"It's 2018, do you know where your protest is?"

[kore]

Excellent advice from watersword on how to prepare for a protest. I really like the idea to be sure to check that you know where your Rapid Response protest is, since MoveOn might crash (along with HALF THE INTERNET, no doubt).

ITA comfortable shoes and clothes are a must. Consider going with a prearranged group for safety in numbers. Maybe ask your local protest group to arrange for a legal observer. -- Any other suggestions?

Comments

[executrix]

I'm near New York City, where the police see their role as standing around and collecting overtime, and generally people get arrested only if they make a concerted effort to do so. So, I would suggest carrying small signs that you can print out on your home printer and attach to a piece of cardboard--your arms won't get tired the way they do with a big sign.

And I recommend bringing a Victorian novel. There's a lot of standing around, and you won't finish one of THOSE puppies in a hurry. And if you do get arrested, they work well for reading aloud in detention areas as a substitute for the cozy English fireside.

[kore]

And if you do get arrested, they work well for reading aloud in detention areas as a substitute for the cozy English fireside.

OMG, that's awesome. (Yeah, I would bring a paperback not an e-reader.)

[watersword]

It depends on the protest! The recent ones in NYC have been pretty chill, but Black Lives Matter protests had a more much aggressive police presence (in my experience).

Definitely look into your local laws about what's allowed for signs — generally, anything that is solid/heavy enough to use as a weapon is forbidden.

[executrix]

That's why I mentioned where I am--it is very much a local question. And sometimes even in NYC they'll say "no sticks for holding up signs, they could be weaponized" which is silly for cardboard tubes, but I don't think that's the battle to pick.

[moon_custafer]

Bring snacks and water.

[rydra_wong]

Consider going with a prearranged group for safety in numbers.

Yup, just one "demo buddy" can make a vast difference to feeling safe and confident, in my experience.

Also, take water and snacks, and earplugs if you're noise sensitive.

I took 24 hours' worth of my meds with me, just in case (no idea if they'd have been confiscated if I was arrested, but I figured it might be easier to try to ensure that I got my somewhat convoluted meds regime if it was on hand).

ETA: I should note that all demos I've been at so far have been peaceful and friendly. So definitely go prepared for all outcomes, but don't scare yourself into not going!

[vass]

Sunscreen if it's sunny. I've gotten badly burned while protesting.

[oracne]

If you have a printer or some time or got a bundle from the ACLU or whomever, extra signs are often welcome for those who do not have signs.

[redbird]

The National Lawyers Guild has legal support hotlines in many US locations, which you can call if you've been arrested in a demonstration. If there's one for your area and you don't have a lawyer of your own (most of us don't), write that number on your body beforehand, along with other relevant phone numbers you don't have memorized.

[rydra_wong]

Displace anxiety into intensive sign-making and obsessing over which slogan t-shirt to wear! Seriously, it kind of works for me.

I even geek out over which scent to wear (then often opt for Tauer Perfumes Une Rose Chypree, because "bread and roses"). Nobody wil give a shit except me, but it gives me a focus and makes me feel more prepared somehow.

Also "admire other people's interesting/cool signs" is a significant coping strategy for me when it comes to tolerating crowds and physical proximity to people at protests.

[msilverstar]

those are great tips for things I never thought of, thank you!

[rydra_wong]

For some people, being a Protest Cleric may be an option:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100633905215819&set=a.873501992999.1073741826.15802060&type=3&permPage=1

Obviously requires the spoons and capacity to interact with people, but if you have those, then taking supplies and a sign saying you have supplies might be a good role.

And several people commented that for them, having a defined role like that at a protest might help mitigate the overload/overwhelm.