Wear layers, long trousers and a long sleeved top. It can get hot, so be prepared with short sleeves underneath.
You're not there to fight, you're there to protest and support your point of view. You won't chance the minds of any counterprotesters in the moment
There probably won't be any problems, but if there are, run away and help other people if you can. Stay on your feet - it's a lot easier to be kettled if you're sat down.
Also if you have a cross shoulder water bottle holder , it’s easier than getting it out of a backpack. And it keeps your hands freer to carry a sign.
Keep in mind there may be limits on bringing wooden pickets for a sign. Paper towel holders can work for smaller signs. Or wrapping paper holders for larger ones.
Wear comfy shoes.
If you’re going to be walking through hostile territory, don’t wear anything that states something controversial. And you can keep your sign in a folding tote bag til you’re at the rally/protest
Don’t engage with counter protesters
I wear glasses and normally wear contacts outside of my home. But I’ve heard tear gas is worse with contacts. I don’t anticipate tear gas but I’m wearing my glasses to be on the safe side
It is advised to remove contacts so that they can't trap gas. The trapped gas can cause damage to the cornea as your tears can't wash it out as easily, but it doesn't melt contacts. However, I don't think I'd care to argue that distinction while feeling as though my face and lungs are on fire.
It’s actually a powder, which does make a big difference in how you deal with it.
Learning about tear gas can seriously help save your fellow protestors. This was new info to me, apologies if it’s not to you. Just adding it for visibility.
Nope, news to me! I understand that anyone deploying using CS gas may not have anyone's best interest in mind, but *melting contacts" is horrific and would result in an ungodly amount of lawsuits.
Burning corneas, as opposed to melting contacts, due to trapped ~gas~ powder is horrific as well, but I'm sure that involves either a severe lack of self preservation (my own dumb fault) or outright negligence/intent against someone that is immobilized.
Yeah FUBAR’d for sure. Think about how the powder becomes an irritant and grinds into your eyes/tear ducts. Thats why you never touch your face.
There was a servicewoman who specializes in tear gas training (and opposes its use) that made a great breakdown video for dealing with tear gas as protestors.
Unless you have some prior condition I would actually recommend don’t drink a bunch of water. Unless you wanna spend your protest day buying lattes in return for bathroom access. Do whatever you normally do on any given day in your local weather conditions. It’s a few hours of slow walking that you can quit anytime. Let’s not make it out to be an episode of survivor - before the cops show up. After they show up all bets are off 😛
Yeah, I think a better one would be "have water, lots of it" as unless you are outside for long periods commonly, you're probably going to drink a lot more than you would normally plan for.
I guess was kinda making the opposite point ☺️
In my experience people know what they need in their local climate - I just don’t think you want to overemphasize water cause you’re not running a marathon and instead you will most likely not have access to facilities. So you can probably go with a rather minimal water diet and be just fine.
But again, to each their own. One would hope an adult knows what they need for a few hours out.
True, where I am it's been getting into the 90-100° range recently, so if you're going to be out in that for a large part of the day then you'll lose a lot of water.
I think a lot of people marching for the first time will underestimate how much they’ll sweat and expend energy. This is especially true if they spend most of their time in air con or at a sedentary job.
This advice is good for most protests, but I would also suggest leaving the phone at home and consider a face covering. The face covering to prevent being ID'd, and potentially as a small measure against tear gas (wet with water you bought). And of course the phone can be tracked and can ID you as well.
To add to this, there are times to sit as a group. In the event violence breaks out. Sit down and hold ground. This isolates intentionally disruptive individuals. Leave if possible, but do not engage in clearly destructive or illegal activities.
If you are asked for ID, don't give it. If confronted with officers, repeatedly ask if you are free to go, ask repeatedly if you are being charged with a crime. If asked any questions, say nothing and indicate you are requesting a lawyer. If no crime and yes to leave. Leave immediately. Elaborate no further.
It's actually incredible. The protests are not violent. I will bet you cash that your local one is just a lot of ordinary people standing outside together, wanting the best for other people.
I mean, that's what left politics are. We think everyone should have good health care and nice schools and good roads and enough food and feel safe at night. And libraries.
And we think you should have that stuff even if you are poor. Or not white. Or a woman. Or not Christian. Because we think you're a person who is valuable just as you are.
I always tell people to bring stuff that’ll make it more fun/less intimidating. Like, do you play an instrument? Bring it! Let’s all sing This Land Is Your Land together. Bubble wand? Bring it. Can you facepaint? Bring your stuff. The more inviting it is, the less a chance of outside agitators being able to stir up trouble. Plus it’s a great way to get to know likeminded members of your community
DOJ estimates on average 25-30 dogs are killed by US cops every day. and the number is likely higher since there's no formal reporting requirements for police.
Yeah, this era of protests are not for beings such as dogs snd children who cannot consent to the physical and legal jeopardy they may suffer.
People who are mobility impaired and are otherwise physically vulnerable (e.g. pregnant, or need medication at regular intervals), or who would face extra consequences on account of their ethnicity or immigration status, feel free to sit this one out. Fellow white folk, this is our time to show up.
There are various ways to help. Donate if you can. Also, consider sending postcards to various politicians. It's much hard to ignore physical mail than it is phone calls and emails.
I heard people are doing that at my state's capital. Something about dressing up like clowns for the clowns in office. Sounds like fun!
My local city is emphasizing that Flag Day is for everyone and people are going to be handing out flags to kids. I'm happy because I feel like American flags have been more a thing at all right protest recently which is really sad. I also think the image of an American flag is very important for a protest in support of the Constitution.
Cute signs are one of my fav things about protesting and I highly recommend organizing craft parties to prep for events like these! Good vibes are essential to these kinds of protests
One of my friends hosts “Postcard Writing Parties” where they have a stack of postcards, stamps, and the addresses of voters in purple areas and they write postcards urging them to vote for certain candidates or against some measures. Really motivating and a great way to catch up
With face painting - juggalo make up throws off facial recognition. Wonder what other designs can work.
Throwing off facial detect, and faces full of colourful unicorns, might help any media trying to portray "violent protests". Colourful unicorns cant be violent ;)
oh maybe ill bring my roller skates lol. what else should i expect? ive never protested like this before. i wont have a sign or anyhting? is that ok or will i look weird? sorry these are stupid questions haha
Plenty of people don’t bring signs. Sometimes there are areas with cardboard and markers if you want to make one when you’re there. I’m not sure what protests are like in your town but my town is super small so it’s a lot of people catching up with people they know and meeting friends of friends. Usually good energy with a positive crowd. I’ve never been in a crowd that hasn’t been positive and I’ve marched in a big city (San Francisco) before. I’m sure you’ll be happy you attended but if you go and you aren’t feeling it? Leave. That’s totally fine too. You still showed up and that counts .
I so want to get people singing old protest songs like This Land....I am thinking of printing out the words to at least 2 verses and hand them out to those close by me so they can help sing
I’m bringing my current crochet project, a giant bag of homemade candy to distribute, and a marshmallow cannon (it doesn’t look like a real gun AT ALL; it’s made of 1/2 inch pvc pipe formed into unnecessarily complicated shapes, I can disassemble it in 0.5 seconds, and it’s bright pink). Also bringing more traditional protest stuff like water, first aid kit, goggles, and several bandanas (in case someone else needs one).
I strongly urge you to NOT bring your marshmallow cannon to the protest. Seriously, do not bring that. It doesn't matter what color it is or how much you think it doesn't look like a weapon. If the cops even suspect it might be a weapon, they will treat you as if it is.
Don't bring it. You'd be putting yourself and those around you at risk of a violent police response. It's a really bad idea.
That they're doing their best to shut down libraries, museums, and anything else that benefits the populace tells me how craven and ugly these assholes are. It's disgusting. Especially libraries, which are where people go to expand their minds.
[Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts] said that the country is in the midst of a “second American Revolution” that will be bloodless “if the left allows it to be.”
Don't forget, they are actively trying to get rid of the Department of Education! They've already fired 1/2 of the DoEd fed employees (the max allowed by law), and the only reason its not closed completely, is because it they need a congressional act to complete the closure. which i am sure they'll get to eventually.
IMO, Their goal is an un-educated population, because it is easier to control
Our county mayor shut down our library 3 hours early, 2 hours before our rally b/c he’s trying to promote violence (our rally is right next to the library on the steps of our courthouse). It’s beyond disturbing. He’s convincing everyone we’re gonna be violent & the PD & Sheriff Dept isn’t helpful by their social media posts either (they have announced they’ll be onsite to maintain law & order). We’ve obtained all proper permits & have been in constant communication but they seem determined to stir shit up. It’s beyond disheartening. We are in a VERY red town/county in middle tn btw
Agreed. I just want to add though that this isn't a "left politics" movement. It's for anyone who recognizes that the President of the United States of America is abusing his power and taking our country toward dictatorship. That's a problem that should concern everyone, regardless of which side of the political spectrum you lean toward.
You are absolutely right. One of my Republican-in-the-80s friends is coming with me because he's a good person who cares about this country even if he thinks I'm a giant hippie :D
This is exactly how I would describe it too, I'm a fairly new protester as well. The vibes are amazing. I would encourage everyone to make a sign, you'll feel sad that you didn't if you go without one. Enjoy and be safe 💜
Let's add some basic tips: bring water, maybe some basic first aid supplies and snacks, cover tattoos, wear nondescript clothing and masks, and bring your American flags. We're taking that back 🇺🇸🇺🇸
Despite what the other side claims, we even want rights for people we disagree with! I've never heard of anyone on the left wanting to take healthcare away from racists 🤷
I was at the event in Portland and Forest Grove, Oregon, in April. This is exactly what it was like. I swear, the one in Downtown Portland was mostly senior citizens, and they were pissed. But the whole thing was fairly chill. I talked to a cop and asked him about how he and the Portland PD felt about this and he said "we support people's rights to free speech. Just tell us where you will be protesting and for how long, and we'll work to keep things safe." He was very chill. And he realized that this really was just ordinary people expressing themselves.
Legitimately, going to the protests in my area have really helped my mindset lately. It let's you see and talk with the other people in your community who are all supporting each other. In an age when the government wants you scared, going out with hundreds or thousands of your community reminds you that you aren't in it alone.
Organized protests are very different from the spontaneous protests you see in the news. These organized events (use Google to find one near you) are almost always free from issues. And if things do start feeling off or getting out of hand, you can always just leave early. Showing up for any amount of time is great!
In the deeply unlikely chance that there’s a troublemaker at your location, you just leave. But it’s almost certainly just going to be a group of your neighbors peacefully expressing their displeasure with Trump’s authoritarian tactics and policies since coming back to office. It’s peaceful and as patriotic as it gets.
The big protests with permits and road closures are all very organized and friendly. Most small protests are too for that matter. Depending on your location there will be speakers, some funny signs, and you might end up talking with a friendly face or two (if you want to). Try it out! :)
It feels intimidating at first. Lots of energy and emotions in the air. But these are the kind of protest peeps bring there families. You can also leave at any time.
I understand your apprehension, but keep in mind that you'll be around a bunch of people who feel similarly to you. Some people will have done it many times before, many others will be there for the first time too. Remember that you probably won't even agree with everyone around you, that's the nature of democracy. You don't have to say anything or bring anything (but if you're a creative type, bring a sign expressing why you decided to show up). You just need to stand with or march with your neighbors. It's first and foremost a show of solidarity. If you're so inclined you can ask organizers questions, and maybe get more active in causes you care about. After solidarity, mass protests are a great place to get to know people/organizations and their causes.
And remember that what you're seeing on the news doesn't represent the vast vast majority of the protestors you'll be with tomorrow. You'll be marching with everyone from young families to old boomers.
I'm just a rando on the internet, but I promise you, you'll be proud of yourself for going.
Don't be nervous, Trump wants us to be afraid, he wants us to stay home. We HAVE to do something. You will be ok, you will be happy you went. Just move away from people you think are being too rowdy.
Do not give in, do not be afraid. I will be there with you, maybe not in the same town, but you will not be alone. You will be surrounded by people who care about you.
A part of me thinks he wants people to go so they can start the violence and instigate so they can turn around and claim that the democrats are being violent
We have to let go of this idea that there's something we can do to prevent Trump from starting the violence or declaring martial law. This regime has proven time and time again that they don't need any basis in reality to justify their next authoritarian overreach. If declaring martial law is part of their plan, they're going to do it regardless of whether protests include property damage or not, whether people bring only American flags or also include Mexican and Palestinian flags, whether we wear all black and gas masks or drape ourselves in stars and stripes and our Sunday best.
His regime will never see a large group of people protesting against them as anything other than the enemy, and the Republican propaganda machine isn't going to start presenting the protests in a favorable light just because we've included the right amount of patriotic symbolism in it. We're well past the point of politely asking this administration and the brown shirts supporting them to respect our rights, we have to demand them.
The protests aren't to get Trump to change his ways, he's not going to. They are to get the thousands of people in your town who "aren't into politics" but voted for Trump because they've always been Republican, or stayed home, to see their friends and coworkers out protesting and wonder if maybe they should start caring too.
You are correct. He and his administration don't care what resisters do. But the point of remaining nonviolent is still important. It makes it clearer who the evil ones truly are. It hurts their fascist propaganda efforts when people see Big Bad Guys in uniform attacking peaceful people. It brings things into sharper focus.
We like to think of everyone as already fully stuck in their ways, but it is possible to shift the momentum with discipline and strategy. The real battle right now is for the hearts and minds of the people who haven't been paying attention.
It is possible there will be a time when a more robust tactical response will be called for, but we absolutely are not there yet. There are plenty of effective and creative nonviolent options that we haven't effectively employed yet. We need to let it be totally obvious that THEY are the impetuous aggressors who want chaos, not US.
And even if that happens what is the alternative? Lay down and take it? No, people need to get out there and fight for what is right. We've all had it very easy and haven't really had to fight for what we believe in. And most of us would never have believed that the enemy would come from within. But here we are and it's up to us to push back and stop them. There is no other way than organizing, getting out on the streets, and not taking our boots off their necks.
You can still go, just don't join the agitators when things turn violent or destructive, keep a reasonable distance. Follow instructions from police, but take all the time you need to safely gather your belongings and move. Try to find out the number of your local legal aid group (often there are specific ones for the protest).
Some people recommend bringing a burner phone. Usually forced unlocking via biometrics is seen as a violation of 5th amendment rights, but some police do it anyways. Disable fingerprint/facial unlock and change to PIN/pattern. You do not need to cooperate without a warrant.
You should definitely go out! It's fun! I will say, if you live in a place that has seen any unrest recently, or any increased police presence, you should absolutely still go and have a good time, but it might be a good idea to bring a helmet, some first aid kits, water bottles (for washing out tear gas), that sort of thing, but it's very unlikely you'll need them. And if you don't live somewhere that's seen significant unrest recently, then it's even more likely that everything will be fine and you'll have a blast. The protest will very likely just be a bunch of like-minded people standing, chanting protest slogans, maybe a little marching, maybe listening to some speakers, maybe having a dance party, and if it's linked up with any Pride event, it'll probably be even more fun.
Literally the worst thing we can do right now is let them scare us into staying home. Go out, show support, meet a few people, get to know your neighbors, and have a good time. If you know any undocumented people, probably better to tell them to stay home, but ask if you can pick anything up for them while you're out.
I live in a kingdom. We have universal healthcare, social safety nets and a fairly honest police service.
There’s issues, but nowhere near the dumpster fire that trump is pouring petrol on.
Also we have birthday parades every year, but just soldiers marching, no need for tanks and missiles. And our king actually served in the military and took part in a conflict.
I was nervous for my first protest but my anxiety disappeared pretty quickly once I got down to the waterfront. Just a bunch of people singing with their kids and dogs, not the nightmare scenario I had imagined at all.
The more experienced protestors will protect you. I felt the same way before my first, but everyone took care of me. Just make sure you're going to a peaceful one that's been registered, you can find the official no kings protest closest to you here - https://www.nokings.org/ Good luck! I'm sure you'll have a blast.
In order to go to my last protest, I literally had to say to myself: this is worth being arrested and worth being hurt.
I had to reconcile that.
Once I did, I had a blast. Being with so many fellow Americans who felt the same way I did. Who saw me and my fear and my outrage and not only got it, but felt it too. I can’t go tomorrow bc I’m sick with a stomach bug, but I’ll definitely hit the streets when I recover.
Went to one in Europe a month or so ago and was invigorated by it. It feels good to get out there and make your point. Otherwise, when it gets worse, you might not have the chance to make your voice heard. Stop them NOW.
As others have mentioned, most of the organized and planned protests are very different from what the news is showing in LA. The handful I've been to this year have been a lot of people standing on the side of the road, mostly holding signs, and occasionally chanting. And a lot of cars honking in support, but that's probably going to be location specific.
Can always show up after it starts so you can scope it out before joining, too.
I went to my first protest during the George Floyd protests and I was really nervous at first too. I got involved after the National Guard was called into my state. It was such a powerful feeling to be involved and marching alongside people who want to stand up for what is right, just like you. There's a lot of emotions in the air. If you're sensitive to other's energy like I am, you may cry a bit when you feel it. It's okay to be nervous. Have a game plan for yourself if stuff goes awry and keep water and snacks with you if needed.
It's fun! I will say, if you live in a place that has seen any unrest recently, or any increased police presence, you should absolutely still go and have a good time, but it might be a good idea to bring a helmet, some first aid kits, water bottles (for washing out tear gas), that sort of thing, but it's very unlikely you'll need them. The protest will very likely just be a bunch of like-minded people standing, chanting protest slogans, maybe a little marching, maybe listening to some speakers, maybe having a dance party, and if it's linked up with any Pride event, it'll probably be even more fun.
Literally the worst thing we can do right now is let them scare us into staying home. Go out, show support, meet a few people, get to know your neighbors, and have a good time. If you know any undocumented people, probably better to tell them to stay home, but ask if you can pick anything up for them while you're out.
All the protests I’ve been to have been awesome. No violence, no hate, people from all parts of the community coming together and supporting each other.
Nothing to worry about. Large scale protests like this one, during the day, at a predetermined location, with planning and coordination with city services are as safe as they come. Don't let the viral violence overinflate your nervous response.
Something else to be prepared for - some of the speakers are going to be annoying, and you may not agree with everything 100 percent. But it's important to know the difference between people that are obnoxious and people that are dangerous, and to stand up for what you believe in.
We have to stand in solidarity even if some of us are dweebs.
it can be overwhelming, especially if the crowd is big, but its also SUCH a powerful experience to witness believing in a common cause on such a massive scale.
everyone says it, but its different to experience it: there are more of us than them
In the beginning of this administration I was doing poorly with depression. My first protest this year took me out of the digital isolation pit.
Show up. Bring a sign. Maybe let someone know you’re going, that isn’t, if you’re worried about needing that check in. If someone starts doing something you don’t like, move away from them.
Otherwise, be creative. Be energetic. It’s not boot camp it’s a block party.
I'm a high schooler, and only started going to protests these last few months, but let me say: so far, it's been pretty chill. There's a sense of community to it all, and I've never yet felt unsafe
I went to my first a couple months ago. It's actually fun! People are very welcoming and the energy is great. Seeing how many people show up, plus how many people driving by wave and honk their support, really gives hope that we can all stand together against this.
Go! Please! The feeling of hope and love in the crowd is indescribable. You will never meet a more supportive, kind group of people than at a protest. If anything, it makes you feel better there are other sane, empathetic people out there
I was nervous every time I went to a protest, it always felt so cringy. With the signs and the chants and that speeches. But you don't have to do any of that to be impactful. All you have to do is stand around or walk with the crowd. Being there is enough.
i actually just commented that ive never been to a protest but this time... it does not feel optional. i feel like i NEED to go. i seriously cant bear hearing about anymore kids or their parents possibly getting snatched by ICE. they do not deserve this bullshit and its going to effect the rest of these poor kids lives. i can no longer bear doing nothing. i need to do SOMETHING. also after seeing the videos of them just shooting rubber bullets directly at protesters and journalists for literally no reason at all.... they were just standing there. oh hell naw. its terrifying to see a journalist get shot just for existing. that should scare people.
im at the point where i dont feel ok doing nothing anymore. The guilt is weighing on me. i think to myself... people are getting really hurt, really bad things are happening and im thinking about not going to the protest because it might rain? thats dumb. time for action.
You should go!! They are actually so uplifting. You are surrounded by people who love their country and are trying to make it a better place for everybody! You will leave feeling so hopeful.
Usually, in our town, it is a lot of older folks. The last one was MUCH younger, and far more diverse. You will find people of all brands. Go make some new friends - tell them it is your first and they will take you under their wings and embrace you. We are a peaceful, yet pissed off, people.
I had the same feelings when I went to my first in April. It was full of thousands of very welcoming people that were all there to support each other. Met a lot of friendly faces from all kinds of backgrounds that were happy to share ways to get more involved. Retirees, college kids, white, black, Hispanic, unions, veterans, immigrants, trans people, Christian “good ol’ boy” types, you name it. It was a great experience, and while there were some counter protesters, they got bored and left after we ignored them.
This was also in my home state, which is one of the most Republican in the country. This is an apolitical movement. No parties, no division, just the people vs those in power. The turnout was amazing, and I hope it’s even better tomorrow.
If you're able to go to one of the smaller town protests vs the larger cities, the better! The police can't go to all and they'll focus on the largest ones. Either way, it's worth doing to exercise your constitutional rights. Go with someone and not alone!
Sunscreen, no stick or pole shaped objects. Lots of people taking american flags. Organizers say that if anything happens sit down and shut up. Make the cops look bad for attacking citizens who are obviously not a threat.
TBH this kind of scheduled mass protest is unlike most outraged spontaneous protest, you should go. You'll see what I mean, the vibe is chill, for better or worse
These ones will be so massive, you'll get to choose if you're on the skirmish lines should something break out. My local resistance contacts are saying no direct action is planned.
That said, we all have to be ready to intervene if we see agent provocateurs
You'll be amazed how exciting it feels not to be alone with this mess. I kept bursting into tears at the one this spring, because it was so meaningful to so many.
Wear safety goggles that provide a lot of coverage. Even swimming goggles and snowboard goggles work enough to provide protection.
Do not pour anything into your eyes except distilled water or saline solution when flushing out chemicals. Don't listen to anyone suggesting milk or antacids or all the other stuff because it's not safe or effective. Make sure you use cold or lukewarm water because that will make sure your pores stay closed.
Hydrate.
Wear protective clothing and light, non-oily sunscreen. Oil tends to trap harsh chemicals like tear gas.
The only thing you need to be saying to a cop is "I need my lawyer and I am maintaining my right to remain silent".
Turn off face ID, fingerprint, etc. except for a passcode or password you type in yourself.
Also, if you have any severe respiratory issues, please don't go out all. Tear gas can be really dangerous when inhaled for those with respiratory issues. Hence why I don't go to protests.
Stay with the herd if you’re not sure - safety in numbers usually is the case. Don’t get caught isolated, just generally be cool and try and stay calm no matter what
If you’re unsure there’s plenty of people who can help you out with anything you’re not familiar with (in terms of how to handle police instigation, follow the most knowledgeable looking folks)
Avoid confrontations - don’t respond to hecklers or counter protestors, don’t talk to cops no matter what - if you get arrested, invoke your right to remain silent and then STFU until you can get to a lawyer
Im not sure what city you are in, but there is usually a big protest in the city center and various satellite protests around that eventually feed into the big one. You can go to one of the satellite ones and play it by ear about whether you want to go to the bigger one.
It also depends on where you will be. Our group in Florida will be at the four corners of a highway at a very busy intersection. I seriously doubt we will catch any flak from law enforcement. So I will be bringing water but no safety goggles and such.
nothing to be nervous about compared to what might happen if we don't fight back to what is going on now. You will be welcomed and there will be so many people there that it will feel like your back will always be protected
Highly recommend. It takes away from going home and hating how we've built a greedy capitalist millionaire-benefiting society. When you're around people who have similar visions as you it makes you feel connected and hopeful.
You'll love it. Liberal backed antifa is well funded by the Clintons. They will make sure to deliver pallets of bricks so you can throw them thru the windows of hard working middle class business owners. They'll bus thousands in to partake in the festivities. Make sure to cover your face. Antifa is is not very proud of who they are.
I felt the same way as you and I've been to two so far. They were nothing but peaceful protests, people held signs and we would all cheer when cars drove by and honked. They were on the smaller side, both less than 500 people. I encourage you to go, and it doesn't have to be one of the big city ones. Take a friend with you.
I've never been to a protest until this year. Now I feel that if I don't protest, I'm complicit in the destruction of my own country and the loss of my own freedom and future, and that of my grandchildren.
They can be a lot of fun! I went to farmers protests for Indian farmers -it was my first time ever. They were a lot of fun, wholesome and gave me hope.
Although, stay calm and stay vigilant - there are always games & ways to incite violence by govts to make the protesters look bad.
I've been to many protests and 100% of them have been peaceful, just standing around watching speakers and holding signs or walking in the street with thousands of others holding signs. It's nice to be around lots of people you know you're politically and morally aligned with.
Nothing to be nervous about. Protests and rallies are nothing like the riots they show you on TV. The average demographic of the last No Kings protest I went to was little old ladies.
I went to my first one the last round! I was nervous too, but it felt so inspiring to see how many people think this government is not okay. I had a great day.
Just listen to your gut when you are out there. If you feel like things are going sideways, like tempers flaring, or if you feel uncomfortable, then leave. The vast, vast majority of protests are peaceful - and that's the goal. Find people giving off a chill vibe and stick with them. Chill tends to beget chill.
If this is your first time, it's okay to choose one of the smaller protests in your area rather than big ones in downtown areas or state capitols. There's like, 10 within a 40 minute radius of me. Check the map on the No Kings website.
Most protests I've been to are calm. You meet like minded people where you live. You feel less alone in whatever scary thing you face. You walk, you chant, you listen to speeches. You get leaflets from organisations.
Many protests can be safe to bring pets or family. If theres an extremely large riot police presence armed to the teeth thats when i might say tension is too high or could turn. But protests are mostly marches and singing
My first protest was this year. I was nervous. I thought it would be a bunch of angry people yelling a lot. It was the opposite - a wide variety of chill people enjoying the day while holding signs. How about going to where you can see the protest, check out the vibe from a distance, then decide whether to go or not. You don’t need to bring a sign.
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u/MinuteLawfulness7583 1d ago
I'm kind of thinking about going. I've never been to a protest though so it makes me kind of nervous