#protest etiquette

fellow protest attendees, i am begging you to take safety measures, you simply can’t trust your government to not go after you if your face is clearly visible and documented.

⭐️ wear a mask and sunscreen, and bring safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator if you have them. keep the PPE you don’t wear the whole time at arms’ length

⭐️ hydrate! eat! consider bringing water bottles and sealed, single-serving snacks for others if you can, especially if you anticipate it being hot and/or sunny. avoid common allergens or bring multiple options if you plan ahead of time to share snacks

⭐️ on that note: check the weather. bring sunscreen, umbrellas, clothes/signs that can get wet, etc. depending on the situation. water regardless of weather is critical, and sunscreen lotion is far more effective than sunscreen spray

⭐️ bring emergency supplies like a first aid kit, or medical supplies like epi-pens, inhalers, emergency meds, or mobility aids as needed. don’t assume that other people will have things handy or things to spare

⭐️ especially if participating in a red area and/or an area known for heavy police presence: educate yourself and those around you on tear gas and what to do in the scenario it’s used. if you have reason to anticipate it being necessary, bring closed-top traffic cones, heat resistant bags, and heat resistant gloves if you have access to them

⭐️ know how to treat tear gas exposure, especially to the eyes. milk provides more quick relief, but cool water is largely safer and more effective long-term, for example

⭐️ be careful wearing contact lenses, as eye exposure to tear gas can be even worse with them in

⭐️ learn how to recognize and avoid undercover cops, and teach others

⭐️ consider making any signs with material that can double as a shield, or bring a separate makeshift shield if you feel it will be necessary

⭐️ wear unidentifiable clothing, covering as much skin as possible, and wear sunscreen on any exposed skin

⭐️ wear comfortable, close-toed shoes (for everyone) that you can stand in for long periods of time, and run in if necessary (for non-wheelchair users/those able-bodied enough).

⭐️ if things go awry, don’t help any disabled folks without permission. be willing to help if comfortable and necessary, but don’t assume they need it by default (this goes for day to day life too)

⭐️ did i mention WATER AND SUNSCREEN.

⭐️ cover any distinctive birthmarks, tattoos, piercings, scars, dyed hair, or anything that could make you easier to identify

⭐️ know your rights. bring them on a printed card if necessary, and approach any pushback you receive with confidence

⭐️ always lead with peace when you can, but be prepared for a scenario where it is no longer an option. know that it’s not an inevitability, but it is a possibility, and be reasonably prepared

⭐️ have an escape route and a safe place planned to meet up if attending with others. be prepared to act fast. when things turn sour, there’s not often much time to think. don’t wait until it’s too late to make a plan. it’s better to have and not need one than need and not have one

⭐️ do not post anyone’s faces anywhere online. if you share images, crop out or blur/cover uncovered or partially covered faces with multiple layers of protection

⭐️ bring extra supplies if you’re able, for others or in case yours are damaged. extra masks, goggles, gloves, shields, cards with printed rights— whatever you can to help yourself and your neighbors

⭐️ be safe, trust your gut, and protect your community. find peace in knowing you are doing the right thing, and standing up for yourself, your neighbors, and those who cannot speak for themselves.

- don't vape or smoke, you can go without it for the time the parade takes, there's people with respiratory disorders like asthma or sensory issues around you

- disabled people and strollers go at the front for a reason, we set the pace for the rest so we don't get trampled or left behind, don't push forward for no reason

- don't start shit with anti-protesters, if someone tries to start shit with you, ignore them and alert the security (protect yourself if there's no security and the situation escalates)

And most importantly, keep yourself and others around you safe.

information pulled directly from this document from 2020, which was compiled from this site and this site

NEVER, EVER POST PICTURES WITH THE FACES OF PROTESTERS. EVER. 

Don’t put the people you are trying to protect in further danger.