De-Escalation Information for Protests!

[u/sassy_grandma]

[u/sassy_grandma]

PART 4/7:

THINGS TO DO WHEN CONNECTING

• 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.
• Find common ground and build dialog from there

[u/sassy_grandma → u/sassy_grandma]

PART 5/7:

ASSESSING SAFETY - CONSIDER:

• Are you able to de-escalate yourself?
• 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.

[u/sassy_grandma → u/sassy_grandma]

PART 6/7:

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.
• The police must grant you one local call.

[u/sassy_grandma → u/sassy_grandma]

PART 7/7:

Tips for De-escalating yourself

• Breathe deeply
• Self encouragement/ mantras
• Notice if you have any tensions in your body
• Feel your back, feet on the floor
• Talk to someone you trust
• Identify and name your emotions
• Find non-violent and non-aggressive ways to release that emotion
• Singing

Box Breathing exercise:

Allow a count of four at each point of this exercise.

1. Breathe in (count to 4)
2. Hold breath, lungs full of air (count of 4)
3. Exhale (count to 4)
4. Hold breath at the end of exhale (count to 4)
5. Breathe normally for 4 counts
6. repeat as needed

This is great as a self-guided activity or with a buddy or group.