Attendee Protest FAQ In Person

Where can I find out about protests going on near me?

Most existing protest groups will have social media pages, websites or e-mails. If you search for protest and specific in your city, you'll likely find posts from groups about previous protests to know what groups to follow. Some cities also have social media groups dedicated to all protests in the city. Oftentimes protest groups will also share protests from other organizers.

You can also ask your friends if they have information on protests. When you find out about protests make sure to share the information with all your friends directly with secure messaging apps like Signal. That way you'll have a network that's not dependent on search algorithms that could be suppressing information on protests!

What should I wear to a protest?

Comfortable shoes and clothes that fit being out in for several hours. If you have clothing that matches the theme like a Bans Off Our Bodies T-shirt for a women's rights protest that's great!

Unless the protest suggests it wearing all "Black Bloc" of black clothing, ski masks, scarves, sunglasses, helmets, and bringing weapons is likely not a great idea. As it may send the wrong message of what you're there for to other protesters.

If it's sunny make sure to put on some sunscreen before you go. If you can, wear glasses instead of contacts and avoid wearing oil based makeup incase police decide to not honor 1st amendment rights via tear gas.

Avoid wearing anything that can be grabbed or pulled. If you can wear your hair up or bring a scrunchie in so you can put it up if needed.

What should I bring with me?

A small bag or backpack with a water bottle with a squirt top and snacks will help you in hot sun and long marches. Only bring ID and a little bit of cash. Don't bring anything you'd want to lose if it was taken.

If you bring your cellphone make sure to disable fingerprint and face ID access since that can be used to unlock your phone without a warrant but you can't be forced to tell your password.

And bring a sign if you want! Doesn't have to be fancy. You can cut down that old Amazon box and use some markers if you don't have time to grab poster board.

How do I know who is running the protest?

Some protests will specify the group will be posted from their account. If the group isn't specified, reach out to the original poster and see if they organize it or if they know who did. And once you know, as long as it wasn't requested to be confidential, make sure to comment so that everyone else can know too.

How will I know if a protest is safe?

Good organizers should state in posts about the protest the goal of it being a peaceful protest. Graphics, wording of posts and imagery should also give you a good idea of organizers goals. You can also ask if the organizers have a safety plan or team in place.

Even well organized peaceful protests can have outside agitators or police cause violence. But organizers who have stated peace and planned for it will have a higher chance of success.

And remember, you can always leave a protest if you arrive and the vibe feels off from what you wanted to support.

What safety measure should I take and what should I do if I'm arrested?

Before you go make sure at least one person not attending the protest knows that you're going so they can check up on you. Write the number for your local ACLU and numbers of a emergency contact who's not attending on your body with sharpie before hand in a place that won't smear.

Exercise your right to remain silent, beyond any requirement to identify yourself that your state may have. No one talks themselves out of getting arrested even if they didn't do anything. The cop that arrested you may be a bastard, but calling him that won't make you any less arrested and may escalate your arrest.

Request specifically to speak to a lawyer and have that be the only person you discuss your arrest with. Not even with other protesters that may be in jail arrested alongside you. As anything you say to them can be used in court as testimony.

As of February 2025 arrests are generally rare, occurring at only a small number of protests. And in a group of 1,000 if 50 people are arrested that's still only a small 5% chance. Avoiding any areas of the protest where people may be destroying property and protesting peacefully yourself will help lower your odds.

There is safety in numbers and protesting now makes sure you have numbers rather than waiting until rights have been completely stripped and they can pick everyone off 1 by 1 at home. Protesting now is safer waiting to object in a full authoritarian future.