Indivisible and other pro-democracy coalition members adhere to a long tradition of non-violent protest. Gandi’s ideals, honed by the Civil Rights Movement, have grown into an important framework for all opposition movements. The ethos of non-violence is crucial to protecting each other, our right to protest, and growing our movement. Strategies of de-escalation and a foundational understanding of our rights are fundamental to creating a non-violent protest.
Indivisible’s Resources on Protest Conduct, Police Encounters, and Non-violence.
So how do we implement this value? One way is to rehearse how we will conduct ourselves at protests. Remember that at all times, the goal is non-violence. Knowing your rights and what you should do will give you confidence to de-escalate or otherwise prevent violence from occurring.
Please reread these guidelines before each protest you attend, and share with others new to the movement.
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.
Non-engagement with Hostile Individuals: If approached by someone aggressive, avoid engaging and keep a safe distance. Notify an event marshal if necessary.
Ask before you livestream or video 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.
Taking photos of the event? Make sure to blur identifying features of attendees before posting to social media. (Even better, avoid faces in photo altogether)
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.
Documenting Violations: If you believe anyone’s rights were violated, record the details (officer badge numbers, witnesses, any injuries) and report them later to a civilian oversight body.
You have specific constitutional rights under Amendments 4,5 and 6. These guidelines will help you preserve your constitutional rights, and stay safe.
If you are stopped by the police, be polite, remain calm, and ask if you are free to go. If the answer is yes, consider walking away. If the answer is no, you are being detained.
The police can conduct a pat-down search of you outside your clothing if they have reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed or that you are armed and dangerous. They can conduct a more extensive search of you and your belongings if they have probable cause to believe a crime has been committed or they receive your consent to perform the search. If the police begin to conduct a search without your consent, say clearly “I do not consent to this search.” If they search anyway, do not resist in any way.
If you are detained and/or arrested by the police, anything you say can be used against you. The safest course of action is to invoke your right to remain silent and request a lawyer. It is critical to remain silent after you invoke this right; if you begin speaking, your 5th and 6th amendment rights may be waived, and the police can begin questioning you again.
Lock your cell phone with a passcode, not a thumbprint or facial ID.
Media: In the event of a law enforcement incident, all media questions should be directed through the group’s designated press contact. Passing comments may distract from the key message of constitutional rights.
Dealing with Counter-protestors at the event
Remain Calm and Be Observant: Stay aware of your 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.
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