Safety in Unsafe Times
Safety in Unsafe Times
While there is never a guarantee of safety when protesting, many risks can be identified ahead of time through a risk/threat assessment and robust SECURITY CULTURE. Once an action has been initiated, additional measures such as KNOWING YOUR RIGHTS, situational awareness, and practicing basic DE-ESCALATION tactics can go a long way towards safety for you and your folks.
❗Protesters, activists, movement leaders, and organizations doing liberatory work are at increased risk of SURVEILLANCE and prosecution under Trump's National Security Presidential Memorandum-7. Read more about the implications of NSPM-7.❗
Accessibility
Making Your Activism Accessible (Google doc)
Disability and Access (website)
Protest Safety Mass Call (YouTube video)
In the Streets and Direct Action
The Direct Action Guide (website)
Protection & Resilience Strategies for Nonviolent Activists (website/pdf)
Direct Action Zines (website)
Civil Disobedience Risk Assessment Form (External Version - January 2024) (website)
Know Your Rights and Risks
Know Your Rights (website)
Know Your Rights: Immigrants’ Participation in Protests (website)
KYR guides (website) by National Lawyer's Guild:
- KYR When Arrested: Legal Steps & Choices
- KYR for Students & Educators
- KYR for Protesters: A Guide for Protesters
- KYR When Facing Law Enforcement: Classic KYR Booklets
- Additional KYRs
Responsive Guides (website) by National Lawyer's Guild:
De-Escalation
De-Escalation
Community Safety and De-Escalation Directory: Trainings Available in Your State (website)
De-escalation training slides (website/pdf)
The 5 D's of De-Escalation (website)
Documenting Events/Incidents
Documenting incidents/events (website)
- by Witness
Redacting photos on the go: A field guide (website)
- by Frontline Medics (Linktree)
The Oxygen of Amplification: Better Practices for Reporting on Extremists, Antagonists, and Manipulators (website) | PDF version
Community Guides
Community Guides
Fiscal Sponsorship, Bail Funds, and Mutual Aid Basics (website)
Protest Safety Mass Call (YouTube video)
Protecting Your Body: Medic/Medical Resources
For Educational Purposes Only (consult a doctor for medical advice)
Please check your state/local laws about the lawful use of certain protective gear (e.g., soft body armor).
Freedom Street Health (Instagram)
- How to Protect yourself (Instagram)
- Lung Protection
- ANSI-Rated Goggles
- Eye Protection
- Head Protection
Frontline Medics (Linktree)
- Must Haves for Action (Instagram)
- Respirators
- Goggles
- Ear Protection
- Helmets
- Knee/Elbow Pads
- Notes for Bridge Trainings & Beginners / Safety & Security: Part 1 (Instagram)
- Frontline Medics Study Guide, Resources & Curriculum (Google Doc)
Physicians for Human Rights (website)
Recommended Reading/Listening
HOW TO PROTEST: What to Know, Bring, and How to Stay Safe
by Dugout | a black anarchist podcast
(Opens in Spotify)