Political Activism – Stay Safe.

As more and more calls go out for political activism, contacting our representatives, even showing up at locations to protest, we need to keep a few things in mind for the safety of all involved:

1) Remain within the confines of the law. If you’re organizing a live event, obtain the proper permits and permissions. Maintain anything possible in writing. Don’t show up at a representative’s house unless you’ve been implicitly invited. Stay off private property unless you’ve received proper clearance from property owner(s). Document everything. Make sure you bring all copies of documents with you when protesting live.

2) Keep the inflammatory rhetoric down. When organizing, calls to action should be to the point and succinct. When writing your representatives, remain respectful, don’t threaten or harass or defame.

Definitely get involved! Follow in the footsteps of civil rights leader John Lewis and create “good trouble!” But also, keep yourself and others safe.

Here’s a great guide to protesting safely:

How to Protest Safely (nrdc.org)

Let’s keep calm, but focused, and force disclosure!