We’ve compiled guides for demonstrators on our Bluesky, including a short checklist about how to participate in demonstrations as safely and effectively as possible.
1.) Don't go by yourself.
Go in a group of friends you have good reason to trust—ideally, people you have been to demonstrations with before. This is called an affinity group. Talk in advance about what you aim to accomplish and what each of you needs. Read: How to Form an Affinity Group.
2.) Learn basic security culture.
Share sensitive information on a need-to-know basis: if someone does not need to know something, they should never hear anything about it. Don’t speak about your or others' participation in high-risk activities. Don’t brag, gossip, or speculate. Learn and abide by the security expectations of each person you interact with, and respect differences. Never give up any information that could endanger anyone else without their explicit consent. Read: What is Security Culture?
3.) Learn about digital security.
If you can, leave your phone at home. If you have to bring your phone, back it up and delete all data that you would not wish to share with police. Use a long alphanumeric passcode. Only message via the encrypted app Signal. If you need to use a burner phone, check out a guide to best practices.
4.) Dress to preserve your privacy.
If you could be in the vicinity of high-risk activities, bring a change of clothes that completely conceals your identity and matches the crowd. Change clothing out of sight of cameras. Don't let your bag or shoes give you away. Read: Fashion Tips for the Brave.
5.) You can't be sure how things will go, so err on the side of safety.
Bring ear plugs and, if there is even the slightest chance of projectiles, a helmet.
Our guides will help you pick the helmet that is right for you, and cover your options when it comes to body armor.
6. If there is any chance that chemical weapons could be used, consider bringing a gas mask and/or goggles.
Our guide reviews the different kinds of munitions that police and other mercenaries use to terrorize people, and how to protect your community against them. You have a wide range of options for protecting your eyes and lungs from chemical agents and projectiles. We’ve detailed the advantages and disadvantages of each, so you can pick out what is best for you. Read: A Demonstrator’s Guide to Gas Masks and Goggles.
7. If you buy things while you're in the streets, use cash.
Your credit card purchases and bank account ATM locations can be used to track you. This also applies to sending money online. Be aware of metadata. After the protest, don’t publish photos without removing metadata. You can do that quickly by screenshotting them. Across Frontlines has published a useful protest safety guide covering this issue and others like it.
8.) It's not a bad idea to have a plan in place for the worst-case scenario.
Know where the nearest hospital with a trauma center is, how you will get to it, and what to do if someone sustains a gunshot wound during a demonstration. Read: A Demonstrator’s Guide to Responding to Gunshot Wounds.
9.) Learn about police tactics, such as kettling, and think about how you will conduct yourself in the event of arrest.
Under questioning, invoke your right to remain silent and emphasize that you would like to speak to a lawyer. You should not say anything else to your captors under any circumstances. Read: Making the Best of Mass Arrests
11.) Finally, don't just be a spectator. Set your goals and accomplish them.
Here is a step-by-step guide to organizing and carrying out direct action, from the first planning stages to the debrief at the end, including legal support, media strategy, and proper security.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone out there who takes a stand against oppression—whether by taking the streets, playing a support role, or in other ways.
All the freedom we have, we owe to those who have acted to resist tyranny.
