Feminist Global Resistance continues our Activist Action Series, offering techniques and safety tips for activists.

Our article, “What to Bring to an Action”, is a guide for new activists and a checklist for seasoned activists going out to dance the streets.
As usual, this is a combined effort of activist friends and Feminist Global Resistance.

Please note, I will be adding a few infographics to this article for your use. Take heed and carry the information with you as guides for preparation beforehand and when confronted with situations requiring a clear head amid chaos.

 

Today, the government has deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles to quell protests and prevent interference with ICE raids and the oppression of people across the city.

Be advised, this is not the time to be out there unless you are committed, prepared, and ready to confront that oppression and potential violence.

Be inspired and organize! 

To all activists, “dancing the streets”  requires a knowledge of what one may encounter during any action. Stay vigilant.  

Remember, we are in this together, so together we help each other. 

Activism can be fun, but it is serious business – take care of yourself and each other.

As always: Be prepared for confrontation and keep it safe out there!

 

 

What to Bring to An Action

 

Civil Disobedience In a Warm Climate:

 

Wear Layers:

• Pants with deep pockets
• Long pants even in hot climates.
• A tee shirt and long sleeved shirt for sun protection.
• Sweaters, sweatshirts or jackets as needed. Appropriate colors, capes, patches, costumes, scarves, etc.
• A sun hat!!!
• Raingear may be necessary. (Have a second outfit for a second day of action, if tear gas is a possiblity.)
• Sturdy walking shoes, waterproof boots if rain is likely, if not, sneakers may help you move faster.
• Sunscreen:  water based, not oil-based as tear gas and pepper spray bond to oil.
• A light daypack or waist pack for food, change of clothes, etc.
• A money belt/waist belt is handy for ID, some cash, etc.
• Water! A water bottle, waistbelt, or other system for carrying water is useful.
• A bandanna.
• Food:  trail mix, protein bars, compact stuff to munch on during the day.

 

Some nice things to have:

• A drum, rattle, finger cymbals, etc.
• Sidewalk chalk.
• A cell phone (Don’t forget your charger. Make sure you have a faraday bag to store it in when not in use).
• A watch.
• Rescue remedy.
• Toilet paper.
• Patches, banners, signs, flags, etc. (Think of ways to write your message on what you wear as well as what you carry).
• Extra glasses or contacts.
• Fingernail clippers (will cut through plastic handcuffs.)
• Wear two pair of underwear if you are at risk of arrested. If you can keep them both in jail, you’ll have one to wear and one to wash.
• Extra tampons or pads.

 

For gas protection:

• A bandanna, soaked in vinegar or lemon juice, kept in a ziplock baggie to conserve moisture.
• Shatterproof goggles; Or a paint mask or filter.; Or a gas mask.

If you wear glasses: Either find goggles to fit over or put them on a string so you can take them off and put goggles on instead. If you wear contact lenses: Contacts should be removed if you are hit with tear gas or pepper spray I save my disposables when they can still take an extra days wear, wear them into action so I can just pop them out and drop them quickly if necessary. I carry my glasses or a spare pair of lenses. If yours are not disposable, keep a case with you and be prepared to remove them quickly.

• Water bottles with squirt tops for washing eyes.

What to bring to the overall mobilization:

• At least two street outfits for multiple days of action, in case one gets tear-gassed.
• One nicer outfit for doing media interviews if needed.
• Layers of clothes for a variety of temperatures.
• Bedding if needed.
• Big markers.
• Art supplies.
• Cloth for banners, etc. (or make ahead and bring.)
• Your own cup, plate, silverware for those canned goods, meals and things that cannot be eaten with fingers.
• Original drawings and art for flyers, informational materials, etc. that you can get copied as needed.

 

Infographics for the Street Activists: