PROTEST GUIDE

protest

There are many protest guides available out there, as there are many forms of protests; from vigils, to rallies, to huge marches.
This guide is aimed at helping you have a safe and enjoyable experience as possible while informing you of considerations
you should take into account, depending on the type and size of protest.

WHY ARE YOU THERE

Learn as much as possible about what you are there to represent.
Be ready for someone to come and ask "What's all this about then?"
For an issue that is dear to your heart, focus on that, you can pass your passion on to someone else.
Create banners, placards, fliers. Use your appearance, think about being visually impactful as well as vocally.
Team up with a buddy or friend, or small group whether you are in a big or small protest.
Always remember what you are representing, keep your ego and anger in check, your actions can have either a positive or negative effect.
Take care interacting with the Mainstream Media, they are there to sensationalize the event and are unlikely to be supportive of the protest.
If they can take your words and actions out of context to discredit the event, they will.

WHAT TO WEAR

You are going to do a lot of walking or standing around, so comfort is essential.
FEET comfort over fashion, flat shoes or boots. Wear 2 pairs of socks, this helps prevent friction blisters,
at the very least use 2 thin pairs or even nylon stockings under normal socks
Try to cover as much skin as possible whatever the weather, protect your skin from excessive sun and or cold,
also protecting your privacy by covering tattoos, scars, etc.
It's increasingly common for the excessive use of 'pepper' sprays by police, please be aware.
Natural materials such as wool and cotton absorb chemical contaminants, whereas synthetics provide a better barrier.
LAYERS are great; they can be added or discarded to adjust for temperature.
Layering with natural materials against the skin and synthetics for the outer layer to maximize benefits of materials used.
Outer layer of clothing that you use to identify you as part of a protest (scarf, t-shirt, etc.) can easily be put on or removed
to help give you anonymity while travelling to and from the protest.
Form fitting clothing means less to be grabbed or get caught, while loose fitting clothing hides body type and benefits privacy.
There are pros and cons to each and it's up to you and what you feel comfortable wearing.
JEWELRY AND HAIR remove unnecessary jewelry. Tie long hair back or tuck it under a hat or bandana.
The aim is to not have anything that can get caught up or grabbed, or to have something that's valuable to you broken or lost.
CONTACT LENSES AND GLASSES Consider wearing glasses in place of contact lenses.
Contact lenses can trap chemical irritants against your eyes, however glasses can be expensive and if there's a risk of them
getting knocked off they can get broken. One possible solution is contact lenses with ski goggles as an eye protection.
It's up to you to decide what will work best for you and in what situation.
SKIN CARE Skin-care products and cosmetics, avoid oil based as these trap chemical irritants to skin if exposed,
oil-free sunblock is recommended. Cold winds can be just as damaging as the sun and 'burn' exposed skin,
use oil free moisturizer, a mask will help protect most of the face and gloves for the hands.
Interesting tip from CrimethInc; glitter dusted over cheeks! This helps identify which side of a bandana was against your skin
and which side was exposed to chemical irritant, also "showing off your glorious bone structure".
BEARDS For the bearded, do not shave the day of a protest, any nicks from shaving will feel like hot lava when exposed to chemical irritants.
Keep in mind the fitting of a mask with a beard bandana no problem, N95 or above difficult.
MASKS help protect your privacy by providing anonymity, there are often reports of police taking photos of protest for their files
and of course there are CCTV cameras. Masks also help provide a barrier against chemical irritants, a bandana will suffice,
an N95 is better, and a respirator or gas mask is something to consider. And finally masks are a sign of respect to those around you
who may be immuno-compromised, protesting should be accessible to all, make it so.

WHAT TO CARRY

Water.
Essentials only; such as keys, money, water, food snacks, any medications you are on.
Suitable backpack or a bag that you can carry securely across body that will hold all that you need.
Medical bracelet or use permanent marker to write any essential medical information on your arm in case of emergencies.
Water.
Some countries require ID to be carried at all times.
Use a permanent marker to write emergency contact numbers & perhaps lawyers number on your arm, so you never loose them.
Water.
Menstrual pads, do not use tampons. It may be a very long time you are unable to change tampons so there is a huge risk of TSS.
Keep items wrapped in plastic bags to keep them free from any chemical contamination & dry.
Water, it can be used to wash irritants from eyes & face.
Additional items; small first aid kit. It can be as simple as a tin with band-aids or a fully comprehensive battlefield kit.
If you choose to carry one, know how to use the kit & make sure it's suitable for the situations you may be in,
such as items for use if exposed to chemical irritants.
Water, seriously can't stress this enough, keep hydrated.
Umbrella, obviously for rain protection but also works for the sun. It also helps to shield from unwanted photography and from chemical sprays.
Chairs! There's a lot of standing around and lots of walking, walking sticks with folding seats are genius. Even if you are fit you could offer a place to rest for someone who needs it. Not saying you have to carry one just something to consider if you are able.
Did we mention water?!!

PHONES

Look at what is on your phone now & how it could be used AGAINST you or your friends or other protestors.
Consider using an empty BURNER PHONE. Save emergency contact & lawyer's numbers only to that phone.
Disable location services on the phone.
Lock your phone with a PASSCODE, not fingerprint or face, as these can be used against your will to unlock your phone.
Check the law in your area as to what information the police can demand about your phone.
The VIDEO function is a great tool for recording an event, as mainstream Media are either misrepresenting protests or not covering them at all,
it's an excellent way to share what's going on with the world.
But STOP! Before uploading to your social media account, think about how the video could be used and abused.
Could the video be used to incriminate people? Can you edit, CROP OR BLUR images to protect people's anonymity?
Videos for evidence however, need to be unedited and in original format.
Make sure the phone is FULLY CHARGED.
If you are unsure leave your phone at home and think about using a camera instead.

POLICE INTERACTIONS

Do your research, KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.
Keep at least arms length from police at all times.
If police stop you, be polite, do not give up too much information, you have the RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT.
You have the right to ask why you are being detained.
Remember your Buddy? They can act as a WITNESS, video recording if possible.
Find out where you are being taken to and give that information to your buddy so they can follow up if you are being charged,
if you are being released and arrange to collect you.
STAY CALM if you are being arrested, state you wish to remain silent & you want to speak to a lawyer.
If detained & you suffer any medical condition (diabetes, epilepsy, etc. that requires regular medication or special diet),
inform the arresting officer of your condition in presence of witnesses.
DO NOT CONSENT to unauthorized searches, state calmly this is the case.
DO NOT SIGN anything without talking to a lawyer.
Legal aid / legal support is often available, please research what help you can get and from who, in your specific country and area.
Even if you don't need it, you can pass the information on to someone who does.

HOW TO BEHAVE

For moving protests the front is for key people or groups, if you are affiliated with a particular group try to join with them
otherwise go to the rear of the march, even if you are with a group of friends.
Large moving protests are mostly organized in advance with a set order for groups and organizations,
everyone is welcome to take part of course just be respectful to the organizers.
Any acts of violence are quickly used by authorities & the media to show protests in a bad-light & discredit a protest.
HACK HEARTS & MINDS by remaining calm & peaceful.
Learn the route or area of the protest. Police will try to kettle moving protests, learn escape routes to avoid becoming trapped.
Learn where the nearest hospitals & public transport routes are.
Try to be with a group of friends or likeminded people, form a buddy system with those around you, watch out for each other.
If you see someone struggling offer a hand, perhaps water or some snacks.
Arrange a meeting point with your friends should you become separated.
There are bad actors out there who will try to provoke violence.
Be alert, trust your instincts & if you see something say something to your group or people around you.
Distance yourself from the violence as quickly and safely as possible.
Having knowledge of the area you can help direct others to safety.
Be aware as you leave if people are following you.
Again TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS, take a detour rather than return directly to your vehicle or home, or stop off at a café or fast food restaurant,
any place where you can sit and observe in safety.

Don't become part of a mob, emotions are high in protests & things can quickly spiral out of control.
Remember there are people always trying to discredit the protest & the movement behind it.
BE LIKE WATER and live to protest another day.

mask

Anonymous Original Guides

Edit
Pub: 25 Dec 2023 06:13 UTC
Edit: 25 Dec 2023 06:48 UTC
Views: 59