I’ve taken some of this text from my friend N’s journal, and amended it with my own advice. Between the two of us we’ve got considerable march/protest/large crowd experience to share, including Occupy, the 2008 inauguration, clinic escort service, and a dozen or so similar events in DC and NYC. Hopefully, this will be useful to folk.
IT IS ABSOLUTELY **NO ONE’S** BUSINESS WHAT ANY OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION IS. ***NO ONE’S*** James O'Keefe, professional liar, is running surveys asking for marcher’s full name, email address, and travel information, and word through various orgs is that he has help. Pro-life protesters are also planning on infiltrating the march (Sunday is the day Roe v Wade was decided.) If they aren’t a friend or a clearly-identified cop, it is absolutely NO ONE’S BUSINESS who you are, how you can be contacted, how you got there, or why you are there.
Also - it’s just as legal for you to videotape them as it is for them to videotape you.Don’t sass cops. Assume that they’re there because they have to be, and may be 100% supportive but aren’t allowed to show it (alternatively: they may be assholes, but don’t give them any excuse to prove it). If they say you have to stay on the sidewalk, stay on the sidewalk. I saw people in NYC arrested for stepping off the curb during protests (in a city where jaywalking is both a sport and an art form!).
Now, on to the basics of march/protest survival.
1. Dress for the weather. If there’s even a chance of rain, bring a plastic poncho and/or rain hat, NOT AN UMBRELLA. Cops can and will consider umbrellas as weapons, in a crowd situation. Don’t wear nice clothing, or anything that can’t get wet/muddy/spilled on. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES.
2. Signs on sticks are banned at most protests (sticks = weapons). I’ve only ever seen Quaker contingents get away with carrying actual sticks, at a climate change protest. Hand-grip signs and banners won’t get you into trouble.
3. Don’t bring anything aside from ID that it would break your heart to lose. Confiscation is a thing, and large crowds draw pickpockets. Keep your ID and some folding money somewhere NOT your wallet (under a closed coat, ideally under a shirt. Travel belts are a good idea, or pinning it to your bra, if that’s an option).
4. Write important information on your forearm in Sharpie. (Emergency contact, drug allergies, etc.) It will wash off eventually. In fact, bring a Sharpie with you to share with others for this purpose. Also keep any medical information you might need a paramedic to know on a card with your ID.
5. Have a travel plan, a backup battery for your phone (not that it’s going to work in a crowd that large; don’t rely on calls, email, or texts), and a meet-up location in case you get separated from your group. ASSUME YOUR PHONE SERVICE WILL NOT WORK. And don’t panic that it’s a plot - it may just be too damn many people trying to access Twitter or Facebook all at once.
6. Assume mass transit is going to be overloaded, and parking insane, if even available. You will probably have to walk much further than you anticipated. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring an extra pair of socks, and some band aids for blisters. If you don’t already have the Lyft app on your phone, you might want to install it, JiC.
7. Bring several protein bars and a water bottle. Even if there are restaurants or food trucks available, they will be a) mobbed and b) overpriced for the occasion.
8. If you bring aspirin, pepto/Imodium/ or wet-wipes with you, you may become a heroine of the revolution.
9. If someone tries to start shit, walk away. If you see a March official, alert them, but don’t get involved yourself.
10. If you feel the energy of the crowd start to change, or feel at all uncomfortable, find the nearest jump-off point and GET OUT. Trust your instincts.
Be brave, be fierce, and be careful. <3