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couple of things I've learned over the years because I see ... some things I wouldn't recommend going on. the police state IS tracking you. take a second and don't send that text about the protest, use an encrypted app or service.
COVER UP. y'all should already be wearing masks but I always wear a hat and sunglasses too because people will be taking pictures of you whether you like it or not and they could be antis/end up in the hands of cops
I KNOW IT'S HOT. but I would cover up as much as possible in case something is thrown at you or some sort of deterrent is used.
I get wanting to drive but I would park and walk or take the bus if you feel safe enough to do so because they can easily track you from your license plate and/or pull you over later where there are no witnesses...
CHARGE YOUR PHONE. CHARGE YOUR BACKUP BATTERY. USE IT SPARINGLY. this is my number one thing... I've had my phone die at a demonstration and it is straight up terrifying. especially if you're trying to find someone.
JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE IS STANDING NEXT TO YOU DOES NOT MEAN THEY'RE WITH YOU. keep on guard a little bit, especially in the south in my experience, there's always antis sprinkled in among the crowd and they're literally dangerous
bring water if you can and something to fan yourself with.... wear comfortable shoes that you can move quickly in if needed. don't bring anything super valuable. over the shoulder bags are a bitch to handle if you end up marching for awhile or having to get out of a situation....
FIND OUT IF THERE ARE ANY FREE LEGAL SERVICES IN YOUR CITY BEING OFFERED ANYWHERE. WRITE THE NAME AND NUMBER OF A LAWYER OR ADVOCATE ON YOUR ARM (SOMEWHERE YOU WON'T SWEAT IT OFF) WITH PERMANENT MARKER. IF YOU CAN'T FIND A LAWYER, MAKE IT THE PERSON WHO WOULD BAIL YOU OUT
this is a hard one because I have really bad eyesight so I can't ever follow it, but if you have the option I wouldn't wear contacts. pepper spray is a BITCHHHH to recover from if you have contacts and you have to TAKE THEM OUT IN THE MOMENT which renders you vulnerable
IF YOU'RE WHITE... YOU BETTER BE FUCKING READY TO INTERVENE. cops and antis target bipoc first ALWAYS. you need to be ready to step in front of someone. prepare yourself for that in whatever way you need to but don't go in there ready to be another bystander
please DO NOT GO BY YOURSELF. buddy system buddy system buddy system buddy system. hold onto each other, link arms if you feel yourself getting pushed (it's easy to get broken apart if you're just holding hands especially if you're hot/sweaty)
and um.. this one might seem a little self explanatory but get some rest beforehand. eat breakfast. don't show up to this with only iced coffee in your system. these things are STRESSFUL ON YOUR BODY AND MIND. you could pass out, you could have a panic attack. you'll be exhausted
I have almost passed out at actions. it's not pretty. it's not because of heat even, it's the stress + not preparing myself adequately bc of that. bring a snack or too to keep yourself going. bring a noisemaker so you don't have to shout the whole time.. take care of yourself
and this is from the organizers of the austin action, which I think apply across the board right now
FORGOT ONE: SHOULD YOUR GROUP GET SEPARATED. HAVE A RENDEZVOUS SPOT THAT ALL OF YOU CAN GET TO EASILY/KNOW WHERE IT IS. this is the best way to ensure that you're able to meet back up with each other (don't make it your car, it could get towed or something) make it a landmark
(I know some folks are saying don't take a ride share + I really get that but also ... i'm from the south and walking/biking/taking a train is not really... an option so I would be more worried about driving and getting my car impounded/tracked than taking an uber and walking in)
I also forgot to mention (and others have been talking about it) cover tattoos too! those are identifying markers.
IF YOU ARE MENSTRUATING/COULD START MENSTRUATING: I would wear a pad. say you get arrested or detained or separated from your group, you don't know when you're going to be able to change a tampon.
I know a lot of people say to leave your phone at home and I don't *disagree* so much as I know most people can't/won't actually do this, so at least follow these steps. https://twitter.com/hannahdiazart/status/1266287714325770247?s=20
thread about tear gas: https://twitter.com/sarahephilips/status/1266434232148209666?s=20
ADDING WEAR A HELMET TO THIS BECAUSE TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE GETTING SHOT IN THE HEAD WITH RUBBER BULLETS. GOOGLES/PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR. ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR HEAD
suggestions from someone maced three times in atx!!! they said to wear a n95 mask (if you've got one or can find one), lab goggles, and this face covering over those two. said the mace barely affected them because of this combo https://twitter.com/SPAZZAMINI/status/1266866595671859201?s=20
