In May 1787, four years after the ending of the Revolutionary War where Black men had fought and died for this country to be free from British rule, 55 white men from 12 states met at The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation. After some intense discussion and debate, they decided to frame a new government, with three branches of power. That document, the United States Constitution, has been the North Star of this country since it was ratified in 1789. (The Bill of Rights, our personal protections against the government, went into effect in 1791 and has since grown from ten Amendments to 27.) The people of this new country did not agree on everything, but they were clear that they did not want a King.
Two hundred and thirty-six years later, there are a number of “No Kings” marches being planned across the country for June 14th, Flag Day. These marches come on the heels of several days of nationwide protests against federal immigration raids including in Los Angeles, where, according to Governor Newsom, 47’s deployment of the National Guard escalated the tensions. At the same time, there is a $40+ million dollar military parade that is being planned that will start at Arlington National Cemetery and end at the National Mall and will reportedly include a variety of military vehicles, including 28 M1 Abrams tanks, Sherman tanks, anti-tank guns, and other equipment from World War II; 62 total aircraft including Chinook, Apache and Blackhawk helicopters; more than 7000 soldiers; and various animals, including 34 horses, two mules, and a dog.
If you are planning to attend any of the events, we urge you to be smart and be safe. Take every precaution that you can and stay aware of what is happening around you. Below are some Tips for Preparedness, Peaceful Protesting, and Safety from the Human Rights Campaign:
BE PREPARED
– Stay hydrated and dress for the expected weather.
– Bring any needed supplies including water, meds, and cash.
– Fully charge your cell phone and bring a battery extender if possible.
– Protective goggles or shatter-resistant glasses (for tear gas or irritants).
– Take supplies to protect from and safely remove chemical irritants (face covering, milk of magnesia, towelettes).
– Know emergency contact numbers written on your body or paper (don’t rely on your phone).
Let at least one emergency contact know your plan and make arrangements to keep them posted on your status during and after the event:
– Where will you be?
– How will you get there?
– Where do you intend to go in an emergency?
– What time do you intend to get back?
KNOW THE ENVIRONMENT
– Have an offline map of the venue and surrounding areas available as cell service may be limited in some cases.
– Plan multiple routes into and out of the protest area.
– Set a rally point with others for where you will meet in the event of an emergency.
STAY AWARE AND SECURE
– Maintain “360 situational awareness” – know what is going on all around you at all times.
– Be alert to anything that seems suspicious, this could be a person’s behavior, unclaimed packages, unusual activity, and vehicles.
– If you see something, say something.
OBSERVE, ORIENT, DECIDE, ACT
The “OODA Loop” (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) is a useful framework to stay calm and make decisions during high-stress situations:
– Observe: Identify the source of danger and your surroundings
– Orient: Determine where you are and where you need to go
– Decide: Choose a course of action that minimizes risk
– Act: Implement your decision and stay aware of changes in the environment
In a Protest Setting:
– Observe: Monitor crowd movements, police presence, or signs of escalation.
– Orient: Compare to your prior protest experience, analyze likely next steps.
– Decide: Choose whether to stay, reposition, or leave.
– Act: Move quickly and reassess immediately.
Be Prepared to De-Escalate. If you find yourself in a tense situation, practice de-escalation techniques:
– Stay calm and keep your voice steady
– Avoid provocative behavior
– If necessary, walk away and remove yourself from the situation
STAY CALM
Mindset & Behavior
– Stay calm, focused, and peaceful. Your goal is to make a point, not provoke.
– Don’t engage with agitators. Step away and de-escalate if possible.
– Respect other protestors’ space and safety.
– Obey lawful orders. Remember you have the right to remain silent.
IF CONFRONTED OR DETAINED
Stay Calm and Respectful
– Do not resist arrest or escalate the situation.
– Clearly state you wish to remain silent and want a lawyer.
– Do not explain or negotiate.
Document What You Can
– If safe, record events, but be aware that some areas may restrict this.
– Share footage with trusted legal or advocacy organizations, not social media, to protect identities.
Seek Legal Support
– Some protests have legal observers or hotlines available. Know in advance who to call if arrested.
AFTER THE PROTEST
Check In
– Contact friends or family to let them know you’re safe.
– Debrief with your group and report any incidents to legal aid groups if needed.
Take Care of Yourself
– Hydrate, rest, and seek emotional support if needed. Protests can be physically and emotionally exhausting.
