5 Essential Tips for Safe and Effective Protesting: A How-To Guide

Every week, this administration gives us a reason to be upset. Lately, the people have taken to the streets, sidewalks, parking lots to show their disagreement with the policies being set into action. Many of us stumbled upon the role of organizing our local residents into an action; others, like myself, had not even participated in protests until now.

There is no right or wrong way to protest. You could choose to boycott companies you disagree with (e.g. #TeslaTakedown), or you can march, picket or rally. Which you choose is up to you and your volunteers. However, there are some basic, common-sense tips that are crucial for any demonstration your team settles on.

Tip 1: KEEP LOCAL AND FEDERAL LAWS TOP OF MIND

Using a protest as a means to communicate even controversial ideas is a fundamental right. Your First Amendment Right protects you and everyone else from having your speech restricted. Counter-protesters are offered the same right. Ignore them, do not engage, do not encourage them.

Property owners also have rights. This means you either need to keep your group on public property and sidewalks, or you must apply for and be granted a permit. Protests that may cause a traffic disruption, will include temporary structures or sound amplifying equipment may require permits. Be sure to check your local government website.

Keeping local law enforcement aware of your plans allows them to be prepared should intervention be required and is always a good idea. Be polite to them, they are there to keep everyone safe.

Tip 2: DOXXING - WHAT IS IT? AND WAYS TO STAY SAFER

Yes, video and photos are allowed. They can be great to encourage other like-minded people to participate in the next demonstration. The other side of that coin is "doxxing" - where your photo and personal information is shared online. This may include posting your name, address and other identifying information publicly. Doxxing also includes packet sniffing, where a person can gather sensitive information from your mobile devices, such as credit card numbers, banking information, and passwords, simply by walking by you.

It is highly recommended that you cover your face and any identifying marks or tattoos. You may also want to consider adding a VPN service for added security or even a Faraday bag for use during the demonstration. It is also wise to disable location services as well as biometric unlocking features.

Tip 3: STAY HYDRATED!! KEEP COOL AND PROTEST ON!!

Protesting can be exhausting! This tip is simple: bring water. Most people bring waters with them, I have started bringing cases of bottled waters with me. I also bring towels to soak and use to cool off over-heated demonstrators. As the months get warmer consider using an umbrella, signs can be easily attached to an umbrella shaft so you're not fumbling with a handful. Hats and sunglasses are a must (they also keep you incognito should you choose that route). Keep a spray style sunscreen for easy application.

(Fun Idea: If you have a group who is a little more adventurous you can bring water guns to help cool things off when it starts getting spicy out there!)

Tip 4: Who? What? Where? When?

Before you head out make sure your team has these questions answered. Without a clear vision of what your group stands for, conveying clear ideas is impossible.

• WHO are you as a collective? Being multi-faceted is great as long as each role has a person willing to fill it. Setting one main goal at the start avoids the tug-of-war later.

• WHAT is the subject of your protest? Be sure volunteers agree and understand what the purpose is so that they can correctly inform participants. You may want to have informational flyers to pass out.

  
  

• WHERE are you planning your protest? Choose a highly visible place with a lot of traffic. Busy intersections with sidewalks. In front of the actual business being protested. City halls, courthouses and public parks are common sites. Remember some choices will require permits that will need to be planned for possibly months in advance.

• WHEN should the protest happen? After breaking news is striking while the iron is truly hot but it can be difficult to mobilize so quickly. Choose a day and time when the most people can likely attend and bear witness but don't get stuck on the few people who "can't make it". Is there another event that you can plan to disrupt? Repeated protests coupled with boycotting are proving to be successful.

Tip 5: HAVE FUN!!

There is no reason you can't enjoy your time out there. Have fun making your sign, be silly and creative. Bring extra signs if you're the creative type - people ALWAYS need signs. Having small blank poster boards and markers is good for the kiddos who may want to design their very own sign. Noise makers, music, dance parties, sidewalk chalk art, can all be good clean fun ways to protest.