web analytics

Advice For Attending Your First Protest


It’s 2021, and protests are happening all the time around the world. There are many issues our world is facing right now, and for many young people, this is a wake-up call to the complicated political climate of our time. Historically, when the world faces hardship and the people are unhappy with how governments handle sensitive issues, protests occur.

If you are interested in attending your first protest this year, you aren’t alone. Millions of people have been mobilised into action in the past twelve months, particularly in light of the killing of George Floyd in the US.

In this blog, we will discuss what to expect at your first protest, and how you should react if the unexpected occurs. Let’s get started!

Image credit.

What should I wear and bring to a protest?

Protests are seen in movies as energetic, heroic, incredible events, and while that may be true, they are also tiring and in need of practical thought. If you are attending a protest for the first time soon, here are a few things you should know…

  • Wear comfortable clothes – the kind of thing you’d wear on a hike. Protests aren’t fashion shows, they are practical, tiring events in which you will walk long distances and be standing up for the majority of the day. For this reason, make sure you wear comfortable shoes, bring rain protection and warm clothes too. 
  • Bring plenty of water. Dehydration is common among first-time protestors, so ensure you beat the heat with bottled water to stay hydrated.
  • Bring snacks. Bring trail mix, sandwiches, chocolate – whatever makes you happy and energized – to stay focused and present. 
  • Bring a sign or placard. If you want to make your voice heard at a protest, bring a sign to hold up that expresses your views. 

What should I expect from a protest?

It’s hard to know what to expect from attending a protest. Before you go, identify who the organizers are – for example, Black Lives Matter – and check their social media pages for information. There may be planned speeches, a route to follow through the city, and other planned moments throughout the day.

As a first-time attender, your role should be to listen, learn, and participate where appropriate. You don’t need to be a hero or to stand out – the whole point of a protest is to come together in a large body of people who are all equally speaking out.

What happens if I get questioned by police, or even arrested?

If you get questioned by police, you need to know your rights. Although it is unlikely, you could even be arrested under some circumstances, so ensure that you do not answer questions that aren’t required under the law. You should contact bail bondsman 24 7 or a similar organization for representation and help with bail if this happens. 

Final Thoughts

If you want to stand up for your rights and attend a protest, make sure to use this guide in order to come prepared and ready to take action!





Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts