ACTIVISM QUICK GUIDE
Your First Steps Into Making Change
Welcome. If you're reading this, you're thinking about taking action; attending a protest, joining an organization, or speaking up about something that matters. That's how change begins. This guide gives you the essentials: what to know, what to bring, how to stay safe, and how to make your participation actually matter.
BEFORE YOU GO: BASIC PREPARATION
Know Your Rights (U.S.)
First Amendment: You have the right to protest, speak freely, and assemble peacefully in public spaces.
If police stop you:
- You can ask: "Am I free to go?" If yes, leave calmly.
- You must usually provide your name if asked (laws vary by state).
- You do NOT have to answer other questions.
If arrested:
- Stay calm. Don't physically resist.
- Say clearly: "I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want a lawyer."
- Then STOP TALKING. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Write the legal support hotline number on your arm in permanent marker.
Recording police: You generally have the right to film police in public. Stay at a safe distance and don't interfere with their work.
What to Bring to a Protest
Essential:
- Water and snacks
- ID (or leave at home if arrest is possible, your choice)
- Phone (charged, with emergency contacts)
- Any necessary medications
- Comfortable shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Consider bringing:
- Small first aid kit (bandaids, pain relievers)
- Cash (not just credit cards)
- Face covering/mask
- Sunscreen and hat
- Written legal hotline number (in case phone dies)
Leave at home:
- Weapons of any kind
- Illegal drugs
- Anything you can't afford to lose
- Contacts (wear glasses instead, safer if tear gas used)
AT THE PROTEST: SAFETY BASICS
Physical Safety
Buddy system: Never go alone. Stay with at least one friend. Check in with each other regularly.
Stay aware: Know where exits are. Notice police movements. Watch for potential danger.
Follow organizers: If there are designated safety marshals or organizers, listen to their guidance.
If things escalate:
- Stay calm and move away from danger
- Help vulnerable people (elderly, disabled, children)
- Don't run blindly, you might run into more trouble
- Regroup at a predetermined safe location
If tear gas is used:
- Move upwind and away from the gas
- Don't rub your eyes
- Flush eyes with water if possible
- Remove contaminated clothing if you can
Digital Safety
At protests, your phone can track you:
- Consider airplane mode to prevent location tracking
- Don't post photos that could identify people without their permission
- Don't post protest plans or locations before they happen
- Use Signal (not regular texts) for sensitive communications
After protests:
- Assume anything on social media is public
- Don't brag about illegal activities online
- Support arrested friends privately, not by posting their names publicly
MAKING YOUR PARTICIPATION MATTER
Beyond Just Showing Up
Attending one protest is good. But change requires sustained action:
Sign up: If organizers have a sign-up sheet, add your info. They'll contact you about next steps.
Follow through: If you commit to something (making calls, attending meetings), do it.
Bring friends: Each person who brings one friend doubles participation.
Join an organization: Find groups working on your issue. Attend their meetings. Volunteer.
Between protests:
- Call your elected officials about the issue (scripts available online)
- Donate to organizations doing the work (even $10 helps)
- Educate yourself about the issue
- Talk to people in your life about why you care
Your First Meeting
Joining an organization can feel intimidating. Here's what to do:
- Introduce yourself briefly
- Listen more than you speak at first
- Volunteer for small tasks
- Ask questions if confused
- Don't expect to lead immediately, build trust first
STAYING SUSTAINABLE
You Can't Do Everything
Set boundaries: Decide how much time per week you can give. Protect that limit.
It's okay to:
- Say no to requests
- Take breaks when you need them
- Have a life outside activism
- Not attend every single event
Burnout helps no one. Taking care of yourself lets you keep showing up for years, not just months.
Quick Self-Care Checklist
- Are you sleeping at least 7 hours most nights?
- Are you eating regular meals?
- Do you have friends/activities outside activism?
- When was your last full day off from organizing?
If you answered no to multiple questions, you need to pull back before you burn out.
COMMON QUESTIONS
"What if I'm scared?"
Fear is normal and healthy. Start with lower-risk actions (calling officials, donating, attending meetings). Build up as you gain confidence.
"What if I mess up?"
Everyone messes up. Apologize, learn, and move forward. Good movements give people room to grow.
"What if nothing changes?"
Big change takes time, often years. But every action matters: you're building relationships, skills, and power for the long fight. Plus, every major victory in history seemed impossible until it wasn't.
"Can I make a difference as just one person?"
Alone, your impact is limited. But you won't be alone. You'll join thousands of others, each doing their part. That's how movements work.
KEY RESOURCES
Know Your Rights & Legal Support:
- ACLU: aclu.org/know-your-rights
- National Lawyers Guild: nlg.org
Find Organizations & Actions:
- Search: "[your issue] + [your city] + organizing"
- Check social media for local groups
- Ask friends already involved
Democracy Protection:
- Protect Democracy: protectdemocracy.org
- Common Cause: commoncause.org
- Brennan Center: brennancenter.org
Learn More:
- Training for Change: trainingforchange.org
- Beautiful Trouble: beautifultrouble.org
- Waging Nonviolence: wagingnonviolence.org
- Down & Dirty Hippie: downanddirtyhippie.com
THREE THINGS TO REMEMBER
1. Start where you are. You don't need to be an expert or perfectly prepared. Use what you have, begin today, and learn as you go.
2. Find your people. Sustained activism happens in a community. Join an organization, build relationships, and show up consistently.
3. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself. Rest when needed. The struggle continues across generations, do your part without destroying yourself.
Change doesn't come from wishing or from single individuals working alone, and it doesn’t ever happen fast enough. It comes from ordinary people organizing collectively, refusing to accept injustice, and persisting despite obstacles. Every freedom you enjoy today; the weekend, the right to vote, civil rights protections, environmental laws; was won by people like you who decided to act.
The world won't change itself. Your participation is needed. Start now.
For immediate action, find an organization working on issues you care about and show up to their next meeting. The future is unwritten. Help write it.