For those of you whose schedules are also starting to fill up with resistance events, today's Yopp! is to prepare your Resistance Go Bag. The next time you are rushing out the door towards a last minute protest, you can just grab your Go Bag and know that you've got your critical supplies at the ready.
TOWN HALL/INDIVISIBLE MEETING GO BAG (Basic Kit) - If you are going to an indoor rally or action where you'll be sitting down, you won't need a whole lot more than what you'd normally carry, but it helps to have a few extra supplies on hand
- Bag/satchel - with some way to hold it hands-free
- A couple ballpoint pens
- At least one Sharpie
- Small notebook
- Business cards
- Portable phone charger (charged)
- Red and green paper to express agreement
- Reading material
- Blank cardstock or thick paper for a quick sign
- Granola bar
- Water bottle
- Tissues
- Gum
PEACEFUL PROTEST MARCH/DEMONSTRATION GO BAG - If the demonstration is outside and involves walking, you'll need a few additional supplies.
- Plastic rain poncho - The kind that folds into a tiny package is best. You won't want an umbrella if you are carrying a sign.
- Extra socks - Nothing worse than wet feet
- Whistle or small noisemaker
- Duct tape - for on the fly sign making/repair
- Small first aid kit
- Sweatshirt
- Candles and lighter - in case of a last-minute candlelight march
- Sunscreen
- Emergency phone numbers on paper - in case your phone dies
- Transit card/bus fare
- Hand sanitizer - because Porta Potties are gross
- Identification
- Cash
- Personal hygiene products
- Medication
PASSIVE RESISTANCE GO BAG - Speaking for myself, I'm not quite ready to take the risk of getting arrested for my activism, but I completely respect those who are willing to engage in nonviolent civil disobedience. If this is a possibility, then be sure your Go Bag has the following additional supplies. If getting arrested is very likely or even your intention, you might want to downsize the basic kit to just the bare necessesities.
- Vinyl gloves, swim goggles and a bandana - just in case of pepper spray or tear gas
- Phone numbers written on your arm - in case your bag gets consfiscated
- Three notecards with the following information:
- Your emergency contacts' phone numbers on it, in case your phone dies and you don't have these memorized.
- Emergency legal counsel contact information.
- List of your rights, if you don't already know them by heart or are prone to drawing a blank under pressure. The ACLU's pamphlet on your rights when questioned or under arrest is a good place to start.
ACTIVIST PARENTS - Here are some suggestions for supplies you might need if you are bringing children to a demonstration. Obviously anyone bringing a child to a demonstration should steer away from any potential violence or risk of arrest.
STREET ACTIVISM - Let me start by saying that I do not endorse violence or rioting by any stretch. That said, if you are choosing to participate in a protest where this kind of thing might happen, you should be prepared for the possibility that you might get arrested or injured. I'm not going to go into detail on this blog, but the Hopes and Fears website has this webpage with suggestions for how to gear up for street activism that could turn violent.
So decide on your level of activism and then assemble your Go Bag accordingly. Let's go!
Yours in Solidarity!
DAILY YOPP EASTER EGG FOR HAMILTON FANS: I've intentionally included a random line from the musical Hamilton in the last two Daily Yopps! If you spy one of them, let me know and I'll give you a shout out in the next Yopp!
This is really helpful information, thanks!
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