How to Protest Without Ending Up in a Police Van
(Unless You Want To)
So, you’re ready to hit the streets and raise some hell (the good kind). Fantastic! But let’s make sure you do it safely, smartly, and without unnecessary drama (unless the drama is aimed at the oppressors). Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just dipping your toes into the revolution, here’s the lowdown on staying safe before, during, and after a protest.
Before the Protest: Get Your Ducks (and Rights) in a Row
- Know Your Rights – The First Amendment is still a thing (for now). You have the right to assemble and speak your mind, but cops love to “forget” that, so read up on your state’s protest laws.
- Plan Your Escape Route – Because nothing ruins a protest like getting kettled and stuck for hours. Know where the exits are.
- Find a Buddy – The buddy system isn’t just for kindergartners. It’s a must. Don’t go alone, and if you get separated, have a meet-up spot.
- Dress for Success (and Safety) – Wear neutral, layered clothing (black bloc is a thing for a reason). Cover tattoos, wear comfortable shoes, and bring goggles and a mask in case of tear gas.
- Charge Your Phone & Use a Burner – If you’re worried about being tracked, leave your primary phone at home and use a burner without biometrics.
- Write Down a Lawyer’s Number – On your arm, in Sharpie. If you get arrested, your phone might not be available, and you’ll want legal support fast.
During the Protest: Keep It Smart, Keep It Safe
- Stay Aware – Cops will infiltrate and agitators will try to start violence to justify a crackdown. Stay sharp.
- Don’t Engage with Police – Unless you’re legally required to. Anything you say will be used against you, even “Have a nice day.”
- Record Everything – If you see an arrest or police misconduct, film it. Just don’t post faces online without consent.
- Know Your Crowd – If things start escalating and you didn’t sign up for that, know when to bounce.
- Help Each Other – If someone gets maced, don’t rub it! Use a saline solution or water to rinse their eyes.
- Follow the Protest’s Goals – Are you marching? Sitting in? Blocking something? Know the plan and stick to it.
- Hide Your Identity – Keep your face covered and wear a mask.
If You Get Arrested: Don’t Panic, Lawyer Up
- Shut Up – Seriously, say nothing except “I am invoking my right to remain silent and want a lawyer.”
- Do Not Sign Anything – Not a statement, not a confession, not a “promise to appear” without consulting a lawyer.
- Memorize One Phone Number – If you get one call, make it count.
- Ask What You’re Charged With – They have to tell you.
- Stay Calm, Stay Strong – Jail is scary, but you’re not alone. Activist networks and bail funds exist for a reason.
After the Protest: Follow Up & Stay Safe
- Check In with Your Buddy – Make sure everyone made it out okay.
- Document & Report – If you saw misconduct, write it down while it’s fresh and report it to activist legal teams.
- Get Medical Help if Needed – Tear gas and pepper spray have lingering effects. Take care of yourself.
- Boost the Cause – Post responsibly, share reputable news, and keep the momentum going.
What to Bring (and What to Ditch)
✅ Must-Haves:
- Water (for drinking and rinsing eyes)
- Snacks (low-sugar, high-protein)
- First-aid supplies
- Goggles and a mask
- A bandana or scarf (for extra protection)
- ID (unless you really don’t want to risk them having your name)
- Cash (for bail, transit, or emergency food)
- Emergency contact list (on paper or written on your body)
🚫 Leave These at Home:
- Your phone (or at least turn off location tracking)
- Anything illegal (obviously)
- Contact lenses (tear gas + lenses = bad)
- Jewelry (can get snagged)
- Credit cards (trackable)
- Anything you’d hate to lose to police confiscation
Sources (Because We’re Not Just Making This Up):
- National Lawyers Guild (nlg.org)
- ACLU Protester Rights Guide (aclu.org)
- Black Lives Matter Safety Tips (blacklivesmatter.com)
- Various activist groups and firsthand protest experience (because we’ve been there)
Stay safe, stay loud, and keep fighting the good fight!
*Heads up resisters, since I will be participating in the National Protest in Tampa, I will not be posting an agenda for Saturday. I will bring extra signs and protest tools if you are in tampa, ping me so we can connect.
🚀 Today’s To-Do List
💰 1. Boycott Billionaire Bootlickers 💰
Corporate America is bankrolling Trump’s dystopian vision. Let’s make them pay.
🚫 Boycott These Companies:
- Tesla (Elon’s Musk-rat is cozying up to authoritarianism. No Teslas, no charging at Superchargers, no SpaceX merch.)
- Home Depot (Co-founder Ken Langone is funding MAGA nonsense.)
- Chik-Fil-A (Still donating to anti-LGBTQ+ causes.)
- AT&T (A major donor to Trump-aligned candidates.)
- Walmart (Their money flows straight into GOP campaigns.)
💵 Move Your Money: If you bank with Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, or Bank of America, switch to a local credit union or an ethical alternative (find one here).
2. Get in the Streets on April 5
The April 5th National Protest is going to be massive. Trump, Musk, and their Department of Global Operations and Empowerment (DOGE) have been tightening their grip on civil liberties—so we’re hitting the streets.
A number of organizations are collaborating for this record breaking event, please support them.
🗣 Bring noise-makers (pots, pans, megaphones—it’s gotta be LOUD.)
📍 Find a protest near you (link to local events)
🖨️ Print protest signs & flyers (download here)
👕 Wear Resistance Gear (T-Shirts and Costumes)
3. “Dining for Democracy”
If you work in food service (or know someone who does), join the passive resistance movement against Trump’s lackeys:
❌ “Accidentally” lose their orders
⏳ Serve them last, if at all
🔥 Add extra “seasoning” (a.k.a. spice up their night with tiny inconveniences)
4. Shut Down the Digital Pipeline
Trump propaganda is spreading like wildfire online. You can help stop it:
🔄 Report disinformation
⚠️ Mass-block MAGA influencers to kill their engagement.
💬 Join anti-fascist social media groups and amplify resistance content. (Follow these accounts)
5. Organize a General Strike
The next “Economic Blackout” needs more momentum. Here’s how to prep:
📌 Get your coworkers involved—talk about walkouts, sick-outs, or work slowdowns.
📢 Spread the word—use StrikeMap to find and support local actions.
6. Make Your Representatives Miserable 🔥
Elected officials are dodging accountability like cockroaches when the lights come on. That’s where YOU come in. Here’s what to do:
📞 Flood their phone lines: Call your House and Senate reps DAILY. Demand they oppose Trump’s latest fascist power grabs. (Find your reps & numbers here)
📧 Email & fax them: Use Resistbot to quickly send messages. Short, blunt, and furious is the way to go.
📍 Show up in person: Check your rep’s schedule for town halls. If they’re hiding, go to their district offices and demand a meeting. (Find town halls here)
Week 10 in Review
do not forget to catch up with last week’s summaries of their shenanigans and our resistance accomplishments.
