Author: skillsforaction

Here we have compiled a small check list of what you should consider and what you should take with you and what you should rather leave at home.

In general

• Do not go alone, but with friends, preferably in a solid reference group.
• Inform yourself beforehand about the content and especially the character of the demonstration in order to be able to assess what can happen.
• Be well rested and physically fit, moderate your partying the night before and have a good breakfast.
• Choose your clothes according to practical, not fashion considerations.
• Long clothes will protect your skin from tear gas.
• Do not apply creams or makeup, as the CN/CS from tear gas will accumulate in the oils.
• Consider wearing (preferably shatterproof) glasses instead of your contact lenses. When tear gas is used, contact lenses are quite impractical and usually cannot be used after contact with it.
• Do not wear jewelry, especially large earrings and long necklaces, you can hurt others and especially yourself.

What you should take with you

• Identity card, if necessary passport and residence permit
• Pen and paper to write down memory protocols or the names of arrested persons.
• Enough water to drink and rinse your eyes (in case of tear gas or pepper spray use).
• Medication you need on a regular basis, at least in the amount needed for the next 24 hours (in case you are taken into custody).
• Phone card and change to make the calls you are entitled to in the event of an arrest.
• Granola bars or other snacks to meet short-term energy needs (a good breakfast in the morning can’t hurt).
• Sanitary napkins, if needed

What NOT to bring

• Any items that reveal personal things about you or other people (e.g., address books, calendars, etc.).
• Alcohol and other drugs.
• Any weapons or “dangerous items” such as knives, pepper spray, etc.

Planning an action

Sometimes the actions are a one-time thing, perhaps a contribution in another campaign or as an event that speaks for itself.
Other times, your action is part of a broader campaign strategy, where each action contributes an important step toward the overall campaign goal.
The following checklist is something to keep in mind as you plan your campaign.

Before the action

• What is the analysis of the situation?
• What structure will the group use?
• Who will make the decisions and how?
• What is the strategic goal (i.e., who will we try to influence, and what do we want them to do)?
• What is the political goal (what action are we taking)?
• How does this action get our goals across before, during, and after the event?
• How does the group define its approach to nonviolence (are there nonviolence guidelines or basic principles)?
• What will the scenario be? (including location and time)
• Who will do the overall coordination of the action?
• When and how can you expect the action to end?
• Does your group want to try to collaborate with other groups or contexts and networks? If so, who wants to make and keep the contacts?
• Do you want to have a flyer and use it to explain publicly what you are doing? If so, who will prepare it?
• What public relations will you do? Will you try to convince other people to join? If so, who will do it?
• What kind of media relations will there be? Will you issue a press release before the action? Will there be press spokespersons during the action who will be the contact persons for the press? Will there be a press kit with important points about the action? Is there a need for a media committee?

The preparation of the activists

• What possibilities do the activists have for preparation? Are orientation seminars possible?
• Are there already reference groups? Nonviolent action trainings? Legal issues clarified?
• Are activists able to make decisions about the course of action? How does it work? Is the group process clear to all?
• Is it clear that many more activists are needed “behind the scenes” in addition to the activists in “direct action” to make an effective action?

Logistical planning

• Are the logistics well planned in terms of time and place?
• Have all materials been prepared, and is their distribution planned?

During the action

• Is there a communication system between the different roles; roles such as liaison to the police, legal observer, press officer, medical team, legal team (EA), support from other people?
• Who documents the action in footage and video?

Is the decision-making process clear?

After the action

• If people were arrested, is there legal support and also support in prison?
• Is there after action media work that disseminates information about the action – mainstream media and alternative media?
• How does the group evaluate their action (group evaluation)?
• Does the group plan to document their action (create a case study as a model for other actions)?
• What are your next steps? Will this action lead to a campaign developing?
• If the action was part of a campaign, how did the situation change?

This is a list of hand signs that are used mainly for communication in larger groups (e.g. during a blockade).

Many of these hand signs are known at least throughout Europe and are also used in other countries. Other signs are not clearly defined and are already interpreted differently. Also the practical use of some hand signs can be questioned.
Nevertheless, we want to give you a small overview of which hand signals there are.

• “Silence”: All fingertips touch: The first person who wants silence makes this sign, everyone who sees it picks it up until everyone is silent. Everyone please be quiet!
• “Report”: Report with one hand: I want to get on the speaking list. I want to say something.
• “Direct Point”: Report with both index fingers: I want to say something directly to the current speech / I can answer the question directly. No more than two sentences! – I can clarify this quickly …
• “Twinkling”: Waving both hands: Agree. I see it exactly the same way!
• “Technical Point”: Form a “T” with hands: Technical remark that has nothing to do with the content of the discussion, but should get to it right away. The roof is falling in! / Dinner is ready! In another meaning, the “T” is also used as a sign for “I need a break”.
• “Disagree”: placing the palms of both hands in front of each other with arms outstretched or holding arms crossed in front of each other: Rejection. I don’t see it that way.
• “Louder”: with both hands palms up: speaker is talking too quietly, I don’t understand. Please speak louder!
• “Slower” or “quieter”: With both hands, palms down: Speaker is talking too fast, I can’t follow. – Please speak more slowly! or speaker is talking too loudly (e.g. the police standing nearby could be listening in)!
• “Veto”: Raised fist: Very strong rejection. I absolutely cannot live with this.
• “Repetition”: circle hands around each other: The speaker is repeating herself. Get to the point!
• “Huh?”: Moving the fingers of one hand in front of your own face: I don’t understand what you mean. Please explain!
• “Language”: “L” from index finger and thumb: I don’t understand something linguistically. Please translate! Or, especially when translating in translation corners: Translators show with “L” that they have not finished translating and need more time before continuing.
• “Proposal”: “P” with index finger of one hand, thumb and index finger of the other hand: I have a (moderation) proposal for the further procedure

On this site here you can find detailed descriptions and drawings of the hand signals.