10 Tips for the New Resister
I was at a rally in Philly recently and one of the organizers acknowledged that this was their first protest; a number of the attendees said it was their first protest too. That warmed my heart! I love seeing new people — young and old — taking to the streets.
Protesting is going to be new for a lot of people over the next four years. A colleague also recently sent me and a friend this text: “I’m recruiting yall to be my organizing mentors.” I gladly accept!
I have been protesting at marches and rallies since I was 15 years old. My first large protest was with ACT-UP Philly. We joined thousands and thousands of people in DC to protest the International Monetary Fund (shout out to my sister who was arrested that day — though not charged).
In the 30+ years since then, I have been to more protests than I can count or remember — and I have learned a few tips and tricks over the years. Things that make a protest, march, or rally safer and more pleasant. But not everyone knows how to navigate these spaces.
It is not easy to show up to a rally, march, or protest, by definition you are showing up to resist some type of wrong or injustice. Always there will be some folks who oppose what you are protesting about. It can feel — and sometimes is — scary. But it is also wonderful. Coming together with your community to stand together for what you believe in, raising your collective voices for a cause you feel strongly about — god, there is nothing better!
Eight years ago I wrote an article entitled: My 10 Essentials Steps to the #Resistance describing how to resist Trump’s first administration of hate and chaos (check it out — it has withstood the test of time). For this second Trump administration, I would like to bestow some advice to those new to the protesting scene. Whether you are organizing or attending, here are some things you should consider:
- Know What You Are Walking Into. First and foremost, do your research. Know who is organizing the event and what the plan is. What is the route? How long will it go on? Where will it end? Not all of that information is always readily available. If you are an organizer of a protest, march, or rally please try to provide that information. Think about the accessibility, age, and abilities of those attending.
- Bring Supplies. Even with the best of intentions, peaceful protests can sometimes turn violent — either from outside agitators (as they like to say) or the police. Always keep a mask or bandana with you. Have water in case you need to rinse your eyes. Always have a Sharpie. Have hand and feet warmers in the winter months to stay warm. During the first Trump administration, I had a protest ‘jump bag’ with all of these supplies ready to go…along with snacks (see #3).
- Bring Snacks. Rallys and protests can be a few hours long (or more) with a lot of chanting and walking, you want to keep your energy (and blood sugar) up. Have plenty of water to drink, especially in the summer months.
- Make Signs. This is the best way to project your beliefs, views, and opinions about why you are protesting. Get creative. Journalists love taking pictures of protestors with signs. If you don't want to/can’t have your picture taken, make sure to cover your face or make it known (as much as possible). Everyone is taking pictures from the people attending the protest to the people watching the march to the journalists — and most of it is going on social media and on news outlets.
- Get Ready to Chant. People love to raise their collective voices — and chanting while marching is a must. Learn the oldies but goodies and then say them loud and proud. Check out this chant cheat sheet for some ideas and examples.
- Bring a Bullhorn. Please…if you are organizing a protest, have a microphone or a bullhorn. Have people with bullhorns up and down the length of the march. People in the middle and back can’t hear you. If you are an attendee and have a bullhorn bring it with you. You have as much right to amplify your voice and lead chants as the organizers.
- Stop Talking, Start Marching. I say this one with all due respect. There are always a lot of people who want to fire up the crowd before a march, and that makes sense — to a point — but I promise you the crowd is already fired up, that is why they are there. So keep the talking to a minimum, and let the walking (and chanting) do the firing up!
- Bring Friends. There is power in numbers — the more people taking to the streets, the bigger the impact. Plus it's more fun with your people.
- Be Smart. Be Respectful. Be Kind. Be Peaceful. I do not condone bad behavior just because it is a protest.
- Finally, Go Slow. Pace yourself. You can’t be at every protest for every organization. Pick the topics that mean the most to you and show up. Consider signing up for Mobilize to find volunteer opportunities and events.
So, if you are new to the resistance, welcome. We got you. Thank you for joining us!
