SR ToolKit & Safety

PLEASE NOTE:

1) It is important to read through the ENTIRE toolkit before moving into action, as there is important information especially around safety and security. 

2) This toolkit is a living document and will continue to be updated. Given the crisis state many of our communities are in, we are building these resources as we go. 

SAFETY + SECURITY (from the Toolkit)

There are various levels of safety and risk that you will want and need to consider for these actions. Even though everything we are suggesting is totally legal, the state is acting law-lessly and so we want to keep that in mind. Know that there is no way to keep yourself "totally safe" as these are public actions and the aim is to bring many people into the movement. We do these practices to be as smart as we can and mitigate risk. Digital security can sometimes feel confusing or frustrating to folks. Be sure to take the time to go through the sources and steps together, slowly, and with kindness. You may even want a specific gathering, with good food, to do this part!

For your pod: here is a resource to make yourself digitally secure. At minimum, we suggest these steps: 

• • organize/communicate through Signal; 

  • create a free Proton email account for comms; 

  • Create your IG account with your proton email and a VPN on devices that you'll use your IG on; 

  • use Jotform (free account) when using forms for anything since it's encrypted

  • Also, we recommend that you have clarity on how you are practicing related to Covid/illnesses

**********************************************

For your singers + actions: depending on how risky it may get, we recommend your singers trying to take as many steps as possible here from this checklist in preparation for an action

• • Everyone review this resource from the ACLU for protester protection

  • Before the action, make a plan to keep everyone safe - this Community Safety Toolkit from Vision, Change, Win has great resources.

  • In particular, you'll want to consider roles like: marshalls; a police liaison; media; snacks/water; song leader support.

**********************************************

For those you're in solidarity with: it is critical that we are respectful of the people who we are in solidarity with - whether these are detained or incarcerated people; people hiding indoors from ICE; people who just experienced a family member being abducted; etc. This looks like trying to get permission / consent for your action whenever possible. If you're not able to, then possibly asking other organizers or community members who may be able to offer some insight. If you're unsure, stick to doing the 'safer' bet so that we don't intentionally upset anyone or cause harm.

**********************************************

For amplification/media: we are asking that everyone post their videos on Instagram, however, we also know that IG/Meta is heavily surveilled. If you're in a smaller town, you may want to ask people first if they want their video to be taken. People can wear masks or hats/scarves to hide, however, this does not guarantee that much protection. There is still technology that can track people whether through phones or facial recognition. When posting on IG, be sure to not use any identifying information and to follow the steps above.

**********************************************

Overall, be aware of your context, which could be changing rapidly, and prepare accordingly and to the best of your ability. These actions may face different threats or pushback in a big city vs. a small town, in different geographies and political contexts, etc. Use your local knowledge of your own context to make a plan, and when in doubt, ask people you know for help making an assessment.