Protesting 101
Protesting 101
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Know who your organizers are. It is becoming increasingly important to know that you can trust the organizers behind an action. While there are no guarantees, knowing who is organizing and whether they align with your values is a key to staying safe. ATS is committed to protecting democracy, fighting for the rights, dignity, and lives of all people, and peaceful non-violent action.
A note about permits. We have a constitutional right to protest on public property in America. Permits are not required provided we do not block traffic or building access. In an increasingly authoritarian regime, it is better to ask forgiveness than permission. As a general rule, we do not ask for permission.
We are committed to nonviolent protest and we do not engage with counter protestors.
"What if it rains?”
We still show up!!
Umbrellas are fine but absolutely NO METAL TIP UMBRELLAS
Be Ready For Bad Weather
Don’t wear clothes that get really heavy when wet like cotton.
Rain gear is best.
Wear quick dry materials.
Leather shoes or rain boots are better than cloth.
Dollar store rain ponchos work great! Organizers will have a limited supply available.
Rain ponchos can go over backpacks too.
Take only essentials.
Place car keys, phone in plastic ziplock bags in a bag or pocket.
Keep dry clothes in a plastic bag in your backpack, bag, or car.
Don't forget snacks in a waterproof ziplock bag.
Some folks find ponchos better than umbrellas.
Signs
Lamination is best but not cheap.
Clear Contact Paper - overlap the edges.
Self adhesive laminating sheets can be found at Office Depot.
Foam Board, permanent markers can be found at Dollar Store.
Cardboard sign wrapped in plastic wrap is a great cheap lamination.
Shrink wrap.
Laminate with clear packing tape in overlapping strips.
If you use an umbrella, affix the sign to the upright post of the umbrella to keep it and yourself dry. You can poke wire ties through the sign to wrap around the umbrella post.
A roll of clear carpet protector can cover a lot of signs. You can share with a group!
For wind
Larger signs and banners are easier to read but also catch wind easier. Cut a few vent holes in your sign or banner.
Cut holes for handles on sides and reinforce with duct tape to make it easier to hold on to.
Mobility Concerns:
If you have mobility issues, we usually have peace marshals posted in yellow safety vests who can assist you with parking and getting to the rally point.
De-escalation:
We are committed to a peaceful non-violent protest. We need your commitment as well. Counter protesters are always a possibility, but the best way to keep us all calm and safe is to IGNORE and DO NOT ENGAGE with counter protesters and agitators. Remain calm and non-reactive. Remember that many attending are assuming a greater risk than others present (jobs, immigration status, health etc) and if you escalate you put everyone else at risk.
We have a team of trained volunteer peace marshals who will be present. If you have questions or concerns, find an organizer to assist you. If you see something suspicious, let them know. They are trained to assess the situation and help keep things calm and peaceful. They are in contact with pride organizers and authorities when needed.
Helpful Links
Know Your Rights:
ACLU Protesters Know Your Rights
De-escalation:
Move On De-escalation Training
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Pgmn9QRr48
Calming & De-escalation Strategies
Protest Safety From Greenpeace
Commit to show up no matter what the weather does. Make your voice heard!! Don’t miss this historic moment!
This movement is about more than one day. It’s about proving that Trump’s so-called mandate is a myth. It’s about showing every person in a position to resist Trump’s authoritarian power grab -- judges, university presidents, law firms, and elected officials, and every day citizens that they are not alone. If they take a stand and refuse to obey in advance, the people will have their backs.
History is being written right now -- and there will come a time when people ask: How did this happen? What did you do to stop him? And the answer will depend on what we do right now.
We’ll say: We were in the streets. We were fighting back. We were not afraid.
In Solidarity,
Action Together Stark
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