by Dean Briggs
Are you planning to attend the Boston No Kings III rally or another large rally? Here are some tips, especially if it’s your first time or you want a refresher.
First, the right to peacefully assemble and protest is protected by the U.S. Constitution, and a core principle of Indivisible rallies is nonviolence. Boston No Kings organizers will have a permit, so it’s city-sanctioned.
Police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians will be there to assist people in distress, as will volunteer marshals in orange or yellow vests scattered through the crowd.
So expect a peaceful, crowded rally with speakers, music, chanting and lots of friendly camaraderie.
Know why you’re going
It is helpful to read background information on a rally before going, so you understand who is organizing it, their objective, and how you want to participate.
We are not going with the idea of committing acts of civil disobedience. Such actions are distinct from peaceful protest and must be properly planned and trained for, especially because they may have legal consequences. Civil disobedience should never be a spontaneous act.
Get the lay of the land
Before you go: If you’re unfamiliar with the geography, print a map for yourself. With an unusually large number of cellphones trying to connect with towers in the area, expect spotty coverage. For anything you would look up on your phone — city maps, parking garage locations, bus pickup points, bathrooms, restaurants — print yourself a little list or mark up the map, and keep it on your person. Make sure a trusted person who is not at the rally knows where you are.
Situational awareness: Remember where you parked or got off the bus or train. If you march, make note of your return route. Please stay on the sidewalk and use the crosswalks.
If you can’t get a cell signal and need to reach out by phone, walk a couple of blocks away from the event and try again. Write phone numbers for emergency contacts on your map.
What the vibe will be
Rallies are generally energetic, enthusiastic and loud, but safe. If crowds aren’t your thing, you can stay toward the edge. Rally-goers are typically helpful and resolutely nonviolent. If you see someone in distress or behaving inappropriately, tell a public service person, or a marshal — who in Boston will be wearing orange vests.
No Kings III Boston:
- Saturday, March 28
- Register
- 1-2 PM: Walk from a T stop (map) with your group, proudly holding up your sign.
- 2-4 PM: Rally at the stage.
- The stage (speeches and music) is at the corner of Beacon St. and Charles St.
- Be sure to visit the information tables.
- Lost children: go to the Parkman Bandstand.
How to travel
If you can take public transportation, a charter bus or carpool, do so. If you’re part of a local Indivisible group going to a large rally, travel together and plan your trip in advance. If you take the subway, exit a stop or two before your destination. It will be extremely crowded at the station nearest to the event.
If you’re driving, pick a parking area that isn’t right at the event site — park at least a few blocks away, so you can guarantee parking availability and ease of leaving when it’s over. Some parking garages take reservations, so if you are concerned, make a reservation ahead of time.
Staying together with friends
Make it a group experience — agree on a gathering point and a firm time to meet in case you get separated. It’s best to meet away from the actual event, since it can be very crowded near the center of the rally or beside a march route.
Staying comfortable
Check the weather before you leave. Dress in layers and carry a small backpack, so you can add or remove clothing as needed. On a cold day, standing in one place can be quite chilly.
Rallies are usually held rain or shine, so wear sturdy, comfortable footwear and bring a waterproof layer and a hat. Skip the purse in favor of a fanny pack, and unless you’re holding a sign, try to keep your hands free. Be prepared to stand for a few hours.
Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and any other essentials for a day outside. Bring protein bars and snacks, as restaurants along the route will be packed.
Carry any medication you might need, such as an inhaler. If you have respiratory concerns, you may want to wear a KN95/N95 mask. Make sure your phone is fully charged, and if it’s a long day for you, bring a backup battery.
This should be obvious, but don’t bring any weapons or items that could be used as weapons. If you bring a sign, either hold it in your hands or attach it to a cardboard tube rather than a stick or pole. Don’t bring alcohol or cannabis.
Bathrooms are scarce, and if there are portable toilets, the lines will probably be long. Remember the map you’re bringing? Use a search engine to show you nearby bathrooms (again, look for ones that are not right on the parade route or rally site), and mark them on your map before you leave home.
Safety and security
Your best way to keep safe is by following the guidance here and staying with your group. Rallies are peaceful but crowded events, so it can take time to get from one place to another — for example, to your group’s gathering point.
People sometimes ask about information security, such as the government tracking your phone. That is possible and the level of risk is uncertain. Your phone still sends out signals even when it is off or in airplane mode, so if you are concerned, consider buying a Faraday bag, which many firms sell. This is a much larger topic than we can cover here, but much has been written on it. You’re unlikely to get arrested at Boston No Kings, but if you are concerned about phone security, turn off facial recognition.
If you see counterprotesters, ignore them and don’t engage — that’s what they want.
Plan to get to the rally site early, before it gets crowded, especially if you drive. Be patient and kind. Enjoy your friends, the event, and the feeling of protecting democracy — because rallies work and are an effective way to build a movement. They are not all that needs to be done, but they are an important first step!
Visit the tables of the grassroots organizations early, when it’s less crowded. They’ll offer helpful flyers on next steps and calls to action.
Dean Briggs is a member of the IMC Communications Team and Indivisible Boros and Beyond. He often rallies with Nashoba Indivisible.
IndivisiBlog posts reflect the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policy positions of Indivisible Mass Coalition.
