#protest guide

All of this advice is based on advice that I have seen over the years or have learned first hand. If new information that disproved what I have discussed comes to light PLEASE let me know so I can edit my post.

-DONT BRING ELECTRONICS!! No phone, no smart watch, no nothing that is not medical equipment (as needed). With the way things have been with police for decades now it’s not safe to bring them with you to a protest. Even when completely off smart devices like phones and watches can track where you are. Do not bring them.

-Wear weather appropriate clothes. Short sleeves, shorts, ect. Don’t wear something that could give you heatstroke. You’re going to be walking, exercising in hot weather under a blistering sun. Don’t wear something that will only serve to heat you up more.

-Bring food and water, and other coolants. Typical snacks like gummies or crackers should be helpful, and even beef jerky. As well as plenty of water (and some flavor packets if plain water doesn’t appeal to you). You need to stay hydrated. Some hand fans (manual or battery powered) will also be helpful in staying cool! And sunblock would be even better.

-Mask up! We are still in Covid times. Especially since protests are done in large groups it’s important to mask up and stay safe. It may be a bit hotter, but that’s what the water and hand fans are for.

-DO NOT TALK TO COPS! They are not your friends. Don’t tell them your name, address, nothing. Even if after detainment/holding/whatever the fuck they call it they promise to let you go sooner, DO NOT ANSWER. Remember: If nobody talks, everyone walks. Protests are legal in the US so by just protesting you are not breaking any laws.

Stay safe. Stay with your group, and always have a buddy with you. There’s a reason the buddy system was invented. This includes knowing your path, such as a meeting spot and where everyone will end up. If you get lost/alone, follow the path your group has mapped out or to the final destination and wait. A moving target is harder to find than one that sits still.

-Finally, know your rights. Different states have different laws, so know your federal, state, and local rights for your own protection. Know what is and is not legal. If worst comes to worst this knowledge can help keep you out of undue legal issues.

Specific to those who bind;

Seriously, have fun but be careful

TW: police brutality, general protest fuckery, I don't endorse any of the following, it's juste research for my OC ;)

So tomorrow is May 1st, la fête du zbeul et des travailleur.euse.s! For some of you it might even be your first big protest.

I have a hunch this one wil be BIG big and considering how cops have acted lately and how pissed off a lot of people are, shit will kick off and might do so early on and as far as the Unions part of the protests, way back up the protest.

Before all of that, take out your contacts, they don't work nice with tear gas. Sorry for your selfies but you're better off not using make up or creams before hand, those sticks the CS particles on your skin and are nightmarish. Don't remember to bring enough water, and good shoes, both will serve you well.

Quick edit: Don't go alone please and if you do try to at least make some sort of buddy system with random nice people you met at the protest, there are a lot of those going around. If you have a medical condition or just want a nice day ou, try to find the bigass baloon of a "nice and calm" union (ie not SUD) and stay around it (the CGT one is the "party bus" and they got good booze and dubious food at low prices, FO are lame but it's waaay safe) it's usually both relaxed, lively and safe.

Good practice is to "clean your phone" of anything that could be incriminating for anybody or even better having an empty burner on hand.

Now if you're pissed off and see yourself be susceptible to come into contact with tear gas, the pool goggles (try to hide them under your clothes, police often confiscates those beforehand*)/ FFP2 mask combo usually works pretty well. In case it doesn't, keep a generous supply of saline(those too*) to flush the eyes (no touching them with your hands you fool) and some 50/50 Maalox/water solution (this too, but just bullshit them you have heartbrun since it's what it's supposed to be) to flush hands/face, etc. Ear protection could come useful too

Obviously keep your wits about you, know were the cops are, try to recognise if the situation is getting heated. You might hear their whistle launching the charge and now to get out the way for instance.

As usual don't grab shit you don't know or recognise with your hands. This site has a lists and descriptions of what you're liable to encounter The CS hockey puck things are ok to kick back but don't pick them up they're hot as hell. As for the fit, having an all black windbreaker with a hood, grey or black shit sneakers and black sweatpants, all of those in a bag and easy to wear take off would be nice if you're action oriented. Gloves are paramount and since 12 now has the right to use drone a beautiful black umbrella would just complete it.

If you're unlucky to get pinched make sure you had a lawyer's number memorized (or written in marker on your body). There are plenty of legal teams all over the country but look them up before. Once there, don't say shit besides your identity and address and that you want to see your lawyer. The lawyer will explain the whole thing to you better once you see them. They'll ask if you want to see a doctor, always say yes, at the very least it'll break the monotony. You also have a right to a hygiene kit, make sur to ask for it. The food isn't spectacular but it's edible so eat that shit you might spend up to 2 days in that bitch, keep your strength.

Sorry, I have to find a way to keep those clear and organised. Stay safe baby leftists we love you and you're awesome.

(all of this mostly applies to France)

can we please take care to tag any and all posts relating to roe v. wade, protest guides and similar appropriately?

Martial law has essentially been declared in the United States.

Please, anyone protesting in the US, TAKE PRECAUTIONS.

DO follow the protesters guide on the BLM website

DO know your rights - also available on BLM website

DO wear protective equipment - including a mask, shatterproof goggles and gloves

DO NOT bring your phone to the protest

DO write your emergency contacts on your arm

DO cover your skin with tight, long clothing to avoid burns

DO wear all black with no visible logos

DO NOT provoke law enforcement - I am talking to you, my fellow white allies, DO NOT ENDANGER YOUR BLACK COMRADES

DO NOT post pictures from/of the protests, AI facial recognition is stronger than you think

DO film law enforcement - there is a guide on how to do this safely floating around, I will reblog with it when I find it.

We're praying for you from the UK and will do all we can to help.

From Beirut To Minneapolis

A protest guide in solidarity