One Day Before Hands Off Protest

 This is what I received to prepare for tomorrow's event.

On April 5th we will stand up to the Felon Trump and his administration. An administration that has brought about disruption of the federal government on an unprecedented scale by dismantling long-standing programs, challenging the very role of Congress to create the nation’s laws, stolen students off the street in broad daylight, stolen YOUR social Security numbers and is threatening our way of life and the lives of our loved ones. What we do know is that we all believe people have a right to exist, thrive and pursue happiness and this madness needs to END...NOW!

Instructions & Safety Tips for Saturday, April 5th Hands OFF! Day of Action in WRJ-WLeb Co-hosted by Upper Valley Indivisibles & UV Rise UP!

APRIL 5th Hands OFF! Day of Visibility is time to exercise your First Amendment rights. Please obey the law on this day. These instructions are for this event and not for an act of civil disobedience where preparation and attendance guidelines are very different.

Before going to an event:

• ●  If possible, use the buddy system. Have a plan where to meet if you get separated. If you come alone, please introduce yourself to your neighbors on the line.

• ●  Let someone you trust, who is not going to the protest, know where you are going.

• ●  Items to bring:

  • ○  Water,

  • ○  Sunglasses (If possible, wear your glasses...not your contacts)

  • ○  Snacks

  • ○  Mask (if you wish to protect yourself from germs and or photos),

  • ○  Hat (to protect from the sun and help cover your face),

  • ○  Any emergency medications needed (i.e. EpiPen, inhaler)

• ●  Eschew style for comfort! Wear comfy clothes and shoes.

• ●  Fully charge your phone.

• ●  Make & bring signs!

  Arrival at the Train Station 12:45

• ●  When arriving at the event please park as remote as possible around town. Spreading out cars is very important to prevent vandalism. Do not block the entrance or parking of any open business.

• ●  We’re meeting in the far lot at the train station for Housekeeping ONLY. There will be no speakers. We will be getting right to work.

  OR, Go Straight to Maple Street

● If you’ve read this whole document and want to, head to any spot on Maple Street by 1PM. Make sure to introduce yourself to your next door neighbors. This is a vital part of knowing your surroundings.

Moving to Maple Street

• ●  Please Do NOT walk in the streets. Use sidewalks and crosswalks only.

• ●  Once at Maple Street, go left or right, on either side. Pick your spot. This isn’t a march, it’s a line.

• ●  Stay on the sidewalks, do not block traffic or entrances to businesses or otherwise impede traffic.

• ●  Don’t stand too close to entrances and exits. Make sure cars can see around you and your sign.

  When protesting

• ●  Stay focused and aware of your surroundings at all times. While we have every intention of being peaceful, it’s important to recognize that all protests have the potential to become unsafe.

• ●  Stay hydrated by frequently drinking water. Please bring your own as we will not have water available.

• ●  You will get ‘flipped off’ by people driving by. Please do not ‘flip back’. This has the possibility of instigating a fight or violence. Remember, they are driving a weapon.

• ●  If injured, document the injury with photos and note the time and location. Get the name(s) of any witness.

• ●  If your eyes are exposed to pepper spray-

  • ○  Do not rub them; blinking and rinsing are most effective.

  • ○  Tilt head sideways and rinse each eye with water. Our EMT will have diluted baby shampoo.

  • ○  Do not rinse with milk, because the goal is to flush, not neutralize.

    *We hope to have an EMT on site (still working on it)*

    What to do if conflict arises during the event

    Your safety is the highest priority. The best way to de-escalate a situation is not to participate in the escalation to begin with. But the honest truth is, the more you ignore counter protestors, the more agitated they may become because they are not getting a reaction out of you.

• ●  Maintain a safe distance from counter protestors.

• ●  If there is a risk of imminent violence, remove yourself from the situation and seek safety.

• ●  Know your own limits, vulnerabilities and tendencies and recognize that sometimes the best

  intervention is knowing when to walk away.

• ●  Be aware of your non-verbal communications (i.e., eye rolling, snickering)

• ●  Remain respectful and courteous.

• ●  Address individuals with civility or not at all.

  Returning Home

• ●  Be aware of your surroundings

• ●  Walk to your car or public transportation in groups.

• ●  Keep an eye on each other.

  Aftercare

• ●  Re-group and decompress with friends.

• ●  Share photos on social media. Please be careful to distort clear faces if possible.

• ●  Eat a great meal and drink lots of water (or enjoy a well deserved beer or cocktail!)

• ●  Reach out to organizers if you experience a problem, or have a suggestion.

• ●  Get some rest! The work is seldom done after 1 action.