Please note, we understand that organizing in a new terrain in the aftermath of this election can invite feelings of doubt and despair, and we acknowledge and share those concerns. That said, there aren’t any tips or to-dos that will completely guarantee your safety or the safety of your group members and volunteers. And the risk level of different actions can vary depending on your identity, location, political environment, etc. When you are planning an action, your responsibility is to take reasonable precautions and make sure that everyone has all the information they need to make the best decisions for themselves.
This guide is not exhaustive, and we encourage you to adapt these tips to your local needs. Please consult with legal experts and community leaders whenever possible.
This section provides guidance on planning as safe and effective events as possible, including considerations for choosing locations, coordinating transportation, and publicizing details responsibly. Activists must also carefully consider the risks and benefits of engaging with local law enforcement. Depending on your group’s relationship with police and the nature of your event, this decision can affect safety for attendees and the tone of the gathering. If law enforcement is involved, we provide recommendations for appointing a police liaison and using conflict de-escalation strategies on the day of the event.
Activists should be familiar with their legal rights to ensure safe participation in protests. This section outlines essential information about protester rights, when and where permits are required, and tips for engaging with law enforcement while maintaining safety. Activists should know their rights to assemble, document the events, and avoid self-incrimination. Preparing for encounters with police and understanding how to document any rights violations will support your group’s safety.
While attending events, it is important that you consider your impact on the safety of others around you. Here is additional guidance from Black Lives Matter:
Activist groups have different approaches to notifying law enforcement about events. It is up to each group to assess their own community’s relationship with local law enforcement and decide whether or not to reach out in advance. Here are key factors to consider:
Regardless of whether you notify law enforcement ahead of time, assign a police liaison—a group member or respected community partner—who can speak with law enforcement on behalf of your group. This person should clarify your group’s nonviolent intentions, address any law enforcement concerns, and help maintain communication if tensions arise.
Staying calm and knowing your rights can make a difference if approached by law enforcement. This section highlights strategies for managing these encounters, including how to document them if you believe your rights were violated. Keeping track of details, gathering witness contacts, and knowing what to say can help you address issues later.
Law enforcement should only issue dispersal orders when absolutely necessary. When this happens, it’s critical to remain calm, comply with instructions, and avoid escalating the situation.
Active Listening: Sometimes, letting a person vent can defuse a situation. Keep the focus on shared concerns rather than disagreements.
Digital security is crucial as activists increasingly rely on online platforms to communicate, organize, and advocate. This section offers essential tips for protecting your accounts, securing sensitive information, and practicing safe browsing habits. By being mindful of what you share and taking proactive measures like enabling two-factor authentication, you can help prevent unauthorized access to your personal and group accounts. Implementing these practices reduces the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks targeting your group’s activities.
You can find step-by-step instructions for each of these suggestions.
Law enforcement often uses protests to surveil activists or confiscate and search phones for sensitive information.
Check out this detailed protest digital security checklist for more instructions.
Basic steps:
Doxxing and harassment are increasingly common risks for activists, and it’s essential to know how to protect against these threats. This section offers steps for limiting your online visibility, such as conducting “opposition research” on public-facing group members to identify vulnerabilities, and provides guidance on managing and documenting harassment if it occurs. If you or your group members experience doxxing or threats, being prepared with documentation can aid in reporting and legal actions.
Taking proactive steps to reduce the amount of personal information available about you online can prevent potential harassment. It is important to assess your public profile, remove sensitive details, and limit interactions with those who may pose a risk.
For detailed doxxing defense, use this checklist.
If you experience doxxing or online harassment, it’s crucial to stay calm, document the incidents, and seek support if needed. This section details how to gather evidence and respond effectively, whether by blocking harassers, reporting incidents, or seeking legal advice.
Phishing and malware attacks can compromise your security by tricking you into sharing sensitive information. To counteract these risks, stay vigilant about email links, avoid sharing passwords through unsecured channels, and use trusted software to protect your devices. You can take basic steps to guard against phishing and malware to protect your data and online identity.
Recognize Fake Security Alerts: If prompted to re-enter passwords or credentials, ensure you’re on the official site. Use trusted sites to check the strength and security of your passwords.
In some cases, activists may need to share sensitive information within their teams. Encrypted communication platforms offer a secure way to protect these details from surveillance. There are several platforms and practices that help you control the privacy of your communications.
If online storage is needed, use a provider that uses end-to-end encryption as well as encryption at rest. Proton Drive is an example.
Activist Checklist: Easy-to-follow digital security and physical safety guides for activists and organizers.
https://activistchecklist.org/
Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): Offers comprehensive guides on digital self-defense, secure communications, and privacy practices.
https://ssd.eff.org/
Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline: Provides real-time assistance for civil society groups, activists, and journalists facing digital security issues.
https://www.accessnow.org/help/
Security in-a-Box: A toolkit developed by Front Line Defenders and Tactical Technology Collective, offering digital security tools and tactics for human rights defenders.
https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/resource-publication/security-box
Amnesty International’s Digital Security Resource Hub: Curated resources to help activists build and protect their digital resilience.
https://securitylab.amnesty.org/digital-resources/
Civil Liberties Defense Center’s Digital Security Program: Provides guidance on protecting against digital attacks and maintaining online privacy.
https://cldc.org/security/
Greenpeace’s Protest Safety Tips Toolkit: Provides guidance on de-escalation strategies and staying safe during public protests. https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/toolkits/protest-safety-tips-from-greenpeace/
Every Thursday, Indivisible co-founders Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg host a participatory conversation on the week’s news, the state of our democracy, and our plan to defeat the authoritarian threats we face. This week we’ll be joined by Indivisible endorsed candidate Patrick Roath, who is challenging a 13-term incumbent in the MA-08 Democratic primary.
