Protest Safety: Tips for No Kings 3 and beyond
Quick links
Who has the biggest influence on your safety?
You do.
“We have met the enemy and it is us.” Walt Kelly
Our goal is to be heard, without getting hurt.
Our emotions can be our worst enemy.
Fear, anger, outrage are all common, normal, expected.
We are there because we are passionate.
When we adopt other people’s anger, and reflect their anger back to them, we put OURSELVES at risk.
Stay peaceful and calm.
Don’t hate, de-escalate.
Remember, things can go from verbal to violent in seconds.
If you find yourself getting provoked:
Try square breathing (breathe in 4 counts, hold 4 counts, breathe out 4 counts, hold 4 counts, repeat).
Remember that arguing is unlikely to change someone’s mind (especially if they showed up in order to argue), and conflict distracts from our message.
Take a breather, remove yourself from the situation.
Things to avoid
Public receptacles (trash cans, dumpsters)
Police
Abandoned objects
Parked vehicles
Things to know
Where you’re going
Safe exit routes
How to recognize safety marshals / peacekeepers and medics
The all-important question: what’s the best thing for me to do right now?
When interacting with unknown folks, agitated folks, or law enforcement
Create a reaction gap when interacting with anybody who might be agitated or hostile, or law enforcement.
Keep a minimum of six feet distance between you. And stand at a 45 degree body angle to them so that you can move away from them at an angle. Maintain a ready-to-move stance, knees slightly bent, legs a little bit apart so that you are stable and cannot get knocked over or fall over accidentally, and so that you are able to quickly become mobile if you need to.
Deconflict, De-escalate, Depart
Devices
Ensure your device is encrypted. Turn off biometrics such as fingerprints and facial recognition.
Set a strong PIN for your phone.
Sign out of your social media or other accounts that you’re not going to be using during the day.
Use Signal if you need to text with a friend.
If possible, take photos of videos without unlocking your device. (Google how for your device.)
Turn off Bluetooth and turn off mobile hotspot.
Avoid paramilitary optics.
Dressing in full black block, wearing masks, helmets, shields or similar gear may be cited as evidence of support for terrorism, even if people do not commit any violence.
Do not carry tools that can look like weapons. We strongly discourage bringing up any weapons or anything that can be used as a weapon, like bats or heavy sticks, fireworks, explosives, or construction tools. Police can use the presence of such items as proof of violent intent.
Treat all planning spaces as potentially public. Group chats, Discord servers, email lists, can be subpoenaed and used to suggest conspiracy or material support even for people on the periphery.
Nonviolence and de-escalation. We urge everyone to engage in peaceful, nonviolent protest. If someone brings conflict, lower the temperature.
Know your rights. Stay aware. Stay together. Leave early if something feels wrong.
Learn more
Resources from the Democracy Security Project
Beautiful Trouble’s Assertive Intervention & De-Escalation Tools & Tips resource
Streetwise & Steady’s Workbook for Action Peacekeepers or Event Marshals
Indivisible’s Safety, Security, Rights & Conflict De-escalation resource