Take action safely
Safety training.
Knowing your rights, de-escalating tense moments, and looking out for each other — that's how we keep our actions effective and our people safe. Here's what we have so far.
More coming soon. Our Safety Team is putting together chapter-specific trainings — marshaling, conflict de-escalation, and action-day logistics. Want to be the first to know when one's on the calendar? Sign up for the newsletter.
Before any action
A pre-rally checklist.
Even at a peaceful event, a tiny bit of preparation goes a long way. Run through this before you head out.
- 1 Tell someone where you'll be and when you expect to be home.
- 2 Bring water, sunscreen, ID, and any meds you might need.
- 3 Wear sturdy shoes — you may be standing or walking for hours.
- 4 Carry a charged phone but assume bad signal in crowds.
- 5 Write the chapter contact number on your arm in marker.
- 6 Know where the safest exit and gathering point are before things start.
- 7 If approached by counter-protesters: don't engage. Find a marshal.
- 8 If approached by police: be polite, ask if you're free to leave.
Resources
Worth reading before your next rally.
Most of these are short — 5 to 15 minutes — and all are from reputable organizations with deep experience in protest safety.
ACLU — Know Your Rights: Protesters' Rights
Your rights when protesting in public, what to do if police stop you, and what counts as legal vs. unlawful crowd control.
Open →
Indivisible — De-escalation 101
Practical de-escalation techniques for rally marshals and bystanders. Short, repeatable language and body-language patterns.
Open →
Indivisible — Event Safety Planning
A walkthrough of pre-event risk assessment, role assignments, comms plans, and what to do if things escalate.
Open →
Wildfire — Bystander Intervention
The 5 Ds of bystander intervention (Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, Direct) — quick reference card.
Open →
Want to help keep us safe?
Our Safety Team is forming now. Calm-under-pressure folks, anyone with first-aid, security, or facilitation experience — we'd love to hear from you.