What should I do before going to a protest?

Plan well. Know the law and risks involved. If you are organizing the demonstration, obtain a permit if needed. If you are attending, find out if the demonstration has a permit. Memorize emergency numbers. Have alternative communication besides a mobile phone.

Plan to keep a cool head. Choose a nonviolent approach.

There are many preparation steps you should take to ensure your safety and right to the First Amendment, especially when you are expecting tension at the demonstration.

1) Make informed decisions about the protest and the kind of protest. Understand the risks, opportunities, and legal implications of the type of event on a federal and local level.

2) Plan carefully. Make an action plan and make sure everyone agrees to stick to it before, during, and after the protest. Do not bring anything that could put you or others in danger, or give the police an excuse to detain you on suspicion of intent to commit a crime.

3) Memorize or write emergency contact numbers on your body. If possible, include hotlines from related civil societies or human rights networks.

4) Make sure appropriate solidarity networks know about your attendance and can identify you.

5) Plan to keep in touch with someone who is not going to the protest. Don't rely on a mobile phone—organize check-in times and meeting points in advance.

6) Charge your phone, wear comfortable clothes, bring some cash for a payphone, and drink a lot of water.

7) If necessary, encrypt your phone and hide notifications from showing on your phone screen. Do not carry any information that can be used against you. Anything you recorded with Reyets will be uploaded to the cloud.For more information, check out: https://right-to-protest.org/protect-your-protest/before-you-go/