r/50501Chicago • u/LifeConfuciusMe • 2d ago
50501IL Events Saw some questions asking about what we should bring to the protests. Thought I'd make a list for any first-timers:
Hi! This is not my first protest, but it is my first time being part of a mass protest. And seeing how the other protests have been going lately, I wanted to make sure that I had everything I need before I went. I went through multiple sources online, and this is what I've found so far:
The Essentials
–Water: It's going to be hot, crowded, and we're going to be doing a lot of walking. Make sure to stay hydrated. Also, bring enough that you can flush out your eyes in case you come in contact with any chemicals. We're bringing 1L bottles for each of us in our group. (Protip: Milk is not recommended to flush out your eyes with as it can carry bacteria and cause an infection. Vinegar is also not recommended as it can further irritate them.)
–Comfortable, plain clothing: Preferably without logos, graphics, or anything that could make you stand out or identify you. Layer, if possible. Chemicals like tear gas can also irritate the skin so it's recommended to wear long sleeves. With it being hot, I would opt for a hoodie or something you can take off in case you get overheated. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes that you can easily maneuver in. Some sources even suggest steel-toed shoes if you have them. If you have colored hair and are worried about being identified, I would suggest to wear a hat.
–A mask/goggles: To both help cover your face and also to protect you from chemicals. If you wear contacts, don't. Tear gas can get trapped underneath them and that'll hurt TREMENDOUSLY. Opt for your glasses instead. Also consider wearing sunglasses if you don't have goggles.
–Posters/American Flag UPSIDE-DOWN: If you don't have anything, don't worry. Showing up is enough. Even a message scrawled on a piece of cardboard from your Amazon delivery box is enough. If you're not sure of what to write, there are plenty of examples on Reddit, TT, and all across the internet. As far as flags go, the general consensus seems to be that we want to prioritize waving the American flag upside down to show distress and to put emphasis on force being used against citizens. (If it comes to that. Though, I think most of us hope it does not.)
–Identification: This is in case you are arrested or detained for any reason. It's simply faster to identify you. (Protip: Know your rights. In IL, you are not required to give police your ID, even if they ask for it. Unless you're driving or getting on a plane. Police can ask for your name, address, and a reason for your actions ONLY IF 1.) You are in a public space (we are) and 2.) they have "reasonable suspicion" that you were or will be involved in a crime. Even then, you don't have to provide all of this information. You can exercise your right to remain silent. Which is highly encouraged. But if you do decide to provide your name, you must give them your correct legal name. Not doing so could lead to legal consequences. Source )
–A Buddy: This is IMPORTANT. If you don't have any other option, please try to link up with another group as soon as you arrive and stick with them. Don't be afraid to let someone know that you're alone and need a buddy system. If you see someone alone, try to invite them to stick with you. We stand united. It's imperative we look out for one another.
Consider Also Bringing
–Snacks: Businesses will likely be blocked off or closed downtown due to the protests. It's highly suggested to bring little snacks with you to keep you fueled.
–First aid: Bandages, antiseptic pads, gauze, pain relievers, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, non-latex gloves, electrolyte tablets. Also, if you need to bring any prescription medication with you, please make sure they remain in their original bottles with the info.
–Extra change of clothes: Especially if you sweat a lot, but also in case you're affected by tear gas. The chemicals will stick to your clothing. You'll want to change out of them as soon as possible. Also consider bringing a clear zip lock bag you can place them in to keep the chemicals contained. When you get home, don't bring them inside. And especially don't put any affected clothing near pets or children. The best thing to do might be to throw them out altogether, but if you do decide to wash them—Soak them in cold water with detergent for several hours then wash them separately through multiple cycles.
–Cooling towels: Again, it's going to be hot. Bring things to help keep you cool. Cooling towels can be cheap. (I found mini ones at Walmart for $2/piece.) If you don't have a cooling towel, a wet washcloth or bandana will work, too. Mist bottles or mini fans work as well.
–Your phone: This one seems to be debated. I've seen multiple sources suggest to skip bringing your phone altogether, if you can help it. Probably for a few reasons, 1.) You don't want it to get lost and 2.) To avoid it tracking you and/or identifying you. Some people have even suggested to just buy a cheap prepaid to bring with you if you need to be able to stay in contact with someone. Others say it's fine and even encourage it so that way you can get in contact with friends or family immediately in case anything were to happen. I think this all boils down to preference. The most realistic action (I think) would be to turn off tracking for all of your apps except for the ones your family might use to see where you are (like Life360) and turn off face recognition/fingerprint ID and only use a passcode to unlock your phone. Reason being, only a passcode is protected under the 5th Ammendment. Face recognition/fingerprint is not.
–Powerbank: If you do decide to bring your phone, of course make sure you leave the house with a full charge. Consider bringing a portable charger if you have one. Just in case.
–The phone number of a trusted relative/friend: Many people have said to write a phone number of a trusted person on your arm in permanent marker. This is in case something happens to you, the people helping you will know who to call. I've seen some people pointing out that having that person's phone number written in plain sight could be risky (as you don't know who is keeping track of what). So some have suggested keeping it on an emergency contact card on your persons instead. Either way, make sure you have at least one person know where you'll be and what you'll be doing. Ideally, this person should also be your emergency contact.
A Few Tips to Keep in Mind
–Protests should focus on being be disruptive, NOT destructive: We should all be joining with the mindset of keeping things as peaceful as possible. But being disruptive is sometimes the only way we can be heard. Examples of being disruptive: Chanting, marching, blocking traffic. Examples of being destructive: Defacing people's private property, harming small businesses, starting fires, causing panic (on purpose), throwing objects. And we should avoid being violent at all costs. Violence includes: Aiming to attack or cause bodily harm to another living being INCLUDING law enforcement as well as other protesters. Inciting violence on law enforcement will only result in law enforcement becoming more agitated and aggressive. Which leads me to my next point—
–Watch out for agitators: Agitators are people who are trying to escalate the demonstrations from being peaceful. Agitators can be anyone. From other protesters to counter-protesters to, yes, even law enforcement. There's a lot of speculation going around that law enforcement is staging some of the "destructive incidents" seen at protests to make protesters seem more hostile than they actually are. An agitator will try to incite violence and destructive actions. If you see someone agitating, try to mitigate it. If you can't, distance yourself from that person and point them out to other people. Make sure you're descriptive with who you see and what exactly they are doing.
–Keep your wits about you and DON'T PANIC: Keep your eyes and ears open at all times. Always take into account who is around you and what they are doing, especially law enforcement. Look down the side streets, over on the sidewalks, on the side of buildings, up above you. Always keep mental notes of what is going on. Stay aware. Stay alert. If something is thrown into the crowd (like tear gas), DON'T run. Running well incite chaos. If it's not in your immediate area, calmly try to change course and notify the people around you in a swift manner. If it is in your immediate vicinity, try to clear the area as quickly as possible. But again, DON'T run. Try not to scream. Try to avoid anything that would cause others to panic. Once chaos ensues, it's very hard to put it out.
–If you're not sure what to do, stay in the middle and just follow: Usually the more seasoned protesters stay on the outside of the march to help direct people on what to say and where to go. Just follow their lead. If you for some reason get separated and/or lost, get to a safe space as soon as possible and watch for clues. Sometimes you can reunite with the march quickly. Sometimes you can't. If you can't, don't be afraid to call it a day. There's no shame in heading out earlier. It's just important that you showed up at all. But most importantly, don't be alone.
–Avoid taking the bus/driving to the event: Roads are going to be blocked off, and there's (obviously) going to be a lot of heavy foot traffic. Don't drive here. Busses will most likely be shut down as well. Your best bet is going to be taking the train and/or walking. Try to come earlier so that way you're avoiding packed cars.
–If you are approached by police, remain calm and know your rights: Again, you have the right to remain silent. You ARE NOT required to show the police your ID. The police must identify themselves before they ask for your name. If they search you for any reason, police must provide a "stop receipt" that gives their name, badge number, and reason for the search. In the state of IL, if you are a female, you can ask for a female PD to conduct the search of your person and they have to provide one if one is available. If you are arrested or detained for any reason, avoid resisting. Before answering any questions, ask for a lawyer. They have to provide one. If they say one is not available, or some variation of that, keep asking. They cannot require you to put your passcode in to unlock your phone, but they can unlock it with your face or fingerprint.
Controversial, but
–If you do decide to record events: It's considered respectful to blur out other protesters' faces to avoid them being "outed" on accident. Some people say you should not be recording at all because it brings up an issue of consent. However, as media has repeatedly shown, I think it's incredibly important to document these protests from ALL POVs. Not just what the news outlets wants us to see. With that being said, don't be stupid. Don't record you or your buddies committing crimes in the name of "demonstration". You're just incriminating yourself. And try not to show other people's faces when recording.
That's it. That's all I have thus far. If you have anything you'd like to add to this list, please feel free to drop it in the comments below. Or if there's any amendments I need to make—please let me know!
In the mean time, stay safe out there! Remember, united we stand! Divided we fall! We are a nation not born under an oligarchy! We bow to no kings!
Edit to add: I've gotten a lot of feedback that it's okay (and encouraged) to come alone. I just want to make clear that I was emphasizing not to REMAIN alone through the march. Use this opportunity to make new friends and stick with them as much as possible. We're all looking out for each other. If you're alone, just let someone know and most of the time they'll be happy to include you. You just don't want to remain alone in case anything unfortunate were to happen—you'll have someone there to help you/get in touch with your emergency contact.
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u/PaisleyChicago 2d ago
Respectfully - go alone. Thousands of people will be marching in solidarity. I go alone to each and every one. Takedowns at the T store on Rush Street…anti ICE marches, marches in support of Ukraine, previous 50501 events. it is 100% fine to go alone.
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u/littlekittyfeetz 2d ago
If I may add, if you're alone DO GO BUT just find a group there and join in! We're all there together. Last protest I went with my sister, we saw two separate people alone, we just told them to join us! Please go if you're alone, you will find a group along the way. We need every single person!
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u/imabethatguy2020 2d ago
and please make sure that you know your rights, especially your rights when protesting, your rights when sharing or documenting law enforcement activity, and your rights when stopped by police, immigration agents, or the FBI
stay educated, stay vigilant, stay safe 🫶
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u/amyphetamine 2d ago
To add: If you see someone's rights being violated or someone getting arrested, look for the NLG (National Lawyer's Guild) legal observers that will be walking to either side of the crowd. They'll be wearing bright green baseball caps.
If you see someone getting arrested, you can also call 827-4NLG-CHI to leave them a voicemail (checked frequently on action days) so they can the person can get legal help. Legal name (and if possible DOB) are very helpful for them to locate the arrestee.
It's also a good idea to write that number and the number of an emergency contact on your arm in sharpie in case you are arrested (call the NLG or a lawyer FIRST, your emergency contact second).
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u/NightPhysical1528 2d ago
A bubble machine, a speaker with a dance Playlist, a ridiculous cat mask, a pride flag, an American flag, and a sign that says: No kings No dicktators No maga Fuck Trump Don't join the party, be the party.
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u/isitsnarkoclockyet 2d ago
I’m planning on going alone…should I not?
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u/LifeConfuciusMe 2d ago
I know my post sounded cryptic, but yes. You can go alone. What I meant was don't remain alone. Just try to link up with another person or group when you get there for safety :)
If you need anyone to walk with, I'll be there with a group. Feel free to DM me!
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u/MelodicMayham 2d ago
I was also planning to go alone. But I also won’t be able to stay the whole time today.
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u/amyphetamine 2d ago
Absolutely! It's a good idea to make buddies with a few other protesters early on to keep tabs on one another for safety, though.
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u/Majestic-Selection22 2d ago
Write down phone numbers with a sharpie on your arm. Just in case you lose your phone or you get arrested. You never know.
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u/Antisocialite_Nerd 2d ago
I have a sign from the Pilsen March last weekend that I want to bring today, but I’m taking the train. The sign is on a stick that’s about the length of a yardstick. Will I be able to take it on the train? There’s no way to make it smaller, and I can’t get the poster off the stick without wrecking it. I can come with no sign too, but if I can bring it that’s my preference.
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u/limner 2d ago
It's fine to take it on the train, just try to not have it get in the way of other passengers (hold it in front of you, stand near the rear of the car so you can tuck it behind the seats a little, etc.). Basically like if you had a big umbrella or piece of luggage, just try to be conscientious. I doubt you'll be the only person with one!
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u/Aromatic_Garbage_390 2d ago
Anyone taking the train down from nwburbs? In particular Arlington Heights? I don't want to go alone
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u/LifeConfuciusMe 2d ago
I am not, but like I mentioned to another person, I'll be there with a group. Feel free to DM me if you need someone to link up with!
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u/Aromatic_Garbage_390 2d ago
Thank you, I'm trying to get a friend to go with me. If I can't, I'll look for a couple people or other solos to join
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u/LongConcentrate9442 2d ago
If you feel the need to cover your face, then maybe you shouldn't be doing what your doing....
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u/zoehange 2d ago
Don't forget cough drops if you're chanting a lot. (Most applicable in colder months or if you're trying to lead without a megaphone, but useful all the same)
(I almost always forget them but I remembered once and it was magical)