’ve been separated from your group.

• Know How to Handle Legal Issues: If you face legal challenges, consult with a lawyer or an organization that provides legal support to protestors.

Together we can make our voices heard and reclaim our democracy. We are the United States of America, and each and every one of us – no matter race, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, or ability – deserve to be free to exercise our rights as a citizen of this country. If attending a rally or march isn’t your thing, there are other ways to protest. Take part in a boycott, or better yet, change your spending habits to only purchase from those companies that support DEI and human rights. You can also educate others through online social media campaigns to spread the word, though make sure you vet the information to ensure it’s factual. Check out Snopes if you’re ever in doubt. Another import thing you can do is join letter writing or call campaigns. A great app that offers letter and script templates and a list of your representatives is 5 Calls.

No matter how you choose to protest, remember to take care of yourself. This will help you keep your sanity and have the energy to rise above during these chaotic times.

Be well and stay safe!