5 Things You Must Know Before Joining a Protest

If you’re reading this, you’ve already made a decision. You’re ready to show up — to stand where it counts, knowing what that choice might demand of you. Protests can change the course of history, but they can also put you in harm’s way. Especially now.  Before you step into that crowd, take a breath. What you do before you go will shape how you move, how you protect yourself, and how you look out for the people beside you. This isn’t about fear. It’s about being ready.

These are five things you need to know. Read them. Remember them. Then go out there with purpose.

1. Know Your Rights — And Have a Plan If They’re Violated

Before you step into the street, know where you stand. You have the right to assemble peacefully. You have the right to express yourself. In most places, you have the right to record public officials, including police, as long as you aren’t interfering. And if you’re detained, you have the right to remain silent, to ask for a lawyer, and in many places, to make a phone call.

But know this too: rights don’t always protect you in the moment. That’s why you need a plan. Write a legal support number on your arm in permanent marker — don’t rely on your phone staying with you. Carry ID if that feels safest in your context, but leave anything non-essential at home. If possible, memorize key information: your legal contact, a family member or friend’s number, and your personal medical needs.

Find out if the protest organizers have a legal team or observer group connected to the action. If they do, know how to reach them. If they hand out info cards at the protest, take one and keep it on you.

If you’re arrested, state clearly that you are exercising your right to remain silent and want a lawyer. Do not sign anything or give statements without legal advice. And if you see others being detained, document what you can safely, and pass that information on to legal support.

Knowing your rights won’t stop injustice — but it prepares you to respond when things go wrong. And it helps protect not just yourself, but the people beside you.

2. Protect Your Identity and Privacy

At any protest — especially one where the risk of state surveillance or repression is high — assume that someone is watching. Cameras are everywhere. Facial recognition technology is real. Protecting your identity protects your safety, and the safety of others.

Wear a mask. Not just for health — for privacy. Cover visible tattoos or distinguishing marks. Avoid clothing with logos or anything that could identify you later. If you wear glasses or a hat, they can help disrupt facial recognition systems.

Leave unnecessary devices at home. If you bring a phone, strip it down: remove personal accounts, disable face or fingerprint unlocking, and set a strong passcode. Consider using a basic phone or burner if you have one. Turn off location services.

Be careful what you share online. Don’t post live updates that give away crowd locations, exit routes, or the identities of other protesters. Anything you put on social media could be used against you or someone else.

Surveillance isn’t a maybe — it’s a reality. What you do before and during the protest can limit how much of yourself you hand over to those who want to track, identify, and target you.

3. Prepare for Physical Safety

Every detail of how you show up matters. Wear sturdy shoes you can move in. Dress in layers so you can adjust to conditions. Choose neutral, comfortable clothing — avoid anything that could make you stand out or be grabbed easily.

Bring water and snacks that won’t weigh you down. Pack a small first aid kit: bandages, disinfectant wipes, any personal medication you might need. A bandana soaked in water or vinegar, or a mask with filters, can help if tear gas is used. Goggles — not swimming goggles, but shatter-proof safety goggles — protect against chemical agents and debris.

Stick with at least one other person and agree in advance how you’ll stay together. Make a plan for what to do if you get separated. Identify exit routes as soon as you arrive. Know where medical help or safety zones might be found.

Tell someone who isn’t at the protest where you’re going, who you’re with, and when you expect to return. Set a time for checking in.

You can’t control what happens at a protest. But you can control how prepared you are to face it.

4. Stay Focused on the Purpose

A protest can shift in seconds. Noise rises. Tensions spike. Confusion spreads. In those moments, what keeps you steady is remembering why you’re there. Hold the line on your purpose. Don’t let anger or fear pull you into actions that might harm the movement or those around you.

Stay disciplined. Stick to the principles of the protest, whether it’s non-violent action, disruption, or direct confrontation. Follow the guidance of trusted organizers whenever possible — they’re often working with safety and strategy in mind.

Avoid distractions that can pull energy from the goal: debates with agitators, reckless actions that escalate danger, getting drawn into chaos that serves no one but those who want to discredit the protest.

Your presence matters most when it stays tied to the reason you showed up. Stay clear. Stay committed.

5. Look Out for Each Other

You’re not out there alone. The strength of any protest comes from solidarity — people watching each other’s backs, holding the line together. Pay attention to the people around you. If someone looks unwell, offer water or help them move to safety. If someone falls or is in distress, assist if you can — or signal for help.

Stick with your group or buddy. Share information quietly when conditions change: if an exit is blocked, if the police shift formation, if an area becomes unsafe. Keep your head up. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is to help someone else stay safe.

Collective care isn’t a side task. It’s what makes the protest stronger. It’s what keeps the movement alive.

When you step into a protest, you step into history. Prepare with care. Move with purpose. Stand with others. That’s how we stay safe, and that’s how we build the power to make change.