A working document based upon guides from PG Watkins of The BlackOUT Collective and Frontline Election Defenders
Tefillat HaDerech (The Travelers’ Prayer):
May it be Your will, our God and God of our ancestors, that You lead us in peace and direct our steps in peace, and guide us in peace, and support us in peace, and cause us to reach our destination in life, joy, and peace. Save us from every enemy and ambush, from robbers and wild beasts on the trip, and from all kinds of trouble that rage and come to the world. May You confer blessing upon the work of our hands and grant us grace, kindness, and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us, and bestow upon us abundant kindness and listen to the voice of our prayer, for You hear the prayers of all. Blessed are You God, who hears prayer.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ שׁוֹמֵעַ תְּפִלָה:
What should I do in advance of going to the streets:
- Assess your risk tolerance. Ask: What risks can I take given my personal and professional commitments and health concerns (my own and those of loved ones)?
- Tell someone you love where you’ll be.
- Go with at least one other person — ideally go with a group. Make a plan beforehand.
- Look into digital security for your phone
- A numerical password on your phone is safer than facial recognition.
- Some people do not bring their phone to actions/protests.
What should I bring?
- ID
- $20 cash (or other small amount that feels comfortable for you)
- A face mask and other PPE (disposable gloves, hand sanitizer, face shields)
- Water and snacks
- Your buddy or buddies!
- Tallit if it feels safe/appropriate to do so. If you’re clergy, you may want identifying garb.
- First aid kit/supplies (including any medication you take)
- Weather-appropriate gear
- If it might be cold: gloves, blankets, hand/foot warmer packets, warm hats
- If it might be hot/sunny: fans, sunblock, hats
- If it might be rainy: ponchos, umbrellas, extra pairs of socks
- If it might be dark: a flashlight or headlamp
- If driving, have a designated car to get supplies quickly or transport people quickly. Make sure everyone knows where the car is parked.
- As R’ Ariel Stone teaches, some people like to have a grounding mantra, prayer, or text.
- A protest placard
Be a minimalist! Don’t bring:
- Your whole wallet
- Extra electronics, except perhaps a battery charger for phone (if bringing it)
Safety Tips for Joining a Direct Action or Protest:
- Create “action agreements” with your buddies before you go.
- Have an exit plan (Ask yourself, “When am I done and ready to go?” Communicate this line with your buddy/team).
- Memorize 1-2 numbers of folks you trust in the event that you are separated from your group, don’t have your phone, and/or are arrested. You may wish to write them on your arm/leg in permanent marker.
- Keep an eye on your people and be in communication with them
- Use encrypted communication platforms, such as Signal Messenger.
- Trust your gut
- When you come upon counter-protesters:
- Try not to engage
- Stay on message and on mission
- Remember your group’s action agreements
- Do not record video of them
- If there is a threat or actual violence:
- Identify the threat
- Move yourself and others to safety
- Once in a secure location, provide/get support as needed (physical/medical, emotional, spiritual)
- In general, do not engage law enforcement officers. Many events will have a specific police liaison. If law enforcement attempts to talk to you, make sure the event leadership or police liaison know.
- If you find yourself detained:
- Clarify your situation: Ask, “Am I under arrest or I am free to go?”
- It is illegal for you to lie to the police. It is not illegal for police to lie to you.
- You can simply say, “I will not speak without my lawyer present.”
Please note, there are lots of resources and different opinions about taking action. Our best advice is to do your own research and do what feels best to you.