Protest Primer, Part 2: Protest Supplies and Day-Of Best Practices

[Content Warning]: Violence, Ableism, RacismFolks all over the world are on the street for Black Lives Matter Protests. Some of us are familiar with the world of organizing and protests. For others, this might be an unfamiliar form of activism and community participation. In Part 2 of this two-part series, we’ll give a primer on what to do once you get to the protest. You can find Part 1 here.My first protests were in largely peaceful settings on college campuses, but these experiences left me ill-equipped for larger, more public protests. Based on my experiences since and advice I’ve learned, I now always prepare and do the following before, during, and after a protest.

What types of signs should I bring?

Signs are visible displays of solidarity with a crowd meant to draw attention to actions, ideas, or capture the attention of others to bring an issue to light. Consider this:

• Center the message and/or the marginalized group of the protest.

  1. When in doubt, go with a sponsoring organization’s message or slogan

  2. Make sure it is large and clear enough for others to see

  3. If the organizers predict potential police brutality, signs on 1-inch thick plywood or metal trash can lids can help stop rubber bullets

What types of supplies should I consider?

This is neither a comprehensive or a mandatory list. Be sure to check your organizer’s recommendations.

1. Comfortable backpack with:

   1. Extra clothes

   2. Water

   3. High-protein snacks

   4. Band-aids and gauze

   5. A vinegar-soaked bandana (for tear gas)

   6. A small umbrella (for weather and tear gas).

2. Helmet and safety goggles

   1. Make sure the helmet is thick enough to protect your skull

   2. Make sure the goggles seal around your eyes

3. Burner Phone with the following:

   1. Emergency contacts

   2. Encrypted messaging apps (like Signal or Telegram)

Safety Considerations

While protests come with risks, you can minimize some of the biggest ones with a few simple steps. Each protest may be different depending on the situation, especially in the context of police brutality and COVID-19.Emergency Contacts:Have 3 or more emergency contacts who are located in close proximity to the protest you are attending. Emergency contacts can help provide shelter, bail funds, or updates on police activities. Always ask for consent and give them a heads up before you go out! COVID-19 SafetyProtests are often crowded. Always wear a face mask and wash and or disinfect your hands as much as possible. Bathe afterward if possible. Consider not attending if you are immunocompromised, and do not attend if you tend to or are in close proximity with immunocompromised folks.Anonymous Messaging AppsYour messages and other data on your phone are easily tracked by the police. Apps like Signal provide extra levels of precaution, security, and anonymity. It is best to also have your emergency contacts download these apps to communicate with you.

Protest Best Practices

Protests only work if everyone is on the same page. Disorganization or disunity of messaging can confuse protest goers and onlookers and cause agitation.

Do:

• Listen to the organizers and “line leaders.” Protests organized by organizers or organizations will typically disseminate information and instructions constantly. Listen to all of it and follow it. They are meant to keep you safe and organized. Line leaders are organizers put in charge of different sections of the protest and will often be the ones starting chants or giving directions.

  1. Stay behind the main banners/organizers.

  2. If you see police misbehavior or maneuvering themselves behind or near protestors, warn your fellow protestors and record the behavior.

Do not:

• Stray from the main group other than to go home. Do not stray from the main group unless told by the organizers. This is often a tactic to separate the protests into several small groups.

  1. Take space, interviews, or speeches from the organizers or marginalized voices away from the communities the protests are centering, unless given explicit permission by the organizers.

  2. Chant slogans or hold up signs that de-center the voices of the communities the protests are about.

In Conclusion…

All protests come with risks to weigh. For me, physical protests are one way I co-conspire in justice and follow in the footsteps of those who came before me. If you choose to participate, follow and listen to those who have already been organizing, and take precautions for your own safety and for those around you.Stay safe and comment if you have questions!