I trust you are all ready for this or if reading after the event, you had a good time and lots of people were at the event you attended. Numbers matter. I’m sure you know ths, but remember the emphasis is on nonviolence, nonconfrontational, peaceful protest, Aso remember your Constitutional rights. Rights to: freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, not to be detained by law enforcement without probable cause; refuse searches of your person or property, remain silent, ask for a lawyer if detained.
There are innumerable websites online with specific advice including Indivisibles and the ACLU, but here’s a brief rundown. Keep your hands visible and, of course, never carry anything that could be considered a weapon. If stopped, ask if free to leave, if the answer is yes, walk away calmly. If you’re continued being questioned, ask again, as appropriate. Law enforcement can ask you to step off a street onto a sidewalk or similar reasonable requests. They cannot, however, use excessive force. In some states, including Colorado, if you are stopped and the probable cause is stated, you must give your name and address if asked for it. If arrested and charged with a crime (whethere legitimate or not), post bond ASAP. You do not want to be put in jail. If you witness an arrest, video it if possible. You can also tell the person being arrested their rights if they seem to not know what to do. Have an emergency contact and write the # on your arm. Identify meeting points if going with other people, which is best. If you take your phone, make sure it’s fully charged. Ignore counter protesters; do not engage with them. Possibly start singing or a chant, e.g., No Kings, we’re a democracy. Consider putting your phone on airplane mode, which makes it difficult to track or hack your phone.
Of course, we’re all upset as our country as we knew it is disappearing before our eyes and the future of health care, climate change, voting rights, civility, and so much else seems irredeemable, but Jane Goodall left us with an excellent message: “Hope,” she said, “never lose hope.” I saw a wonderful entry shortly after her recent death: “I want to live in a country that lowers its flags half-staff for Jane Goodall.”