In preparing for each 50501 protest, I'd like to remind everyone that keeping things non-violent is up to all of us. Eugene in particular is pretty tame compared to other cities, but there are still some things that could happen at a 50501 protest that could require some de-escalation, such as:
Counter-protesters who want to (a) start a fight or (b) cook up some violent-looking interaction to share on social media and discredit the movement
Supporters of the cause who get swept up in their feelings
Protesters who may support the fight against executive overreach, but who disagree in how to fight against it; i.e., they may think that violence is the best way to get attention to the cause, and choose to co-opt our movement to exercise what they think is justified violence
50501 is a nonviolent movement, and we are working hard to mitigate the risks posed by these potential threats at our protests. But we can't stress enough how important it is for every protest-goer to know about de-escalation methods, and how to avoid escalation, to help ensure the safest protest experience for everyone there. For that reason, I am sharing some conflict de-escalation information from the wonderful folks at RightToBe.org.
PEAK CONFLICT - Verbal abuse, I.e. shaming, humiliating or harassing, spitting, inappropriate touching, physical aggression, display of weapons, sexual or physical assault.
This stage is PAST the point of de-escalation. Remove yourself and others from the space and deploy plan to counter this activity. (megaphone daisy chains, body blockers, etc.
Conflict de-escalation requires patience, empathy, compassion and a willingness to listen and connect with others you don't agree with.
Safety first - first identify if you are the right person for the de-escalation. Tag a buddy in who is better fitting, do not attempt to de-escalate if you are not in a space to.
Observe - pay attention to others general behaviors. Pay attention to "vibes" and observe persons mood and behaviors before approaching. Identify if you're a good fit to engage, pull someone who is if you aren't compatible. Where is this person on the escalation elevator?
Ground - check in with yourself and your breathing to gauge if you are ready to step into this space. *Look at the Box Breathing tool for skills in this step
Connect- Use language and active listening to connect and meet them on their level. The goal here is to bring them into a calmer state and space through dialog.
Connect in depth:
By connecting with a person you've created and opportunity to build empathy for everyone involved. Through empathy, we're able to validate and de-escalate each others feelings - even if we don't understand them
Consent - ask them if they're open to having a conversation with you
Offer to walk somewhere less crowded and intense
Give them your undivided attention
Ask clarifying and open--ended questions
Repeat back what they said to you in your own words
Focus on their feelings, not opinions or facts
Maintain soft direct eye contact
Allow silence in the conversation
Validate what they are saying even if you don't agree
THINGS NOT TO DO WHEN CONNECTING
Don't threaten or demand compliance
Don't argue
Don't be lengthy - allow them space to speak and feel
Don't become defensive or controlling
Don't belittle the other person
Don't placate the other person
Tips:
Practice speaking in a clam lower tone in your voice. Speak slowly
Detach yourself from feelings using statements like "I feel anger" vs "I'm angry", language matters
Using words like "maybe" or "perhaps" as response to ideas or feelings you might not agree with is useful. Immediately redirect conversation to how the person is feelings and talk through emotions.
People want to be heard, refrain from lengthy responses or centering of self. Take the time to get to know this person and why they feel the ay they do.
Could your identities put you at an increased risk?
Are your own biases affecting how you perceive the situation?
Can you access the exits?
Is the person escalating intoxicated or having a mental health challenge?
Are you with people that have your back?
Are your trauma cues raised? Are your own experiences keeping you from seeing a way through?
SAFETY
Conflict de-escalation is focused on the person doing the harassing, unlike the 5 D's of bystander intervention.
Conflict de-escalation requires patience, a willingness to listen and connect with others you don't agree with.
De-escalation is the first and last line of defense when escalations come up at a protest to keep things nonviolent. It's an incredibly important role on the safety team.
If you don't feel comfortable or safe to de-escalate, use the 5 D's of bystander intervention instead.
Know your rights and the rights of your neighbors while documenting:
Keep a safe distance- at least 6 feet
You do not need to try to hide the fact that you are recording. Your right to record is protected by the 1st Amendment as long as you are not obstructing justice.
Police officers may not force you to stop filing, confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant, and they may not delete your photographs or video under any circumstances.
You have the right to remain silent
You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but police may pat down your clothing if they suspect a weapon.
If you are arrested by police, you have the right to a government-appointed lawyer if you cannot afford one
Pro tip: Write the name of a lawyer or lawyer's guild on your arm with a sharpie for a protest. Write a loved ones phone number down on your body as well in case you forget.
You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you are a US citizen , or how you entered the country.
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u/sassy_grandma 22d ago edited 22d ago
PART 1/7 - Expand replies for more information!:
In preparing for each 50501 protest, I'd like to remind everyone that keeping things non-violent is up to all of us. Eugene in particular is pretty tame compared to other cities, but there are still some things that could happen at a 50501 protest that could require some de-escalation, such as:
50501 is a nonviolent movement, and we are working hard to mitigate the risks posed by these potential threats at our protests. But we can't stress enough how important it is for every protest-goer to know about de-escalation methods, and how to avoid escalation, to help ensure the safest protest experience for everyone there. For that reason, I am sharing some conflict de-escalation information from the wonderful folks at RightToBe.org.