I am finally in a place where I'll be able to attend a protest but don't know what to expect.

I've got the basic understanding of leaving behind phones, don't drive and take public transit, bring first aid supplies, and wear nondescript comfortable clothing that will cover most exposed skin and is easy to move in, but what actually happens at these? Any good ideas for signs?

Other tips appreciated!

  • silent_water [she/her]
    ·
    9 months ago

    bring food and water - as much as you're comfortable carrying and hand it out to people who need it. if you're the talkative sort, talk to people who are having a rough time. don't get sucked into anything that's spicier than what you're comfortable with - you'll only be endangering yourself and the people around you (painful lesson I learned the hard way after a comrade forced themselves to come along for something that was too hot for them and nearly drew the cops straight down on us when they panicked at an inopportune moment). take people you trust and stick to a buddy system - that way, if your group gets split up, you're not alone and trying to navigate a potentially dangerous situation alone. if people start running because the cops pulled some shit, that's dangerous and you should stop them. however, don't yell "don't run" - they'll only hear "run". yell "walk" instead. any protest can turn from lib and peaceful into something more antagonistic - never put it past the cops to start shit at the drop of a hat and for no discernable reason. never talk to the cops. NEVER TALK TO THE COPS.

    • MattsAlt [comrade/them]
      hexagon
      ·
      edit-2
      9 months ago

      Good point on the bit about the running! Will be a shut the fuck up type of weekend when it comes to cops for sure