The Fundamentals of Protesting: A Beginner’s Guide to Taking a Stand

Before attending a protest

Research the event thoroughly including its purpose, organizers, and expected size. Plan your route to and from. I recommend public transportation because if things get too large you may not be able get near in the car.

Choose your organization tools carefully while Facebook, discord and even Slack may be an easy way to bring people together. It is not the most private or secure. Alternatives like signal and matrix that encrypt your conversations are the way to go.

Familiarizing yourself with local laws about protesting this might sound contradictory, but it’s essential. In some places, using a megaphone is considered an amplification device and requires a permit. Without the proper permissions, you could face legal consequences, which might cut your protest short, especially if ending up in jail isn’t part of your plan. Understanding these nuances is key to ensuring your protest runs smoothly.

Dress appropriately by wearing comfortable clothing sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate gear, consider a hat and mask for identity protection and shield against tear gas. If the protest goes sideways you may be in these clothes a lot longer than you expect. Pack light and pack smart, bring water, snacks, a fully charged phone with a portable power bank, a form of ID, some cash, and basic first aid supplies

DONT Bring anything illegal, weapons, or valuables. Don't bring anything you can't afford to lose.

DON'T wear mascara or contact lenses if you can help it. Neither one is your friend when it comes to tear gas or pepper spray.

Write any phone numbers you may need on your arm with permanent marker. This includes people to come bail you out and your lawyer or a nonprofit legal organization. They can take your phone but they can't take your arm.

Buddy up with a friend or small group for safety and agree on meeting points in case you get separated. If you're swept up by the police you want somebody to notice you're gone sooner rather than later.

Harden your devices: make sure your phone is fully charged. Turn off location tracking. While it might be a good idea with the buddy system not everybody who has access to that information is your buddy. Also turn off the bio metrics ( fingerprint reader and Face ID), set the phone to open with a password. Police are legally allowed to use your finger and your face to unlock your phone. They cannot compel you to give them your password. No matter what they say.

During the protest

Stay peaceful and aware of your surroundings. Stick to the edges of the group if you think it may be necessary to exit quickly. Follow the route that the organizers have set out. Avoid budding heads with law-enforcement or counter protesters, it's just not worth it. The police can throw you in jail and confronting counter protesters it's just a shouting match with a brick wall.

Protect yourself from tear gas or pepper spray by avoiding oil-based products on your skin and using goggles and masks as necessary.

Be mindful of other protesters not everybody is there for the same reason and everybody has a different definition of disobedience. If somebody throws a brick through a window while you're chanting next to them you may get arrested also. Use common sense

Take photos they may come in handy and always great to inspire others

After the protest

debrief and check in with your group make sure everyone is safe and accounted for. if you dealt with teargas or pepper spray wash your clothes and skin thoroughly.

Take time to document your experience while it's still fresh.

Engage in Post protest actions such as donating, volunteering, or contacting lawmakers. Follow through is very important