Tips For Safe Free Speech Events

Plan Ahead

Location and Time Planning:

Choose times and locations that prioritize visibility and safety, with clear plans for entry and exit. Consider planning in open, public spaces where you can maintain visibility and control over your group’s surroundings.

Transportation: Ensure organizers and attendees have a safe way to and from the event. Notify a trusted contact of your plans, and if you’ll be alone, coordinate with others to travel in groups when possible.

Hydrate, and bring a snack.


DIGITAL SECURITY

Remove or Disable facial recognition and fingerprint access to all of your devices, including your phone, tablet, and computer. 

Add a passcode to your phone.



Know Your Rights at Protests

Right to Assemble: Public spaces (streets, sidewalks, parks) are protected for public demonstrations. You can legally photograph or video anything in plain view, including police actions.

Permits: You do not need a permit to protest on sidewalks or streets, provided you do not obstruct traffic. Large events or amplified sound may require permits—check local regulations.

Non-engagement with Hostile Individuals: If approached by someone aggressive, encourage participants to avoid engaging and keep a safe distance. Notify an event organizer if necessary.


PEACEFUL GATHERINGS

Lower Your Voice if you feel threatened.   

Singing is Calming and Non-threatening.

Walk Away From Counter-protesters: Everyone has a right to free speech if they are obeying the law. Allow police officers to address people who are committing unlawful activity.

Do not participate if ICE is a threat to you.

Obey the law at all times.

Be respectful of property, and clean up after yourself.
 


Polite Society and the Camera Shy

Ask before you livestream the event attendees on your personal social media pages – this material is more often being used to vilify protestors by policing agencies. Only livestream to document the police present at the event. If you livestream, consider doing so from a group account. 

Taking photos of the event? Make sure to blur identifying features of attendees before posting to social media. 

Protect and support high-risk protestors – ensure that you are keeping protestors of BIPOC and high-risk groups centered within the main body of the protest to protect them from the police or ICE.


law enforcement and de-escalation

Stay Calm and Composed: Keep your hands visible and avoid arguing or resisting police.  Always ask if you are free to leave if you are detained.

Documenting Violations: If you believe your rights were violated, record the details (officer badge numbers, witnesses, any injuries) and report them later to a civilian oversight body.

ORDERS TO DISPERSE

Comply Calmly: Law enforcement must provide a clear dispersal order, time to leave, and a safe exit route before arrests. Always follow dispersal instructions calmly to avoid escalation. Do not run.

DE-ESCALATION TIPS

Remain Calm and Be Observant: Encourage participants to stay aware of their surroundings and avoid direct engagement with hostile individuals.

Maintain a Supportive Stance: Use calm, open body language. Maintain personal space and use neutral facial expressions and gestures.

Active Listening: Sometimes, letting a person vent can defuse a situation. Keep the focus on shared concerns rather than disagreements.