Guidance for League members attending a protest, rally, or other demonstration.
The following is guidance for League members attending a protest, rally, or other demonstration,
provided by the National LWV , June 11, 2025
Disclaimer
If you participate in a protest or rally coordinated by the League of Women Voters of the United States or another group, you do so at your own risk. You are responsible for your safety at the event and all consequences that result from your participation. The League of Women Voters assumes no liability or responsibility for your participation.
Context
The League of Women Voters believes the freedom to protest and assemble is a critical function of our democracy. We also know that even a peaceful event can become disruptive or violent or be targeted by law enforcement or outsiders, and all attendees should understand the risks involved.
No matter how much participants prepare, there are no guarantees that protests and rallies won't result in personal injury, arrest, or other consequences for attendees.
League Involvement & Nonpartisanship
We typically encourage league leaders to wear LWV branding in public protest where its safe to do so.
When possible, follow the instructions provided by the event organizer. League members may wear LWV gear (t-shirts, buttons, etc.) to public demonstrations, but we do not recommend bringing LWV banners as they pose a safety risk.
At public events with many phones and cameras, your League members may inadvertently appear in the background of others' partisan photos and videos, or they may appear in the background of yours. This is OK! It's the nature of public events.
Our advice is to avoid the appearance of partisanship as much as possible.
Preparing for a Protest
Know before you go
- Find out as much information as possible about the times, locations, purpose, and demands of any rally or protest. When possible, find out who the organizers are leading the efforts.
- Turn off your biometric locks (Face ID and fingerprint) on your phone and ensure a traditional passcode is active.
Identify your emergency contact
- This person should know where you are planning to be and assign a moment to check in and make sure that you returned home safely.
- It's a good idea to write your emergency contact's name and phone number with a permanent pen on your arm, in case your cell phone is unavailable for calls.
Make an exit plan
- Make a plan and share it with the people going with you and your emergency contact. Identify exit routes and safe meet-up points for your group.
Bring essentials & a buddy
- Bring water, snacks, and an extra cell phone battery pack in case you need to stay put until it is safe to move. A small Ziplock bag with wipes, a small first aid kit, and earplugs can also come in handy. Avoid bringing large, bulky backpacks that may raise suspicions with the police.
- Wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothes. It's always a good idea to check the weather forecast in advance.
- Do not go alone: have another adult with you, especially if you will be bringing minors along.
De-escalation & Assertive Intervention
If you encounter counter-protestors, DO NOT ENGAGE. Assess the safety of the situation, remain vigilant, and make sure you can distance yourself and those with you in case there's verbal or physical confrontation. DO NOT intervene. Look for identifiable marshals and/or law enforcement to call attention to any potentially violent situation.
- Hecklers (insults, name-calling, or filming): Ignore, step away, or drown their messages with songs and chants. Alert the event organizer, marshal, or safety lead.
- Suspicious activity (unfamiliar individuals avoiding chants or asking odd questions): Step away. Alert the event organizer, marshal, or safety lead and record if safe.
- Instigators (reckless urging, disruption, or physical aggression): Stay calm, don't engage, and step away. Alert the event organizer, marshal, or safety lead.
- Counter-protesters (shouting opposing messages): Ignore, step away, or drown out their messages with songs and chants. Alert the event organizer, marshal, or safety lead.
Know Your Rights
Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. Check out this guide for protestors from the National Lawyers Guild.
In peaceful, nonviolent protests and mobilizations, you are organizing under the First Amendment to the US Constitution, guaranteeing freedom of speech, assembly, press, religion, and petition. However, you must adhere to state and local laws, so it is important to check regulations on curfew, permitting, blocking streets, etc. Often, there will be legal observers in bright yellow or orange vests at large protests. You can alert them if you need help.
Before making arrests, law enforcement might provide a dispersal order specifying that you must leave and give you space to do so. If you do not want to risk getting arrested, immediately comply with such a dispersal order. In the event you are arrested, do not resist. Listen to the rights that are read to you by the police. Do not speak to anyone. Phone calls are recorded. You can say: “I am choosing to remain silent and want to speak to an attorney.”
Check out this guide from the ACLU for taking pictures or videos at a protest.
If ICE agents appear, it is important to stay calm, do not run, and activate your safety plan. Do not answer questions about your immigration status. Additional “know your rights” resources from our partners at the National Partnership for New Americans can be found here.