Showing up in public to make your voice heard is one of the most powerful things you can do as a citizen, and one of the most fundamental rights protected by the First Amendment. Here's what to know before you go.
You have the right to protest
In public spaces (sidewalks, streets, parks) you have the legal right to assemble and express your views. Stay on sidewalks unless the event has a permit to block traffic, and leave space for pedestrians or move with them. You may photograph or record anything in plain view, including police officers.
You do not have to consent to searches. If stopped, stay calm and ask: "Am I free to go?" If not, say "I'm remaining silent" — and mean it. If arrested, ask for a lawyer immediately and don't speak or sign anything without one. You have the right to a local phone call.
For full guidance on your legal rights, see the ACLU's Protesters' Rights page.
A note for immigrants and non-citizens
The First Amendment protects everyone in the United States, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. However, immigrants face additional risks from any encounter with law enforcement — even one that doesn't result in an arrest.
If this applies to you:
- Create a safety plan before attending
- Have the number of an immigration attorney or advocacy organization with you
- Carefully consider your level of visibility.
Other forms of engagement (volunteering, contacting representatives, submitting testimony, supporting from behind the scenes) are equally valid.
For guidance tailored to immigrants and non-citizens, see the National Immigration Law Center's resource on protest rights.
Respectful engagement
Our power is in solidarity, calm, and long-term commitment.
Avoid engaging with counter-protesters: don't yell or debate, stay grounded in your message, and walk away if needed.
Communicate with care: avoid personal attacks or divisive language, speak to unite rather than divide, and respect differences.
Assume good intentions and make space for learning.
If you’re organising a protest, consider assigning a police liaison — someone who can speak with law enforcement on behalf of the group and help keep things calm if tensions arise.
For broader guidance on event planning, engaging with law enforcement, and staying safe as an activist, see Indivisible's Safety, Security, and Digital Preparedness guide.
Community and solidarity
Protests are most powerful (and most safe) when people look out for each other. Check in with those around you, support anyone who seems overwhelmed, and help de-escalate if tensions rise.
Make space for people with more at stake than you: step back, listen, and amplify marginalized voices rather than speaking over them. Remember that no one has all the answers, and assume good intentions in your fellow protesters.
And don't forget that joy is part of this too — chanting, singing, and celebrating together is a form of resistance in itself.
Care for the spaces you gather in: leave no trace, and mālama ʻāina — care for the land.
Physical safety
Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather: protests can last a while, and you may be standing or walking for hours. Bring water and a snack. If you take medication, bring what you might need.
It's a good idea to write a legal support number on your arm in permanent marker before you go, in case your phone is lost, taken, or runs out of battery.
Let someone you trust know where you're going and when to expect you back.
Know your exit routes when you arrive, and identify a meeting point in case your group gets separated.
For more physical safety tips, see the NRDC's guide to protesting safely.
Digital safety and privacy
Be thoughtful about what you post online or send through some messaging apps before, during, and after the protest.
Blur faces and identifying features (tattoos, unique clothing) before sharing photos online, and avoid live-streaming other attendees' faces unless you have the other person’s express consent to share.
Consider disabling face and fingerprint unlock on your phone, enabling airplane mode when you're not communicating, and scrubbing metadata from photos before posting.
Use Signal for sensitive communications, and avoid posting real-time locations.
For a full rundown of steps you can take to protect your privacy (and that of other participants) when protesting, see the ACLU's guide to defending against police surveillance.
Download the Peaceful Protest Protocol
IHSN, 50501 Hawaiʻi, General Strike Hawaiʻi, and Hawaiʻi J20+ jointly produced a one-page protocol you can download and bring with you.
[Download the Peaceful Protest Protocol →]
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