Safety Guide and Training Materials

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Quick Start Guide +

Welcome to your Safety Team Training Hub — your one-stop resource for keeping your Indivisible group safe, secure, and ready for action.

This guide is divided into two main sections:

Training Modules — Structured lessons designed to be presented to groups or teams. Each module focuses on a key safety or security topic and includes slides, discussion prompts, and activities meant for training purposes only.
Additional Resources — Reference materials, templates, and external links to help you build and maintain a strong Safety Team. You’ll find practical tools, best-practice checklists, and guidance for protecting your members during events and online.

You can navigate through each module using the expandable accordion menus below. Some modules also contain links to appendices or related resources — clicking those will take you directly to the correct section on this page.

Take your time, work through the modules in order, and share what you learn. This work keeps us all safer, stronger, and ready to stand together — no matter what comes our way.

Introduction +

Across Oregon, activists are rising to defend democracy, justice, and human rights. From Portland to small towns and rural communities, groups have mobilized to make their voices heard.

This toolkit was collectively developed by safety team members from Indivisible groups across the state. Oregonians from every region of the state and activists with diverse experience in organizing for racial justice, climate action, immigrant rights, healthcare, LGBTQ rights, democracy, labor, and more have made contributions to this toolkit. It reflects the reality that non-violent direct action looks different depending on the location, culture, and the political environment. What works in a metropolitan protest or march may not fit a roadside rally in a rural county or a small town. Our goal is to provide guidance broad enough to be useful statewide, but practical enough to support the specific needs of individual groups.

The purpose of this toolkit is to serve as both a training resource and a reference guide for organizers, planners, and safety volunteers. It sets out the basics of how to identify, recruit, train, and deploy Safety Teams for nonviolent direct action. Inside, you will find curriculum and training outlines, guidance on communications and technology, administrative tools, operations checklists, and even a “Break Glass” section for worst-case scenarios. While it will not answer every question that comes to mind, it provides the essential tools, frameworks, and examples needed to get a team started or to strengthen an existing one.

Safety is not an afterthought. It is the foundation of nonviolent protest discipline and a key factor in ensuring our actions are sustainable, accessible, and effective. The principles in this guide are intended to be applied systematically, from planning to debriefing, whether in carefully prepared actions or in fast-moving, reactive situations. Local conditions and environment must always be considered, and groups are encouraged to adapt these guidelines to meet their own circumstances while maintaining the shared values outlined here.

You are stepping into one of the most important roles in grassroots organizing: creating the conditions that allow people to act with courage and confidence. That responsibility is achievable, and you do not carry it alone. This guide is written for activists who may never have built a Safety Team before, as well as for those looking to refine what they already have.

The principles that guide this work are clear: (1) Safety first — at every stage, from planning to debriefing. (2) Everyone’s safety matters — participants and bystanders alike. (3) Safety sustains nonviolence — it keeps our discipline strong and our message clear. (4) Different needs are valid — people experience safety differently, and we honor those differences.

Together, we create the safety and solidarity that make resistance possible. This toolkit is intended to evolve over time, shaped by the experiences of Indivisible groups across Oregon, and it will be updated as we continue to learn and grow in this work.

Module 1A – Resistance 101: Introduction to Nonviolent Direct Action +

Section I

The Principles & Practices of Nonviolent Resistance

What do we mean by nonviolent direct action (NVDA)? A NVDA is any action, often collective, that confronts injustice and authoritarianism to create change without violence. It is active, not passive. NVDA uses discipline, courage, and solidarity to challenge systems of power while minimizing harm to people.

This manual’s approach is strictly secular. The principles and practices of nonviolence are deeply rooted in numerous faith traditions, and, for many people, nonviolence is a religious imperative. While respecting everyone’s personal beliefs, this manual frames nonviolence resistance strictly as a practical, proven strategy. Research and experience—including Gene Sharp’s analysis of power, Amnesty International’s human-rights framework, and War Resisters International’s campaigns—demonstrate that organized, disciplined nonviolent action can be more effective than violence in creating lasting change.

Just as importantly, NVDA depends on keeping people safe. Safety measures like training participants, deploying marshals, practicing de-escalation, and preparing for risks are not merely supplemental precautions; they are the backbone of nonviolent discipline. Protecting yourself and those around you is part of what makes nonviolence powerful.

1. The Four Core Principles of Nonviolent Resistance

Power depends on consent. Governments and institutions rely on people’s cooperation to function. When enough people withdraw their consent—by refusing to obey, refusing to cooperate, or publicly resisting—those systems lose power.

Nonviolence is both ethical and strategic. Some people choose nonviolence because they believe violence is wrong; others choose it because history shows it works better. Different reasons for pursuing nonviolent methods should never be a barrier to people working together. Regardless of motive, discipline and safety remain the keys to success in the effective application of nonviolent methods.

Discipline under pressure manifests safety. Nonviolent action requires preparation and a shared commitment to stay calm and organized under stress. That discipline includes concrete safety practices—planning for risks, training participants, deploying marshals, and using de-escalation when needed. These habits keep individuals safe, strengthen group cohesion, and protect the credibility of the whole movement.

Solidarity builds strength. We are strongest when we act together. Mutual care, preparation, and communication make it possible for ordinary people to stand up to seemingly all-powerful regimes. Mutual aid—simply looking out for one another, sharing water, checking in, or watching for hazards—is crucial to the practice of nonviolent discipline.

2. Methods of Nonviolent Action

Protests and Persuasion — actions that express opposition or raise awareness. Examples include marches, rallies, petitions, vigils, and cultural expression such as songs or street theater.
Non-cooperation — actions that withhold support from unjust systems. Examples include economic boycotts, strikes, or refusal to comply with unfair rules.
Nonviolent Interventions — actions that directly disrupt harmful practices or create alternatives. Examples include sit-ins, blockades, encampments, and community-led mutual aid.

Whichever methods are used, safety measures remain central:

Honest, thorough risk and site assessments are essential when planning for safety.
Training in nonviolent resistance, distress tolerance, and de-escalation techniques helps groups be more disciplined, effective, and safe during NVDA.
NVDA marshals, medics, and legal observers all help keep NVDA disciplined, credible, and effective.
A complete debrief after every action helps groups improve over time in the practice of nonviolent discipline, effective NVDA planning, and collective safety.

3. Strategic Frameworks

Plan before you act. Spontaneous energy is valuable, but successful actions come from clear planning, training, and preparation.
Assess risks honestly. Every action carries legal, physical, and reputational risks. Preparing for those risks with safety measures is part of nonviolent discipline—drafting safety plans, training participants, deploying marshals, medics, and legal observers, establishing legal hotlines, and organizing as small “pods” or “affinity groups.”
Escalate thoughtfully. Movements often begin with persuasion (letters, rallies) and escalate to disruption (boycotts, sit-ins) when those in power refuse to listen.
Build coalitions. The broader and more diverse your base of support, the more resilient your movement becomes. Shared safety culture also strengthens trust across coalitions.

4. Global Lessons

Movements across the world show that disciplined nonviolent action—supported by safety and solidarity—can change history. In the U.S., civil-rights activists combined disciplined nonviolence with careful safety planning to dismantle legal segregation. In South Africa, boycotts and international solidarity helped end apartheid. In Poland and Serbia, organized strikes and disciplined public resistance toppled authoritarian governments.

These victories weren’t accidental. They relied on training, preparation, and a commitment to protecting people while confronting power—outcomes of intentional organizing.

Key Takeaways from Section I

Nonviolent action is active resistance, not passivity.
Power rests on consent; withdrawing that consent shifts power.
Discipline means more than staying calm—it means staying safe and organized.
Solidarity is expressed through care, preparation, and mutual protection.
Every method of action relies on safety measures to maintain credibility and effectiveness.

Section II

Basic NVDA Logistics

Nonviolent direct action (NVDA) is most effective when it looks effortless, but behind every smooth action is careful planning and clear structure. NVDA logistics contribute significantly to NVDA's safety, discipline, and focus. When participants know who is doing what, how to communicate, and what to expect, they can act with more confidence and unity. Logistics are not a distraction from nonviolent resistance; they are the essential details of how ordinary people can build and sustain a persistent movement of nonviolent resistance.

Some participants may take on specific logistical responsibilities to support the group. Even if you are not assigned one of these roles, it helps to know who is who. Recognize safety volunteers, legal observers/documentarians, and medics at your action. Respect their tasks, support them when asked, and remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility.

1. Volunteer Roles for NVDA

Offered here are descriptions of typical NVDA roles that contribute to logistical success, but this guidance is meant to be flexible. Familiarity with shared terminology and frameworks can help foster collaboration and build solidarity across a mass resistance movement, but this manual also recognizes and values diversity among nonviolent resistance groups. Different groups may organically develop distinct lexicons, innovative approaches, unique campaigns, and their own styles of action. Such diversity strengthens the layered network of nonviolent resistance groups our ultimate success will require. Each group must create a logistical framework consistent with their values, culture, and circumstances that supports the four core principles of nonviolent resistance: (1) withdrawal of consent to resist without violence, (2) in disciplined actions planned for safety, (3) deemed both ethically and strategically sound, and (4) as parts of sustained campaigns rooted in solidarity across broad coalitions.

More details about these roles can be found in Six Steps to A Safety Team, Appendix I: Detailed Safety Team Roles.

Organizers, Co-leads, and Coordinators

Every nonviolent resistance group and every NVDA begins with organizers. Organizers, co-leads, and coordinators set the goals, develop the plan, and make the strategic choices about time, place, and message. On the day of an action, they may take the lead in giving instructions, making adjustments, and calling the beginning or end of the event. In the best-organized NVDA, participants know who the organizers are, how to reach them, and how to follow their lead without confusion.

As for terminology, some groups will apply these terms interchangeably while others will follow a stricter pattern. Many groups prefer the title “co-lead” for all organizers, team leaders, and coordinators; its reinforcement of the safety rubric to work always in pairs or teams recommends its use highly. Other groups may use “team” nomenclature to similar effect. “Coordinator” sometimes designates a group leader focused on an area of the group’s work such as a specific campaign or area of ongoing logistics, or it may designate a role specific to a day of action. Successful nonviolent resistance requires individuals who are able and willing to take responsibility for organizing and growing groups, planning and implementing NVDA, sustaining long-term campaigns, and ultimately sharing accountability for the outcomes.

A note on leadership may be helpful here. Typically, in the context of community practice such as a nonviolent resistance movement, leaders may first emerge organically, but may then sometimes require intentional development. Effective group organizers understand that the ranks of leaders must grow with the movement. To facilitate that growth, they will seek, identify, and elevate individuals who demonstrate leadership skills by modeling healthy social participation, thinking strategically about the group, NVDA, and long-term campaigns, communicating their ideas effectively, and inspiring others. The most successful leaders are never jealous of rising talent because serious organizers are always looking for more help and trying to avoid the activist “burnout” phenomenon. Having a deep bench of capable leaders makes the movement more sustainable for the long haul.

Marshals and Safety Teams

The work of marshals, or safety volunteers, is integral to all NVDA. Their job is to help people participate safely, move through space together, and handle problems before they escalate. Marshals serve as the eyes and ears of organizers, reporting critical information back to team co-leads or coordinators. Marshals buffer interactions with police and counter-protesters, watch for hazards like traffic, and model calm and focused behavior. They are easy to identify by vests, armbands, or other markings, and they work in pairs or teams, always maintaining situational awareness. Please refer to the EPI NVDA Marshals Manual for a complete description of their duties and techniques.

Medics, First Aid Volunteers, and Emotional Support / Trauma Response Providers

Medics, first-aid providers, and emotional-support/trauma-response providers—like other safety volunteers—are essential to disciplined nonviolent resistance. The term “medic” typically refers to volunteers who are full-time or retired medical professionals, or are at least certified to provide first aid by the American Red Cross (ARC) or another certifying agency. Certification affirms medics have undergone hands-on training to provide frontline medical attention including “stop the bleeding,” CPR, and AED, and have passed certification tests on that material. For some NVDA, the medic may be stationed at a fixed location such as a well-marked “First Aid Tent” with access to a complete medical kit. Groups able to recruit volunteer medics can ensure participants that expert medical help is always on hand.

Additionally, this guidance recommends groups recruit volunteers who are not necessarily ARC-certified and, using training materials emphasizing NVDA participants’ most likely needs, train them to provide basic first aid during NVDA. Those most likely needs include minor cuts and scrapes, minor sprains, dehydration, and exposure to toxic chemicals, extreme weather, or very loud noise. These volunteers can roam the action in pairs carrying small portable first-aid kits customized for those issues most commonly arising at NVDA, as listed above. [A Basic First Aid for NVDA manual is under development.]

Legal Observers and Documentarians

In the context of NVDA, the term “legal observer” typically refers to a third-party actor from an outside group such as the National Lawyers Guild, respected for its neutrality and professionalism. The role of such an observer is to witness and document any incidents or situations that may be the subject of legal action in the future. Organizers are generally right to welcome such objective observers and instruct their own group’s volunteers to avoid interfering in any way with their work.

However, this guidance recognizes that sufficient numbers of trained and geographically well-situated third-party legal observers are unlikely to be readily available to a rapidly growing mass resistance movement now gaining momentum in cities and countryside alike. This insufficiency could make groups and individuals vulnerable to suspect claims of opponents, troublemakers, or law enforcement, and perhaps bring discredit to the entire movement. Accordingly, groups may benefit from training their own legal observers who apply the same knowledge and methods as third-party observers while ultimately remaining allegiant to the cause of the nonviolent resistance group or action.

Moreover, when a nonviolent resistance group confronts an opponent that weaponizes that group’s marginalization (e.g., the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power during the 20th-century AIDS crisis), deploying its own trained volunteers as additional eyewitnesses helps ensure the physical and legal safety of participants, maintain nonviolent discipline, and deepen solidarity—reinforcing core principles of nonviolent resistance.

Like third-party legal observers, the group’s legal observers do not take part in the action or visibly demonstrate in any way. They restrict their participation to observing law enforcement, counter-protesters, any escalated incident attached to the action or its participants, and ongoing risks such as traffic patterns. Legal observers generally position themselves at the edge of the action where they can easily observe and document interactions between the NVDA’s vanguard, counter-protesters, law-enforcement officers, passersby, and bystanders.

Like safety volunteers, legal observers must maintain situational awareness at all times, prepared to record or take notes as needed. Such recordings and notes must be suitable to present as evidence in court. This requirement creates a synchronicity with the role of documentarians, who are also trained to document interactions between protesters and police and counter-protesters.

To streamline team building, therefore, many groups may want to train legal observers and documentarians together and deploy them in pairs to share the work of observing and documenting incidents or activity potentially subject to legal action. [Guidance for groups choosing this approach is under development.]

Section III

Know Your Rights

Nonviolent resistance depends on knowledge and preparation. One of the most important areas of preparation is understanding your legal rights when participating in protest or other forms of nonviolent direct action (NVDA). Laws vary by state and municipality, but there are basic rights protected by the U.S. Constitution that apply to everyone in the United States. Knowing these rights—and how to exercise them calmly and effectively—can help keep you and others safe.

1. The Right to Assemble and Speak

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech, the press, religion, and assembly. That means you have the right to gather peacefully in public spaces and express your views without government interference. However, governments can impose certain “time, place, and manner” restrictions, such as requiring permits for marches or limiting amplified sound at certain hours.

If you plan a large march or rally that may block traffic, use sound equipment, or take place in a park or on a street, you may need a permit. Check your city’s procedures well in advance, and keep a copy of your permit on hand during the event. Spontaneous demonstrations responding to breaking news are often protected even without permits, but police may still direct participants to move for safety reasons.

2. The Right to Record

Courts have consistently upheld the public’s right to photograph and record police and other public officials performing their duties in public spaces, as long as you do not interfere with their work. Always remain calm and respectful. Do not physically obstruct officers. If ordered to stop recording, you may calmly state, “I am lawfully recording and not interfering.” Do not resist arrest if officers ignore your statement—note their names and badge numbers if possible and contact legal support later.

3. Interacting with Law Enforcement

You have the right to remain silent. You cannot be punished for refusing to answer questions. To exercise this right, say clearly, “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
You have the right to ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, calmly walk away.
You have the right to refuse a search. You can say, “I do not consent to a search.” Police may still pat you down if they suspect you are armed, but you can make your refusal clear for the record.
If you are arrested, ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not sign or agree to anything without legal counsel. You have the right to make a local phone call—law enforcement cannot listen if you call a lawyer.

4. If You Are Stopped in a Vehicle

Drivers must show license, registration, and proof of insurance when asked. Passengers are not required to provide ID unless the officer reasonably suspects they have committed a crime. Keep your hands visible. You can record the interaction, provided you do not interfere.

5. If You Are Arrested or Detained

Stay calm. Do not resist, even if you believe the arrest is unlawful. Ask what you are being arrested for. Remember the names and badge numbers of officers and witnesses if possible. You have the right to remain silent and to speak to an attorney before answering any questions. Do not discuss the incident with others in custody or over the phone (except with your lawyer), as conversations may be recorded.

Memorize a legal hotline or the phone number of a trusted contact in case your phone is confiscated. Many protest organizers write a legal hotline number on their arm in permanent marker before an action.

6. Special Considerations for Immigrants and Other Vulnerable Communities

Immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and others who are frequently targeted by law enforcement may face additional risks. Non-citizens should consult an immigration lawyer before engaging in NVDA that could result in arrest. Ask whether participation could affect your immigration status or future applications.

Documented incidents of unequal treatment by police make it especially important for allies and organizers to prioritize safety planning, visible identification of marshals and legal observers, and solidarity practices that minimize exposure for those most at risk.

7. Resources

Key Takeaways from Section III

Your rights include freedom of speech, assembly, and press under the First Amendment.
You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer if detained or arrested.
You may record public officials performing their duties in public as long as you do not interfere.
Stay calm, do not resist, and assert your rights clearly and peacefully.
Know and support those in your community who face higher risks from law enforcement.

Section IV

De-escalation and Conflict Management

De-escalation is the practice of reducing tension and preventing harm during stressful or potentially volatile situations. In nonviolent direct action (NVDA), de-escalation is part of the discipline that keeps people safe and sustains the credibility of the movement. Every participant—especially marshals, safety volunteers, and organizers—should understand basic de-escalation techniques.

1. The Goal of De-escalation

The goal of de-escalation is not to “win” a confrontation but to prevent harm and maintain nonviolent discipline. When tensions rise, your objective is to keep everyone—including opponents and bystanders—safe enough to disengage without violence. This helps preserve the focus on the issue rather than the conflict itself.

2. Mindset and Preparation

Stay calm and grounded. Breathe steadily. Speak slowly. Remember that your calm presence can influence others.
Know your triggers. Anticipate what language, tone, or body posture could make you react defensively. Practice remaining neutral.
Work in pairs. Always have a partner who can step in if emotions rise too high or if you need support.
Use your body language intentionally. Keep your hands visible, posture relaxed, and facial expression neutral. Avoid pointing or crossing your arms.

3. Techniques for Interacting with Agitated Individuals

Introduce yourself calmly. Use your name and role if relevant (“Hi, I’m part of the safety team”). This signals accountability and humanity.
Listen first. Allow the person to speak without interruption. Sometimes just being heard lowers tension.
Validate feelings without agreeing or arguing. Say things like, “I hear that you’re upset,” or “I can see this is really important to you.”
Set boundaries respectfully. If someone moves too close or starts yelling, step back and say, “I want to hear you, but I need some space.”
Redirect attention. If the conversation becomes unproductive, gently shift focus to the larger purpose of the action or invite the person to speak with a marshal or organizer.
Know when to disengage. If a situation feels unsafe or unmanageable, back away and get help from other marshals or law enforcement if necessary.

4. Managing Confrontations with Counter-protesters

Counter-protesters may try to provoke reactions to discredit the movement or create viral moments. Maintain nonviolent discipline at all times:

Do not engage in verbal arguments or physical contact.
Assign marshals or safety volunteers to serve as a buffer zone between groups.
Chant or sing together to keep focus on your message rather than on the confrontation.
If someone crosses the line into harassment or assault, document the incident and report it to legal observers and organizers immediately.

5. Working with Law Enforcement During Escalations

While interactions with police vary widely by location and circumstance, the guiding principles remain the same: remain calm, follow instructions when legally required, and avoid physical confrontation. Marshals or designated police liaisons should communicate with officers on behalf of the group when possible.

Use clear, factual language when addressing officers.
Do not argue or make sudden movements.
If ordered to disperse, calmly notify organizers and participants so everyone can leave together.
Document interactions when it is safe and lawful to do so.

6. Post-Action Debrief and Emotional Care

After every NVDA, groups should hold a short debrief to discuss what went well, what could be improved, and whether anyone experienced distress or trauma. Psychological safety is part of physical safety. Encourage participants to talk about their experiences, offer peer support, and identify resources for counseling or trauma care if needed.

Key Takeaways from Section IV

De-escalation is about preventing harm and maintaining focus on the cause, not about “winning.”
Staying calm, listening, and validating feelings can quickly reduce tension.
Always work in pairs and maintain relaxed, non-threatening body language.
Do not engage with counter-protesters—focus on safety and solidarity instead.
Debrief after every action to strengthen both safety and emotional resilience.

Section V

Sources

This manual is compiled from various sources, including the pers… encouraged to explore these sources to learn more. They include:

ACT UP New York. Action = Life: A Grassroots Guide to Direct A… Project: https://actuporalhistory.org/actions/action-life.html]
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Know Your Rights: Demonstrations and Protests. New York: ACLU, updated 2021. https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights
Chenoweth, Erica, and Maria J. Stephan. Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict. New York: Columbia University Press, 2011.
Chicago Community Bond Fund. About Us / Resources. Chicago: CCBF. https://chicagobond.org
Civil Liberties Defense Center (CLDC). Know Your Rights Resources. Eugene, OR: CLDC. https://cldc.org
Deming, Barbara. Revolution and Equilibrium. New York: Grossman Publishers, 1968.
East Point Peace Academy. NVDA Training Outlines. Oakland, CA: East Point Peace Academy. https://eastpointpeace.org
Movement for Black Lives (M4BL). National Bail Fund Network Toolkit. https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-toolkit
National Lawyers Guild (NLG). Mass Defense Program. New York: NLG. https://www.nlg.org/massdefense/
Nonviolent Peaceforce. Training Resources. St. Paul, MN: Nonviolent Peaceforce. https://nonviolentpeaceforce.org
Sharp, Gene. From Dictatorship to Democracy: A Conceptual Framework for Liberation. Boston: The Albert Einstein Institution, 1993.
Sharp, Gene. The Politics of Nonviolent Action. Boston: Porter Sargent, 1973.
Sharp, Gene. Sharp’s Dictionary of Power and Struggle. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012.
War Resisters International (WRI). Handbook for Nonviolent Campaigns. 2nd ed. London: War Resisters International, 2014.

MODULE 1B – Six Steps to a Safety Team +

Developing an effective team of volunteers to keep everyone safe during nonviolent direct action (NVDA) requires preparation, communication, and shared commitment. Safety Teams provide structure, discipline, and confidence for everyone participating in public demonstrations, marches, rallies, and other actions. This section outlines a practical, step-by-step process for creating or strengthening a Safety Team that fits your group’s needs and capacity.

The “six steps” model presented here is adaptable for groups of any size, whether you are forming your first Safety Team or refining an existing one. Each step builds on the previous one, establishing a framework for effective coordination, volunteer management, and sustainable nonviolent practice.

Step 1 – Design the Team

The first step is to design your team’s structure. Consider the goals, values, and resources of your group. Think through what safety means in your particular context—physical, emotional, digital, and legal safety are all part of the picture. The design process should include conversations among organizers, prospective volunteers, and experienced members who have participated in previous NVDA.

Clarify purpose and scope. Define what your Safety Team is responsible for. Will it manage only day-of-action safety, or will it also address digital and long-term safety planning?
Establish guiding principles. Ground your team in nonviolent discipline, respect, inclusivity, and mutual care. Adopt clear expectations for conduct and accountability.
Map your needs. Identify typical risks your group faces (traffic, counter-protesters, weather, arrests, online harassment) and what safety roles or resources could mitigate them.
Draft a basic framework. Sketch the number and types of roles you’ll need (marshals, medics, communications, logistics, etc.) and how they will coordinate. This draft will evolve as you move through the next steps.

When possible, consult with experienced activists, legal observers, or community safety trainers who can review your draft plan. Early collaboration helps align your Safety Team with best practices used across movements and ensures your structure supports both effectiveness and well-being.

Step 2 – Designate Leadership Roles

Once the overall structure of your Safety Team is drafted, the next step is to identify the people who will take on specific leadership responsibilities. These roles are not about hierarchy but about clarity—knowing who is responsible for what so the group can act efficiently, safely, and with trust. Leadership in nonviolent movements is about coordination and service to the whole.

Identify team coordinators or co-leads. These individuals oversee the entire Safety Team, maintain communication with event organizers, and make time-sensitive decisions during an action. In most groups, two or more co-leads share responsibility for redundancy and mutual support.
Appoint role-specific leads. Depending on the size of your team, you may have leads for marshals, medics, communications, or logistics. Each lead ensures volunteers in their area are trained, equipped, and supported.
Designate a communication lead. This person maintains the team’s internal communication plan—distributing radios or phones, sharing updates, and ensuring messages reach the right people quickly. During NVDA, clear communication prevents confusion and helps keep participants safe.
Assign documentation and data security oversight. Decide who will manage sign-in sheets, volunteer rosters, or other records, and how that information will be stored securely. Protect personal information and avoid collecting unnecessary data that could endanger volunteers if compromised.
Clarify chain of communication. Everyone on the Safety Team should know whom to contact in an emergency, who has decision-making authority on-site, and how to reach them.

Remember that every Safety Team lead is also a safety volunteer. Titles do not grant privilege—they clarify responsibility. Effective leadership requires humility, accountability, and commitment to the group’s shared principles of nonviolence and care.

Each of these leadership roles should be documented in your team’s internal guide or binder so future members can quickly understand how responsibilities are distributed. Succession planning—training backups for each role—helps prevent burnout and ensures continuity if someone cannot serve during a future action.

Step 3 – Identify Training Resources

Training is the foundation of a disciplined and safe Safety Team. It builds the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary for volunteers to carry out their roles effectively. Training also reinforces the group’s shared principles of nonviolence, mutual respect, and care for all participants. The more your Safety Team practices together, the stronger and safer your actions will be.

Start by identifying what kinds of training your team will need. Each Safety Team is different, but most benefit from instruction in these areas:

Nonviolent Direct Action (NVDA) principles and tactics — understanding nonviolent strategy, legal risks, and protest logistics.
De-escalation and conflict management — techniques for calming tense situations and protecting participants.
Legal rights and observing protocols — how to respond to police interactions and document incidents appropriately.
First aid and trauma response — how to assist injured or distressed participants safely.
Digital and communications security — protecting sensitive information, secure messaging, and safe social media use.
Accessibility and inclusion — ensuring everyone, regardless of ability or identity, can participate safely.

Training can take many forms: workshops, scenario-based exercises, tabletop simulations, or peer-to-peer mentoring. When possible, invite experienced trainers—especially those with backgrounds in NVDA, street medicine, or de-escalation—to facilitate sessions for your team.

Many reputable organizations provide free or low-cost training resources, including:

East Point Peace Academy — Nonviolence and de-escalation training curricula.
Civil Liberties Defense Center (CLDC) — “Know Your Rights” workshops and legal observer materials.
Nonviolent Peaceforce — Training guides for unarmed civilian protection and accompaniment.
Amnesty International USA — Activist safety and digital security resources.
National Lawyers Guild (NLG) Mass Defense Program — legal education and field resources for protest defense.

Document each completed training session in your Safety Team’s records, noting the date, trainer, and participants. Over time, build a “living library” of materials your group can reuse—slides, handouts, or checklists—to onboard new volunteers quickly and consistently.

Regular refresher training keeps skills sharp and confidence high. Incorporate short review sessions before major actions, and encourage volunteers to practice scenarios periodically to maintain readiness.

Step 4 – Recruit Volunteers

Recruiting volunteers is about building community and resilience. A strong Safety Team reflects the diversity, skills, and values of your broader organization or coalition. The more inclusive your outreach, the stronger and safer your actions will be. Recruitment should be intentional, transparent, and grounded in the same principles of nonviolence and mutual care that guide the team’s work.

Start with existing networks. Begin by asking within your Indivisible group or partner organizations for people interested in safety work. Highlight that every role—from marshals to medics to communications—contributes to keeping participants safe.
Reach out beyond the core group. Engage allied organizations, community groups, and local activists who share your values. Invite people who bring diverse experience—teachers, social-workers, veterans, healthcare workers, students, elders, and more. Each perspective strengthens the team.
Be clear about expectations. Let prospective volunteers know what the Safety Team does and does not do. Emphasize nonviolence, discipline, and teamwork. Explain that all volunteers will receive training before serving in the field.
Match skills to roles. Some volunteers may already have relevant backgrounds—medical training, crisis counseling, logistics, or security awareness. Others may be new but eager to learn. Create space for both experienced and new participants to contribute meaningfully.
Encourage co-leadership and mentorship. Pair new volunteers with experienced members. Mentorship helps transfer skills, sustain engagement, and prevent burnout.
Practice inclusion and accessibility. Ensure recruitment materials and meetings are accessible to people with disabilities, language differences, or limited transportation. Accessibility is a key part of safety.

Recruitment is ongoing, not a one-time event. Continue inviting new volunteers after every major action or meeting. Publicly thank and recognize your Safety Team members—celebrating their service encourages others to join.

Keep accurate volunteer contact lists, but protect privacy. Use secure communication platforms, restrict access to need-to-know information, and regularly update records to remove outdated data. Always ask permission before sharing a volunteer’s name, photo, or contact details outside the team.

By recruiting thoughtfully and inclusively, you build a Safety Team that represents your movement’s best values—courage, solidarity, and care for all.

Step 5 – Equip Volunteers

Once you have recruited and trained your volunteers, the next step is to make sure everyone has the tools and information they need to perform their roles safely and effectively. Proper equipment—both physical and informational—can make the difference between a smooth, coordinated action and a chaotic or unsafe one.

1. Essential Supplies

Identification. Provide visible identifiers such as vests, armbands, or badges for marshals, medics, and other Safety Team members. These markers help participants and bystanders recognize who to approach for help.
Communication devices. Radios, secure messaging apps, or phones with charged power banks allow teams to relay information quickly during an action. Test all devices beforehand.
First-aid and medical supplies. Each team should maintain at least one fully stocked kit, including basic wound-care materials, electrolyte packets, gloves, and eye-wash for exposure to irritants. Medics may carry additional trauma supplies.
Weather-appropriate gear. Encourage volunteers to dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water, sunscreen, and rain protection.
Documentation tools. Cameras, notepads, or secure digital apps for legal observers and documentarians. Always ensure recordings comply with privacy and consent standards.

2. Information and Planning Tools

Safety Plan Binder or Digital Folder. Include site maps, emergency contacts, team rosters, legal hotline numbers, and communication protocols. Distribute both printed and digital copies to leads.
Incident-report templates. Pre-formatted forms help teams record issues consistently for later review or legal follow-up.
Checklists and briefings. Use short checklists for pre-event setup, mid-event monitoring, and post-event debriefing to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Accessibility resources. Include translation cards, sensory-friendly aids, or mobility support plans as appropriate for your community.

3. Health and Safety Precautions

Encourage volunteers to know their physical limits and stay hydrated.
Assign a “wellness lead” or rotating buddy to check in with teammates during long actions.
Have contingency plans for heat, cold, or hazardous-air conditions.
Maintain COVID-19 or other public-health protocols if applicable.

Before every NVDA, conduct a short equipment check and review emergency contacts. Confirm that all Safety Team members know where to find supplies and who is responsible for returning or restocking them afterward.

When resources are limited, prioritize essentials: communication, first aid, visibility, and hydration. Over time, fundraising or partnership with allied organizations can expand your team’s capacity.

Properly equipped volunteers are safer, more confident, and more effective—demonstrating the discipline and care that define successful nonviolent action.

Step 6 – Deploy Volunteers

The final step is putting your Safety Team into action. Deployment means more than just showing up on the day of an event—it includes pre-action briefings, real-time coordination, and post-action follow-up. Clear communication, preparation, and calm execution are the hallmarks of a disciplined, nonviolent Safety Team.

1. Pre-Action Briefing

Gather the full Safety Team before the event begins. Review the plan, communication channels, and emergency procedures.
Distribute radios, identifiers, and any printed safety materials. Ensure everyone knows their sector or assigned location.
Confirm that marshals, medics, and legal observers all understand their zones of responsibility and how to relay information to coordinators.
Remind volunteers to maintain nonviolent discipline, remain calm under stress, and model respectful behavior at all times.

2. During the Action

Leads should monitor radio channels or text threads for updates and respond quickly to any developing issues.
Marshals help manage crowd flow, watch for hazards, and maintain contact with organizers.
Medics and trauma-response volunteers remain visible and ready to assist without obstructing movement.
Legal observers and documentarians record incidents objectively and transmit information securely.
Communications leads relay real-time information between the field and the organizing team.

3. Post-Action Debrief

Gather the team as soon as practical after the event to discuss what went well and what could be improved.
Collect incident reports, photos, and notes from legal observers for secure storage.
Check in on volunteers’ emotional well-being—debriefing is part of safety.
Identify any follow-up needs, such as legal support, public statements, or equipment replacement.

After each action, update your Safety Team manual or digital binder with lessons learned. These notes will strengthen future planning and training. Recognize and thank every volunteer for their service; sustaining morale is essential for long-term resilience.

Next Steps and Appendices

Module 1B.a.i. – Appendix I. Detailed Safety Team Roles

Module 1B.a.II. – Appendix II. Event Safety Plan Questionnaire

Module 1B.a.III. – Appendix III. Protest-ready First Aid Kit Inventories

Module 1B.a.IV. – Appendix IV. Emergency Contact Sheets for Volunteers

Module 1B.a.V. – Appendix V. Volunteer Database Management Template

Module 1B.a.i – Appendix I. Detailed Safety Team Roles +

Six Steps to a Safety Team

Appendix I – Detailed Safety Team Role Descriptions

Section A. Frontline Volunteers

Safety Marshals

Safety Marshals are responsible for the physical safety of participants and for maintaining nonviolent discipline during direct actions, marches, rallies, and public demonstrations. They serve as a bridge between participants, organizers, and law enforcement, ensuring that everyone understands and follows the agreed-upon plans and safety protocols.

Marshals are easily identifiable by their vests, armbands, or other visible markings. Their primary duties include helping direct crowd movement, monitoring the surrounding environment for potential hazards, and de-escalating conflicts before they escalate. They also communicate with the Safety Team Co-Leads to report emerging issues and receive guidance.

Each Marshal must work in pairs or teams for mutual support and accountability. They should be trained in nonviolent direct action (NVDA), de-escalation, and crowd safety tactics. Good Marshals are calm under pressure, attentive to their surroundings, and able to give clear directions without confrontation. They must embody the principles of discipline, respect, and mutual care that define nonviolent resistance.

First Aid Providers

First Aid Providers deliver on-the-spot medical attention during protests and other direct actions. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that participants receive timely, appropriate care for minor injuries or medical issues while awaiting professional medical assistance if needed. They should have up-to-date first-aid or CPR certification and operate in pairs for safety and accountability.

Each provider should carry a stocked first-aid kit appropriate for the event’s scale, weather, and location. Basic supplies may include gloves, disinfectant, adhesive bandages, elastic wraps, electrolyte packets, and any additional items recommended by local medics or safety trainers. They must maintain confidentiality regarding participants’ health and document any incidents accurately for debriefing after the event.

De-escalators

De-escalators help maintain nonviolent discipline and prevent conflicts from escalating. They monitor body language and emotional tone within crowds, intervening early when tension begins to rise. Their tools are empathy, active listening, calm presence, and respect. De-escalators are never enforcers; their strength lies in their ability to connect and defuse.

All de-escalators should be trained in nonviolent communication techniques and understand group dynamics. Working in teams of two or more, they should position themselves near potential flashpoints—such as protest perimeters, entrances, or interactions with counter-protesters—and maintain communication with Marshals and Safety Team Co-Leads. Effective de-escalators help keep everyone focused on the action’s goals rather than reacting to provocation.

Documentarians

Documentarians record key moments of the action for both safety and accountability. Their role is to collect evidence of events as they occur—especially any incidents involving harassment, aggression, or unlawful behavior by opposing groups or authorities. Documentation can protect participants legally and strengthen the movement’s credibility in public communications.

Documentarians must balance transparency and privacy. They should obtain consent whenever possible and avoid publishing identifiable images of participants without permission. All recordings, notes, and photographs should be stored securely, with backups protected from unauthorized access. Coordination with Legal Observers ensures that documentation meets evidentiary standards if incidents require legal follow-up.

Legal Observers

Legal Observers are trained volunteers who monitor police conduct and protect participants’ rights during public demonstrations. They typically operate under the guidance of organizations like the National Lawyers Guild or the Civil Liberties Defense Center. Legal Observers do not participate in the protest itself—they observe, record, and report.

Observers should wear visible identifiers and carry notepads or recording devices. Their notes must include times, locations, names, and badge numbers of officers, and descriptions of incidents such as arrests or use of force. Legal Observers must remain neutral and never interfere with police operations or protesters’ activities. Their work provides critical evidence for legal defense and accountability efforts.

Emotional Support and Trauma Response Providers

Emotional Support and Trauma Response Providers assist participants experiencing distress, anxiety, or trauma before, during, or after an action. They offer grounding, reassurance, and access to professional mental-health resources when appropriate. Their presence reinforces the principle that safety includes emotional well-being as well as physical protection.

Volunteers in this role may have backgrounds in counseling, crisis intervention, or peer support, but professional credentials are not required. What matters most is compassion, discretion, and an ability to stay calm under pressure. They should maintain confidentiality, respect boundaries, and coordinate with Safety Team Co-Leads if someone requires medical or logistical assistance beyond their scope.

After each action, Emotional Support and Trauma Response Providers help facilitate debrief circles or check-ins, ensuring volunteers have space to process experiences, share lessons, and recover emotionally. Their work sustains morale and resilience within the movement.

Section B. Leadership Roles

Safety Team Co-Leads

Safety Team Co-Leads coordinate all aspects of the Safety Team’s planning, deployment, and follow-up. They share responsibility for managing volunteer assignments, communicating with event organizers, and ensuring that all safety protocols are implemented effectively. Co-Leads are accountable for upholding the principles of nonviolent discipline and for modeling the behavior expected of all team members.

Before an event, Co-Leads oversee recruitment, training, and equipment distribution. During an action, they monitor overall conditions and make decisions in consultation with other leads. Afterward, they facilitate debriefing, collect reports, and initiate any necessary follow-up or corrective actions. The Co-Lead structure ensures redundancy—if one is unavailable, the other can step in without disruption.

Effective Co-Leads are calm under pressure, highly organized, and capable of clear communication. They must also prioritize care for volunteers, recognizing that safety work can be physically and emotionally demanding.

Marshal Co-Lead

The Marshal Co-Lead supervises all marshals before, during, and after direct actions. This person ensures that every marshal is properly trained, equipped, and assigned. On the day of the event, the Marshal Co-Lead designates team zones, coordinates with Communications and Safety Co-Leads, and monitors for issues that could endanger participants or disrupt nonviolent discipline.

The Marshal Co-Lead should maintain regular check-ins with marshals during the event via radio, phone, or visual contact. After the action, they debrief the marshal team, gather incident reports, and submit key information to the Safety Team Co-Leads for documentation. Experience with crowd management, NVDA, and de-escalation is highly valuable for this position.

Communications Co-Lead

The Communications Co-Lead manages all internal communication systems for the Safety Team. They are responsible for maintaining the flow of accurate, timely information between marshals, medics, legal observers, and event organizers. During actions, the Communications Co-Lead monitors designated channels, relays updates, and ensures that safety information reaches the appropriate people quickly.

Before an event, they coordinate radio or messaging setups, distribute equipment, and confirm that all devices are functioning. They also draft and share communication protocols, including radio codes or secure messaging practices. After the action, the Communications Co-Lead collects and secures all communication logs for review during debriefing.

Strong candidates for this role are detail-oriented, tech-savvy, and skilled at multitasking under pressure. The Communications Co-Lead plays a key role in ensuring the team’s cohesion and situational awareness throughout an action.

Legal Co-Lead

The Legal Co-Lead ensures that all aspects of the Safety Team’s work comply with legal standards and that participants understand their rights and responsibilities. This role coordinates with external legal organizations—such as the National Lawyers Guild or the Civil Liberties Defense Center—to arrange legal observer coverage and provide “Know Your Rights” resources.

Before each action, the Legal Co-Lead distributes hotline numbers, bail fund contacts, and arrest information sheets to participants. They also brief volunteers on how to respond to detainment or questioning. During the event, they monitor communication with legal observers and report any arrests or legal issues to the Safety Team Co-Leads. After the event, the Legal Co-Lead assists with legal follow-up, documentation, and data protection related to incident reports.

Strong candidates for this role are familiar with protest law, privacy rights, and the importance of maintaining accurate records. They must handle sensitive information discreetly and maintain trust across all teams.

Medical Co-Lead

The Medical Co-Lead oversees all first-aid and trauma-response volunteers. This person ensures that medics and first-aid providers are properly trained, equipped, and briefed on safety protocols. The Medical Co-Lead develops medical plans for each action, including staging areas, triage points, and evacuation routes if necessary.

During events, the Medical Co-Lead monitors team readiness, responds to urgent situations, and coordinates with outside emergency services when required. After the action, they review all medical reports, restock supplies, and debrief the medical team to improve future response procedures.

Ideal Medical Co-Leads combine practical first-aid experience with organizational skills. They must maintain participant confidentiality, model calm decision-making, and prioritize the well-being of all volunteers and demonstrators.

Logistics Co-Lead

The Logistics Co-Lead manages the physical and operational needs of the Safety Team. Responsibilities include organizing supply inventories, coordinating transportation, arranging meeting spaces, and ensuring all equipment—such as radios, banners, or water stations—is ready for use.

Before actions, the Logistics Co-Lead develops checklists and assigns volunteers to handle setup and teardown. They work closely with the Communications and Marshal Co-Leads to identify key staging locations and manage flow throughout the day. After the event, they oversee cleanup, inventory reconciliation, and equipment repair or replacement as needed.

Logistics Co-Leads are detail-oriented problem solvers who anticipate challenges before they arise. Their behind-the-scenes work allows others to perform their duties effectively, helping ensure every action runs smoothly from beginning to end.

Closing Notes

Each Safety Team role contributes to a collective system of care, discipline, and accountability. Whether on the front line or behind the scenes, every volunteer plays a vital part in maintaining safety and embodying the principles of nonviolent resistance. Clear communication, proper training, and mutual support make it possible for movements to sustain themselves and protect their people over time.

Safety is solidarity in action. When groups commit to these principles, they not only safeguard participants but also strengthen the moral and strategic power of their cause.

Module 1B.a.i – Appendix I. Detailed Safety Team Roles +

Six Steps to a Safety Team

Appendix I – Detailed Safety Team Role Descriptions

Section A. Frontline Volunteers

Safety Marshals

First Aid Providers

De-escalators

Documentarians

Legal Observers

Emotional Support and Trauma Response Providers

Section B. Leadership Roles

Safety Team Co-Leads

Marshal Co-Lead

Communications Co-Lead

Legal Co-Lead

Medical Co-Lead

Logistics Co-Lead

Closing Notes

Safety is solidarity in action. When groups commit to these principles, they not only safeguard participants but also strengthen the moral and strategic power of their cause.

Module 1B.a.II – Appendix II. Event Safety Plan Questionnaire +

Six Steps to a Safety Team

Appendix II – Nonviolent Direct Action (NVDA) Safety Plan Questionnaire and Generator

Follow the the prompts and respond to the questions to:

complete a comprehensive protest safety plan customized for your action,
assess the strengths and weaknesses of the group’s safety team and protocols, and
double check that organizers and safety team volunteers have taken every appropriate precaution for the upcoming action, and volunteers will be fully prepared..

This guidance offers a maximalist approach, and some of the recommendations and questions may be more appropriate for groups with experience planning NVDA and experienced volunteers. Every group begins somewhere, and even a great deal of training will be learned best on paper before putting them to test in the streets.

There are many approaches to creating safety plans, a number of which are included in the resource library. The following questions provide a framework to help groups outline a simple, robust plan that can be adapted to what is best for their group’s values, needs, and circumstances.

1. Purpose and Principles

What are the objectives of the protest?
What message is it meant to send?
How will volunteers state and share the group’s commitment to nonviolence?
Will volunteers distribute a code of conduct for participants?

2. Risk Assessment

Describe potential risks such as police tactics, counter-protesters, hostile vehicles, and surveillance.
Describe any environmental hazards such as weather, terrain, crowd choke points, and traffic intersections.
Include map(s) of action location(s), noting high-risk areas and safe zones.
Will the organization be pulling permits for this action? Detail the scope and limits of those permits. Where appropriate, include permit application and related communications in the plan.
What relevant local ordinances should organizers and volunteers review and understand? What is the expected posture of law enforcement?

3. Accessibility and Inclusion

How will your plan ensure everyone—people with disabilities, elders, people with language differences, and other frequently marginalized participants—can participate safely and fully?
How will information be distributed to ensure accessibility (translations, large print, alt-text for images, ASL interpretation)?
What are the accessible routes for assembly, action, and dispersal?
Are there quiet or sensory-friendly zones or breaks available?

4. Medical and Emotional Safety

How many first aid providers or medics will be present? How will they be identified?
Where will first aid and wellness stations be located?
What supplies will be available?
What is the plan for emotional support and trauma response during and after the action?
Where are the nearest hospitals and clinics? Include addresses and routes if possible.

5. Safety Team Roles and Assignments

List Safety Team Co-Leads.
List Marshals / Safety Volunteers.
List First Aid Providers / Medics.
List Legal Observers and/or Legal Co-Lead.
List Communications Co-Lead.
List Logistics Co-Lead.
List Emotional Support / Debrief coordinators.

6. Equipment and Supplies

What equipment will be required for safety and communications (radios, batteries, vests, armbands, whistles, first-aid kits, water, signage)?
How will supplies be transported and distributed?
Who is responsible for inventory and restocking after the event?

7. Site Plan

Where is the assembly point?
What is the planned route, if any?
Where are the staging areas for marshals, medics, and communications?
Where are the dispersal points? What are the best routes to leave safely?

8. Police and Counter-Protest Preparedness

What is the expected police presence?
Who will serve as police liaison(s)?
What are the plans to avoid confrontations with counter-protesters?
How will volunteers handle provocations and attempts to escalate?
How will legal observers document incidents?

9. De-escalation and Conflict Management

What are the de-escalation protocols?
How will de-escalators be positioned and identified?
What is the plan for removing individuals who refuse to abide by nonviolent discipline?

10. Leadership and Decision-Making

Who has authority to make time-sensitive decisions on site?
How will decisions be communicated to marshals and other volunteers?
Document the chain of command here and indicate how it will be shared to all volunteers.

11. Communication Plan

How will radios and/or secure messaging apps be tested and assigned?
Have hand signals or other backup communication methods been prepared?
Will marshals be carrying whistles? If so, have they been taught how to signal SOS in Morse code and to recognize it when they hear it?
List any printed maps, “ico emergency” cards, “know your rights” cards, and other materials that will be distributed to event participants. Append copies to this plan.
What will be the communication chain for relaying urgent updates during the event?

12. Post-Event Debrief and Support

How will emotional and medical aftercare resources be communicated to participants?
Provide date time and location of scheduled debriefing for safety team volunteers. After the debrief is complete, append notes and conclusions here.
Likewise append all incident reports compiled and shared with legal teams.
What went well or worked smoothly? What didn’t?
What lessons have the event organizers and safety team learned from this event? How can they do better?
In what way should the safety team update its framework of precautions?

Module 1B.a.III – Appendix III. Protest First Aid Kit Inventories +

Six Steps to a Safety Team

Appendix III
Protest First Aid Kit Inventories

I. Inventory for First Aid Supplies: Fixed First Aid Station

Personal Protection & Tools

20–30 pairs nitrile gloves (non-latex, assorted sizes)
Face shields or safety goggles (for volunteer medics)
N95 or KN95 masks (10–12 count)
Ear protection (foam earplugs, 10+ pairs)
Trauma shears (2 pairs)
Tweezers
Digital thermometer
Disposable CPR face masks or pocket resuscitator (2 units)
Hand sanitizer (medium bottle)

Trauma & Wound Care

Adhesive bandages (various sizes, 50–100 ct)
Hydrocolloid bandages (10 small, 10 large)
Sterile gauze pads (4″×4″, 25 ct)
Sterile gauze pads (2″×2″, 25 ct)
ABD/trauma pads (5″×9″, 10 ct)
Non-stick wound pads (10 ct)
Rolled gauze wraps (3″ width, 5 rolls)
Elastic self-adhering wrap (Coban) (2 rolls)
Medical tape (paper or cloth, 2 rolls)
Butterfly bandages (10 ct)
Finger splints or SAM splints (2)
Instant cold packs (6)

Cleaning & Infection Control

Alcohol prep pads (25–50 individually wrapped)
Sterile saline wipes (25 ct)
Sterile eyewash bottles (2 × 16 oz)
Antiseptic solution (e.g., povidone-iodine, small bottle)
Antibiotic ointment packets (20 single-use)
Burn gel packets or aloe gel (6 packets / small tube)

Chemical Agent & Respiratory Relief

Antacid/water rinse bottles (2 × 8 oz; mix fresh each deployment)
Extra saline eyewash vials (10 single-use)
Bandanas or cloths (5–10)
Large water bottles (sealed for rinsing, 2 liters total)
Small spray bottles for decontamination (optional)

Hydration, Medications & Comfort

Electrolyte packets or tablets (20 ct)
Glucose tablets or sugar packets (10)
Small bottled waters for drinking (ample)
Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen (20–30 tablets, single-use packs preferred)
Mylar emergency blankets (5)
Reusable cold packs or additional instant packs
Cotton swabs (pack of 50)

Monitoring & Advanced Tools

Blood pressure cuff (manual or compact)
Stethoscope
Light pen for pupil check
Pulse oximeter (optional but helpful)
Notebook and pens for incident documentation
Clipboards with injury report forms

Documentation & Communication

Laminated Quick Aid reference cards
Emergency contact sheets for volunteers
Whistles for signaling
Sharpie marker (for writing on tape or skin if needed)

Packing & Organization

Use zip-top bags to separate categories:

Wound care
Cleaning & infection control
Chemical relief
Medications

Keep antacid bottles and eyewash double-bagged to avoid leaks.
Store gloves, shears, and CPR mask in outer pockets for instant access.
Use mesh dividers or smaller pouches inside to quickly locate items.

Deployment Notes

Restock after each protest.
Check expiration dates monthly.
Refresh antacid/water mix each event.
Include signage marking the kit location at a fixed station.

II. Inventory for First Aid Supplies: Mobile First Aid Providers

Protection & Tools

4–6 pairs nitrile gloves (non-latex, powder-free)
Trauma shears (compact, blunt tip)
Small stainless tweezers
Disposable CPR face shield/mask (keychain style or flat packed)

Wound Care & Dressings

6 assorted adhesive bandages (standard & finger sizes)
2 hydrocolloid blister bandages (small/medium)
2 hydrocolloid large patches (for abrasions or burns)
3 sterile gauze pads (4”×4”)
1 trauma/ABD pad (5”×9”)
1 roll gauze wrap (3” width)
1 roll medical tape (hypoallergenic paper or cloth)
2 non-stick pads (for burns or weeping wounds)
1 elastic self-adhering wrap (like Coban)

Cleaning & Infection Control

4 alcohol prep pads (individually wrapped)
4 sterile saline wipes (for gentle wound/eye cleaning)
2 small packets antibiotic ointment (single-use)
Hand sanitizer (travel size)

Chemical Agent Relief

1 small (4–6 oz) squeeze bottle of antacid & water mix (¼ Maalox, ¾ water)

Label: “Eye rinse – NOT for drinking”

1 sterile saline eye wash vial or ampule (optional backup)
2 N95 or KN95 masks
2 pair foam earplugs (for noise weapons)

Comfort & Basic Medical

2–3 instant cold packs
2–3 electrolyte powder packets or tablets
2 glucose tablets or sugar packets
4 ibuprofen or acetaminophen (in single-dose packets)
1 Mylar emergency blanket

Miscellaneous & Reference

Laminated quick-reference card (first aid steps + protest-specific chemical exposure aid)
Emergency contact card
Small notepad & mini pen
Whistle (for signaling)

Packing & Carrying

Use a compact, rip-away MOLLE pouch or sling bag (8″×6″×3″)
Organize with zip-top bags by category:

Wound Care
Chemical Relief
Medications & Comfort
PPE & Tools

Store liquid antacid bottle double-bagged to prevent leaks
Place gloves, shears, and CPR shield in exterior loops or mesh for quick access.

Bare Minimum to Never Omit

Gloves
CPR mask
Gauze, tape, trauma shears
Antacid rinse bottle
Hydrocolloid bandages
Alcohol & saline wipes
Antibiotic ointment
PPE (mask, earplugs)

Module 1B.a.IV – Appendix IV. Emergency Contact Sheets for Volunteers +

Six Steps to a Safety Team

Appendix IV
Emergency Contact Sheets for Volunteers

Emergency Contact Sheets for Volunteers (ECSV) are printed or laminated sheets, easy to update in the field, carried by the event safety co-lead(s) and the first aid co-lead(s), if any, and is included in the stationary first-aid kit, if being used. Groups electing to use them will find them a helpful tool in keeping volunteers safe and responding quickly in any emergency involving them. A complete ECSV enables first aid providers or co-leads to quickly contact next of kin if a volunteer is injured, and can help track and communicate with roaming teams. Depending on the information included, it can also serve as a central mustering document if phones or radios are lost, dead, or confiscated, and discreetly share code words or radio channels without using vulnerable digital platforms.

Group values and culture will undoubtedly influence what private information is entrusted to organizers, and organizers and volunteers must always be reminded of the privileged and sensitive nature of such personal details, but best practices suggest the ECS minimally includes the information listed here.

Names and roles of all deployed volunteers (e.g., safety marshals, first aid providers, co-leads, etc.)
Direct cell phone numbers, or encrypted app contacts, if using, for each volunteer
Emergency medical contacts (who to notify if a volunteer is injured or incapacitated)
Allergy or medical alert info (volunteers can opt to note critical allergies or conditions)
Next of kin or emergency contact names/numbers
Local emergency numbers beyond 911 (e.g., legal observers, bail fund hotline, hospital ER)

How to Implement

Use a simple table format with each volunteer’s info on one line. Print and laminate or store in a waterproof sleeve inside the stationary kit. Design it to be easy to update in the field. Update immediately before each protest with that day’s roster. If using a stationary first aid tent, keep the main copy of the ECSV there and provide a duplicate copy to a protest safety co-lead. If no fixed first aid station is being used, the original ECSV can be carried by a protest safety co-lead, and a duplicate with a communications co-lead, the first aid co-lead(s), if any, or at least one team of first aid providers.

Module 1B.a.V – Appendix V. Volunteer Database Management Template +

Six Steps to a Safety Team

Appendix V – Volunteer Database Management Template

This appendix provides an example volunteer management database layout to help groups track contact information, team roles, and safety-related responsibilities. The example spreadsheet below can be adapted to fit the structure and needs of your group.

To modify or expand the database for your own team, download the editable Excel file below.

Download Volunteer Database Template (.xlsx)

Module 1C – Safety Principles and Practices for Nonviolent Direct Action Organizers +

Safety Principles and Practices for Nonviolent Direct Action Organizers
Training Manual (Version 1, 09.012.25)

Goals of this manual are to help NVDA organizers learn:

Why safety matters
The value of trained safety volunteers
How to assess potential NVDA sites
How to assess potential NVDA risks
How to plan for emergencies
The importance of briefing and debriefing the safety team for each NVDA

Section I
Why Safety Matters

Safety is not a side concern in nonviolent direct action. It is the backbone of our discipline. When people feel safe, they are more likely to show up. Lowering barriers to participation builds stronger movements and sends a clearer message.
Safety also protects the integrity of nonviolent action itself. When our teams are prepared to de-escalate conflict, respond to emergencies, and support participants, we keep our actions focused on the message we came to deliver. Finally, safety protects not only bodies but also spirits and communities. Every time we take care of each other, we strengthen the trust and solidarity that keep movements alive.

Key Takeaways from Section I

Safety lowers barriers to participation and strengthens movements.
Safety preserves nonviolent discipline and credibility.
Caring for each other’s bodies and spirits builds lasting solidarity.

Section II
Building and Deploying a Safety Team

Every effective safety plan starts with volunteers. Each volunteer role carries unique responsibilities, and together they form a team greater than the sum of its parts.
Marshals help manage participant flow and movement. They are the steady presence that guides people where they need to go, de-escalates rising tensions, and reminds everyone of the discipline we agreed to uphold. Their calm presence can mean the difference between panic and control.
First aid providers address minor injuries on-site, triage emergencies, and connect to emergency medical services when necessary. Legal observers and documentarians act as witnesses, create a permanent record of events, provide legal evidence when needed.
Emotional Support and Trauma Response Volunteers are there for the wounds we can’t see. They offer grounding in the moment, help participants process frightening experiences, and ensure follow-up support after the event.
Police Liaisons communicate with law enforcement so other participants don’t have to. They serve as a buffer and reduce unnecessary confrontations.

Key Takeaways Section II

Every role has clear, distinct responsibilities.
Marshals guide and de-escalate.
Legal observers and documentarians serve witness.
First Aid providers triage.
EmotionalSupport volunteers hold space
Police Liaisons buffer.
A team approach creates trust and steadiness during actions.

Suggested Practice: Sketch the layout of a march or rally and decide where each safety role would best be stationed.

Section III
Site and Risk Assessments

A safety plan begins before the event itself. Organizers must assess the site honestly and realistically, naming risks out loud instead of wishing them away.

Checklist for Site Assessment:

Entry and exit points: Where can people come in and where can they leave safely?
Natural cover and shelter: Are there shaded areas, overhangs, or nearby buildings?
Vehicle access: Could vehicles be used dangerously, or how could ambulances reach the site?
Cameras and surveillance: Who is watching, and how might footage be used?
Proximity to hospitals or clinics: How quickly could someone receive emergency care?

Common Risk Factors:

Counter-protesters or hostile bystanders
Weather extremes such as heat, cold, or storms
Police tactics, including kettling, dispersal orders, or arrests
Toxic residues from previous police tactics on NVDA site
Accessibility challenges for disabled or elderly participants

Key Takeaways from Section III

Assess every site honestly and realistically. Avoid wishful thinking.
Map entry/exit points, shelter options, vehicle access, surveillance, and medical proximity.
Identify specific risks (weather, police tactics, counter-protesters, accessibility gaps, environmental toxins) and plan mitigation.

Suggested Practice: Assess a fictional rally site and identify one realistic risk and one mitigation strategy.

Section IV
Contingency and Emergency Planning

No action ever goes exactly as planned. Good organizers build contingency plans so that when the unexpected happens, no one has to improvise under pressure.

Key elements of an emergency plan include:

Evacuation Routes: At least two, clearly marked and known to marshals.
Shelter-in-Place Options: Churches, community centers, or trusted indoor allies where people can regroup or take cover.
Medical Escalation Plan: How to call EMS without escalating risk for participants.
Lost Child or Vulnerable Adult Protocol: Establish a central point and clear instructions.
Trigger Events: Define the moments that activate emergency procedures, whether it’s severe weather, violence, or a police order to disperse.

Key Takeaways from Section IV

Always have at least two evacuation routes and clear shelter-in-place options.
Plan for medical emergencies, lost participants, and hostile actions.
Define trigger events that activate emergency protocols.
Write plans down and share them. Don’t rely on memory under stress.

Suggested Practice: Choose one crisis (e.g., sudden police kettling) and discuss how your team would activate its contingency plan.

Section V
Roles and Communication Protocols

Clear roles prevent confusion and panic. Every volunteer should know exactly what is expected of them, and to whom they report. Avoid overlap and gaps.

Communication protocols are essential:

Use radios, phones, or messaging apps if appropriate,but have a backup plan if they fail.
Hand signals,whistles with pre-planned patterns, or pre-arranged phrases help volunteers convey messages quickly in noisy environments.
Having codes and discussing them beforehand (“red team to east gate” “DE to rally stage”) can reduce confusion.

Every safety volunteer should be briefed in advance of the event. This briefing should include their specific role, communications protocols, contingency plans, evacuation routes, and regroup points. These details should be reviewed again during an on-site huddle before the event begins.

Key Takeaways from Section V

Assign every volunteer a role. Avoid confusion and overlap.

Establish clear communication methods (radios, phones, hand signals, backup codes, etc).

Brief volunteers on roles, routes, and contingency plans before the action.

Reconfirm these details in an on-site huddle before starting.

Suggested Practice: Conduct a two-minute safety team huddle, assigning roles and checking communications.

Section VI
Debriefing After Every Event

The work is not finished when the action ends. A comprehensive debrief allows teams to learn from their experiences and build stronger practices over time.

A structured debrief should include:

What went well? Name successes and celebrate them.
What didn’t? Be honest about weaknesses and mistakes.
What surprised us? Note the unexpected.
What do we do differently next time? Translate lessons into action.

Debriefing is also a time to process emotions. Bearing witness to conflict, violence, or trauma takes a toll. Make space for volunteers to share what they felt and what support they may need.

Document key lessons and store them where future teams can access them. A movement that remembers is a movement that grows stronger.

Key Takeaways from Section VI

Debriefs are for honesty, learning, and healing—not blame.
Ask: What worked? What didn’t? What surprised us? What do we change?
Make space for emotional processing as well as logistical lessons.
Document outcomes so each event strengthens the next.

Suggested Practice: Role-play a short debrief where each person shares one strength and one area to improve.

Section VII
Closing

Safety is everyone’s responsibility, but organizers bear the task of creating a structure where safety is possible. The framework for it is simple:

Safety encourages participation.
Safety upholds nonviolence.
Safety reenforces solidarity.

When we take care of one another, we not only protect our communities in the moment, we also send a powerful message: our discipline is stronger than their attempts to divide us; our nonviolence is more powerful than their arms.

Always plan, always prepare, always debrief. Each action teaches us how to make the next one safer, stronger, and more effective.

Key Takeaways from Section VII

Safety both grows participation and protects nonviolent discipline.
Taking care of each other is itself a form of resistance.
Always plan, prepare, and debrief—safety is an ongoing practice.

Section VIII
Sources

Amnesty International. Toolkit for Non-Violent Direct Action (circa 2018). Offers guidance on forming action teams with roles like police liaison, safety/security coordination, scouting, communications, and recommended training and contingency planning.

Amnesty International. Civil Disobedience Toolkit (2024). Defines NVDA, outlines its nonviolent principles, and situates it within broader civil disobedience strategy.

Commons Social Change Library (Holly Hammond, ed.). Nonviolent Direct Action (NVDA): Start Here (2019). A rich compilation of NVDA theory, practical guides, training tools, including materials on safety, resilience, marshals, and site scouting.

Commons Social Change Library. Checklist for Non-violent Direct Action Trainings (2019). A crowd-sourced checklist that highlights principles and practical pieces to include in NVDA trainings.

Commons Social Change Library. Streetwise & Steady: A Workbook for Action Peacekeepers or Event Marshals (recent). Offers de-escalation techniques, crowd coordination, safety strategies, and a framework for marshals as non-enforcers.

Direct Action Movement (Jessica K. Williams). Nonviolent Direct Action: Version II (2022). A modern NVDA training guide and facilitator toolkit—including a “marshal information pack.”

Extinction Rebellion. NVDA Guide (approx. 2019). Lays out principles of nonviolent direct action, disruption, outreach, visioning—and highlights the importance of principled nonviolence in practice.

Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Tips for Preparedness, Peaceful Protesting, and Safety (undated). Offers practical protest safety advice: hydration, emergency plans, OODA Loop (Observe–Orient–Decide–Act), de-escalation, and situational awareness.

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). How to Protest Safely (undated). Discusses choosing nonviolent actions, buddy systems, legal rights, and emotional and physical safety during protests.

The Ruckus Society (Mike Roselle, Twilly Cannon, John Sellers, et al.). Ruckus Society — Direct Action & Training (2025 Wikipedia entry). Describes an NGO providing NVDA training, de-escalation, safety coordination, media roles, and strategy.

How Sources Are Used

Amnesty International materials establish frameworks for assigning roles (safety, liaison, communications), conducting site assessments, contingency planning, and post-action debriefing.

Commons Library guides emphasize marshals’ role in de-escalation, the importance of planning and reflection, and detailed training checklists.

Direct Action Movement offers modern facilitation tools and standardized materials for training safety teams.

Extinction Rebellion reiterates core values (nonviolence, principled resistance) and planning categories that align with safety containment and messaging.

HRC & NRDC safety tips provide grounded, accessible guidance on personal and team preparedness: situational awareness, contingency planning, and self-care.

Ruckus Society represents the real-world application of NVDA training, especially in safety team coordination, role differentiation, and strategic preparation.

Module 1D – Nonviolent Direct Action Marshal Manual +

Nonviolent Direct Action Marshal Manual

(Version 4, 09.11.25)

Goals of this manual:

Help you prepare to be an effective non-violent direct action (NVDA) marshal.
Explain your duties as a NVDA marshal.
Provide you a mnemonic to deal with escalated situations.
Provide you a mnemonic to defuse verbal confrontations.
Introduce you to some basic deescalation techniques.

Section I: Be Prepared

Before the nonviolent direct action (NVDA), pack everything you need in the smallest bag possible. Like any protester, you should carry water and any snacks you’ll need, medications you might need including epipens or inhalers for emergencies, sunblock, a mask or bandana, hearing protection, goggles, some cash, and optionally, a state photo ID.

Wear comfortable clothing suitable to the weather on the day of the event. Remember any distinguishing clothing items or markings you were asked to wear if these items aren’t being provided at a pre-action assembly or at the action itself. Being an effective non-violent protest marshal requires that everyone can recognize you in that role.

Practicing deescalation techniques can also help you be better prepared for any situation, but practicing is not just about individual readiness; safety preparation is one of the foundations of nonviolent discipline. When marshals know how to respond calmly and effectively, the entire group is better able to maintain nonviolent posture even under stress.

If the time in this training doesn’t allow for it, find a partner and engage in dynamic role play on your own. Using the techniques introduced in this training, play out various scenarios such as encounters with an angry heckler, someone about to vandalize private property, an unreasonable authority figure, a medical emergency, and an internal troublemaker. Many videos demonstrating the techniques described in this training material can be found online.

Section II: The Duties of a Nonviolent Direct Action Marshal

The duties of the non-violent direct action (NVDA) marshal at an action are to facilitate the action as planned, act as an information source between organizers and demonstrators, help demonstrators participate safely and feel good about it. When participants see marshals looking out for their well-being, it strengthens trust and solidarity. People are more likely to stand together when they feel cared for and protected by one another.

Marshals can also act as a buffer between police, hecklers, and bystanders. In other words, marshals observe what’s happening; communicate with protesters, other marshals, and organizers; and intervene in escalated situations.

Different types of actions may require special teamwork, unique preparations, and alternative methods not included in this training. During a large un-permitted march into the streets, for example, organizers will often deploy marshals to the front, rear, and sides of marchers, with each team assigned specific responsibilities with regards to barriers, law enforcement, intersections, and traffic. When organizers plan non-violent civil disobedience, they will sometimes recruit willing marshals to observe or assist in some way. At pickets, marshals are often tasked with determining and managing the perimeter of the picket as well as negotiating first amendment rights with police. Nonetheless, the duties outlined here offer a basic understanding of the important responsibilities applicable to most actions.

Work safely, always in pairs or trios.
Model appropriate non-violent protester conduct: be respectful of other peoples’ space, recognize other participants’ limitations or special needs and try to accommodate them, follow the lead of organizers and direct other participants accordingly, don’t damage private property to avoid distracting from the action’s message, and under no circumstances should you ever run in a crowd. By modeling safe, calm, and respectful behavior, marshals help anchor nonviolent discipline throughout the action. Visible safety practices remind participants that our power lies in discipline, not escalation.
Use bodies and privilege to convey confidence and power when not involved in an escalated situation. Look up and be alert. Never look down at a phone. The marshal’s presence should convey focus, direction, safety and calm, however heated the action.
Maintain situational awareness at all times, monitoring locations and movements of protesters, police, and traffic. Know the general whereabouts of other marshals and organizers whenever possible. Watch constantly for any distraction, difficulty, or danger.
Communicate any important observation such as traffic hazards, counter-protesters and hecklers, changes in police posture, and internal troublemakers as soon as possible by the methods agreed upon for that action. These may include whistles, runners, walkie-talkies, burner phones, or a combination depending on the size, scope, and circumstances of the action.
Intervene in distracting, difficult, and dangerous situations using open body language, relaxed posture, slow movement, slow speech in the lowest possible audible volume, active listening techniques and empathy. Employ appropriate deescalation techniques as the particular circumstances require: direct intervention, delay, distancing, distraction, delegation, and documentation.

Sources

Boundless Love Project. (n.d.). De-escalation and compassion resources. Retrieved 09.10.25, from [https://www.boundlessloveproject.org]

Commons Social Change Library. (n.d.). Resources for social change and activism. Retrieved 09.10.25, from [https://commonslibrary.org]

Dartmouth Trauma Interventions Research Center. (n.d.). Trauma intervention and response resources. Dartmouth College.
Retrieved 09.10.25, from [https://geiselmed.dartmouth.edu/psychiatry/research/trauma-interventions-research-center]

Indivisible Project. (2016). Indivisible: A practical guide for resisting the Trump agenda. Retrieved 09.10.25, from [https://indivisible.org]

MoveOn. (n.d.). Training and action resources. Retrieved 09.10.25, from [https://front.moveon.org]

My Right Response. (n.d.). Conflict de-escalation and response training. Retrieved 09.10.25, from [https://myrightresponse.com]

Nonviolent Peaceforce. (n.d.). Unarmed civilian protection and nonviolent intervention resources. Retrieved 09.10.25, from [https://nonviolentpeaceforce.org]

Module 1E – Advanced De-escalation Training Manual +

Advanced De-escalation Training
Participant Manual (Version 1, 09.25.25)

Section I – Introduction

In nonviolent direct action, conflict and confrontation are inevitable.

Sometimes they come from counter-protesters, sometimes from bystanders, sometimes even from within our own ranks. What matters is not whether conflict happens, but how we meet it.

The work of de-escalation is about more than calming tense moments. It is about holding a steady, visible presence of discipline, care, and solidarity, so that our actions remain rooted in nonviolence and stay true to their purpose.

Four values guide every aspect of this practice: courage, discipline, mutual care, and solidarity.

Courage gives us the strength to face hostility. Discipline restrains that courage and keeps our actions nonviolent. Mutual care ensures we do not face these challenges alone. Solidarity binds us together so that our actions are more than individual gestures. They are collective commitments.

These values reinforce one another in a positive feedback loop: courage fuels discipline, discipline deepens solidarity, solidarity manifests as mutual care, and care strengthens courage again. This is the culture we are building together.

Section II – Escalated Situations Mnemonic

A       B       C       D

Assess – What is happening? Who is involved, and how many? 
Is it a single heckler or a group confrontation? What risks are present? 
If you have a buddy, bring them close.

Breathe – Take a slow breath. Count to ten, or use another calming technique. 
You cannot calm others if you cannot first calm yourself.

Choose – Remember you have options. Decide how best to respond using 
the techniques in this manual. If you are unsure, consult nearby organizers or marshals.

De-escalate – Put your choice into action. Use direct intervention, delay, 
distancing, distraction, delegation, or documentation as needed. 
Continue reassessing and breathing and adapting to changes throughout.

Section III – The CLARA Method for Verbal Confrontations

People often escalate because they feel their needs are unheard. The CLARA method helps us respond with respect and humanity.

C – Check in – Are you ready to treat the other person with dignity? 
L – Listen – Look for the feelings and fears behind their words. 
A – Affirm – Reflect what you hear and affirm their humanity. 
R – Respond – Ask open-ended questions that invite grounding. 
A – Add – Offer helpful information or a way forward, while honoring your limits.

CLARA is not about “winning” an argument. It is about keeping the action safe and focused.

Section IV – Basic De-escalation Techniques

De-escalation is a toolbox. The situation determines the best tools to use.

Direct Intervention – Step in calmly with low, slow speech and open body language. Make an “offer” (“Can we step aside to talk?”). Use name-it-to-tame-it (“I can see you’re angry. Can you tell me why?”). Always remember: regulate, don’t educate.

Delay – Give time for adrenaline to settle. Remember that it can take 30 minutes for the body to return to baseline after a stress surge.

Distancing – Create space between the conflict and the action. This could mean moving the person aside, or asking others to shift so tension doesn’t dominate. Never corner or surround anyone.

Distraction – Redirect attention with song, chant, or action. Sometimes even offering water can shift energy.

Delegation – Call in help from buddies, marshals, or organizers. No one de-escalates alone.

Documentation – Recording can sometimes calm a situation. Use with care, especially when vulnerable people are involved.

Section V – The Buddy System

Never work as a safety volunteer or attend a nonviolent direct action alone. Always pair up.
Watch for stress signals in your buddy.
Have a pre-arranged signal for “tap in” or “tap out.” Never touch without prior consent.
Rotate roles, if applicable, to avoid burnout.
After the protest, check in with each other before going home.

Section VI – Pro Tips

Manage yourself before managing others.
Keep your movements and voice low and slow.
Use open body language and empty hands.
Make an “offer” to de-escalate.
Name-it-to-tame-it for big emotions.
Regulate, don’t educate.
Never corner an individual.
Never touch an agitated person or a police officer.
Use ABCD to guide your response.
Use CLARA for verbal confrontations.
If you feel unsafe, call for help.

Safety is not separate from solidarity —it is solidarity. Keeping each other safe is how we keep actions nonviolent and powerful.

Section VII – Core Practices and Scripts

Boundary Phrases

“We’re here to keep this action safe.”
“I can’t have this conversation now.”
“I need you to give us space.”

Posture & Positioning

Open stance, hands visible, palms relaxed.
Use “triangling” — a buddy steps behind and slightly to the side for support.

Exit & Hand-off
De-escalation is knowing when to stop. Try:

“I’m stepping away now.”
“My teammate will continue this conversation.”

Stress Regulation

Box breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4).
Grounding scan (notice 3 things you can see, hear, feel).
Quick buddy check (1 word now, 3 sentences later).

Section VIII – Key Takeaways

De-escalation is about steadiness, not control.
Your role is to keep the action safe and disciplined, not to solve every conflict.
You are most effective when you:

Use short, repeatable scripts.
Rely on your buddy.
Know when to step away.
Practice is preparation. The more you rehearse, the steadier you’ll be under pressure.

Remember the safety team mantra:

Who keeps us safe? We keep us safe.

Section IX – Sources

ACT UP New York. Direct Action Resources (n.d.). Practical models for disciplined, nonviolent disruption and mutual support drawn from AIDS activism.

Amnesty International. Toolkit for Non-Violent Direct Action (circa 2018). Roles, prep checklists, and contingency planning for safe NVDA.

Amnesty International. Civil Disobedience Toolkit (2024). Defines NVDA, situates it in strategy, and outlines nonviolent principles.

ACLU. Know Your Rights: Protests & Demonstrations (updated regularly). Clear guidance on First Amendment rights, police encounters, and documentation.

Beautiful Trouble (Boyd et al.). Beautiful Trouble: A Toolbox for Revolution (2012; updated online). Tactics, principles, and case studies for creative, disciplined action.

Boundless Love Project. De-escalation & Compassion Resources (n.d.). Trauma-aware scripts and skills for calming heated encounters.

Commons Social Change Library (H. Hammond, ed.). Nonviolent Direct Action (NVDA): Start Here (2019). Curated primers on NVDA theory, training, and safety.

Commons Social Change Library. Streetwise & Steady: A Workbook for Action Peacekeepers or Event Marshals (recent). De-escalation, crowd coordination, and non-enforcement approaches for marshals.

Commons Social Change Library. Checklist for Non-Violent Direct Action Trainings (circa 2018). Crowd-sourced essentials for planning, safety, and evaluation.

Dartmouth Trauma Interventions Research Center. Trauma Intervention & Response Resources (n.d.). Stress responses and regulation strategies relevant to high-adrenaline moments.

Gene Sharp. The Politics of Nonviolent Action / 198 Methods of Nonviolent Action (1973/1977). Foundational framework for nonviolent strategy and discipline.

Indivisible Project. Indivisible: A Practical Guide (2016; updated online). Organizing structure, action planning, and safety considerations for civic engagement.

MoveOn. Training & Action Resources (n.d.). Practical training modules on protest planning, safety roles, and message discipline.

My Right Response. Conflict De-escalation & Response Training (n.d.). Step-by-step tools for verbal de-escalation and boundary setting.

National Lawyers Guild. Legal Observer Training Manual (rev. editions). Standards for documentation, boundaries with law enforcement, and safety for observers.

Nonviolent Peaceforce. Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) Handbooks & Field Guides (various). Field-tested methods for de-escalation, protective presence, and community safety.

Training for Change. Tools for Trainers: De-escalation, Facilitation, and Affinity Groups (n.d.). Experiential exercises and handouts for skill-building.

War Resisters’ International. Handbook for Nonviolent Campaigns (2nd ed., 2014). Campaign design, action roles, and nonviolent discipline under pressure.

(n.d. = no date listed online; “recent/circa

Module 1E.s – Advanced De-escalation Trainers’ Supplement +

Advanced De-escalation Training – Trainers’ Supplement

(Version 1, 09.25.25)

Total Time: 2 hours
Group Size: 10–36 participants (break into buddy pairs or trios; use 2–4 small groups for circuits)
Facilitators: 2–3 trainers (plus 2–6 experienced support role-players if possible)

How to Use this Supplement

Use alongside the Advanced De-escalation Participant Manual. Each section below names learning objectives, time cues, trainer notes, exercises, and debrief prompts. Begin each section by stating the objectives; end with key takeaways and brief Q&A. Prioritize dynamic practice over lecture. Keep trauma-informed facilitation front and center.

Suggested Format

Part A (0:00–0:50)	Foundations: values, ABCD, CLARA, body mechanics, buddy system
Reset (0:50–1:00)	10-minute break / water / stretch / set-up
Part B (1:00–1:55)	Scenario circuits + integration & aftercare
Close (1:55–2:00)	Reflection & send-off

Timing at a Glance (120 minutes total)

0:00–0:05	Welcome & Grounding
0:05–0:15	Section I Framing + Scripts Snap
0:15–0:30	Section II ABCD & CLARA Drills
0:30–0:50	Section III Body Mechanics & Buddy System
0:50–1:00	Reset / Water / Stretch / Set-up
1:00–1:40	Section IV Scenario Circuits (4× ~9 min)
1:45–1:55	Section V Integration & Aftercare
1:55–2:00	Closing

Time cues are tight by design; keep debriefs brisk and focused. Choose the depth appropriate for your group and space; keep objectives intact even if you adapt sequence.

Notes on Dynamic Learning & Safety

Consent & care: Name content warnings. Get explicit consent for any contact. Agree to “Tap-out / tap-in” signals up front.
Firm, not traumatizing: Simulate intensity without slurs or identity-based harassment. No reenactment of sexual violence.
Role clarity: Trainers cue. Role-players provoke within guardrails. Observers watch for posture/voice/boundary skills.
Debrief everything: The learning lands in reflection. Keep it short, specific, and supportive.
Aftercare: Build in quick grounding after each drill. Conduct longer group debrief at the end.

Accessibility: Offer seated options, no-touch variants, and quiet space. Invite participants to choose roles that fit their capacity today.

Room: Space must offer open floor with clear egress. Place chairs around the edge. Place water in view of participants. Announce restroom locations.

Materials: Have on hand painter’s tape, printed scripts, legal hotline card, role badges, soft props, observer checklists, timer/clock, and a whiteboard or flip chart for parking lot notes.

The “Parking Lot” Tool

A “parking lot” is a facilitation tool: a visible place to park good ideas, questions, or tangents that don’t fit the current agenda so you stay on track and don’t lose them.

How it works: Label a section “Parking Lot.” When something off-topic or too deep comes up, say:

“That’s important — let’s park it so we can finish this section and return later.”

Write it down verbatim, add an owner, and a when to revisit.

Ground rules: Not a graveyard — timebox a review (at breaks and end). Assign owner and next steps.
Useful phrases: “Let’s park that so we can finish this skill.” “I’m capturing that on the board — we’ll review at the break.”
Remote equivalent: Use a shared doc or sticky board with columns for Item, Owner, Return Time.

Section 0 – Welcome & Grounding (5 minutes)

Objectives
Establish container: nonviolence, consent, solidarity, learning stance.
Regulate the room and connect the group.

Action
Rapid intros (name, pronouns, one word on arrival). Preview session arc; remind that anyone may pass at any time.

Exercise: Grounding (<3 min)
Choose one script below based on group energy.

Grounding Script 1 – Calming and Steadying

“Before we begin, let’s take a moment to ground ourselves together... We are strongest when we act together.”

Grounding Script 2 – Energizing and Unifying

“Let’s start by shaking out some of the tension we’ve carried into the room... our strength comes from focus, courage, and solidarity.”

Key Takeaways
You are safe here; consent governs practice.
We train to make steadiness a habit.

Section I – Framing De-escalation in NVDA (10 minutes)

Objectives
Center the values: courage, discipline, mutual care, solidarity.
Define success: safety, dignity, message discipline — not “winning arguments.”

Trainer Notes (3–4 min)
Link to participant manual’s four values loop. De-escalation = role clarity + boundary setting + body/voice control + tool choice.

Micro-Drill: Scripts Snap (6 min)
In pairs, practice two short boundary phrases each (e.g., “I need you to give us space,” “I can’t have this conversation right now”). Coach for low & slow voice and open posture. Swap roles; 20–30 seconds per rep; two reps per person.

Debrief Prompts (quick)
What shifted when you slowed your voice?
Which phrase felt most usable for you?

Key Takeaway
Short, repeatable scripts + calm delivery = credibility and safety.

Section II – ABCD & CLARA Under Pressure (15 minutes)

Objectives
Make ABCD (Assess–Breathe–Choose–De-escalate) a reflex.
Operationalize CLARA for verbal conflict.

Trainer Demo (4 min)
One trainer lightly “agitates”; the other narrates doing ABCD aloud, then applies CLARA in 3–4 lines.

Triad Drill: ABCD → CLARA (9 min)
Groups of 3: Speaker, Agitated Other, Observer-Coach. 60 seconds: Speaker does ABCD silently (visible breath) then 3–4 lines of CLARA. 60 seconds: Observer gives feedback (check breath, stance, voice, affirm). Rotate twice.

Debrief Prompts (2 min)
Which CLARA step do you skip when stressed?
What’s one cue you’ll use to remember it?

Key Takeaways
Breathe first.
CLARA is about regulation, not persuasion.

Section III – Body Mechanics, Space, and the Buddy System (20 minutes)

Objectives
Build muscle memory for stance, distance, triangling, and safe exits.
Operationalize buddy “tap-in / tap-out.”

Trainer Notes (2 min)
Stance: feet shoulder-width, knees soft; hands visible, palms relaxed.
Angles: stand 45° to reduce face-off; triangling buddy 1 step behind and slightly to one side.
Distance: never corner; step back diagonally to open a lane.

Circuit A: Body & Voice (10 min total; 5 stations × ~2 min)
1. Low & Slow Line – Walk toward partner; partner says boundary phrase slowly; swap.
2. 45° Angle Pivot – Practice moving from square-off to angled stance without crowding.
3. Triangling – Buddy steps into triangle support without surrounding.
4. Exit Lanes – Practice opening a path with a single sidestep and hand cue.
5. Tap-in / Tap-out – Partners rehearse a verbal tap (“I’m tagging in for you”) and clean hand-off.

Mini-Drill: Delay as a Tool (4 min)
Pair A is escalated; Pair B’s job is only time-buying (“Let’s step over here; water?”). No problem-solving — just delay + breathe.

Key Takeaways
Your body de-escalates first; words come second.
Buddy system is a safety net. Use it early, not as a last resort.

Programmed Reset / Water / Stretch (10 minutes)

Trainers and role-players use the break to set up scenario circuits.

Section IV – Scenario Circuits (40 minutes)

Objectives
Apply ABCD, CLARA, and the six technique families (Direct Intervention, Delay, Distancing, Distraction, Delegation, Documentation) in realistic stressors.
Practice role clarity, boundaries, and hand-offs across varied actors: law enforcement, ICE, counter-protesters, and inside agitators.

Structure
Create 4 stations. Split into 4 groups; ~9 minutes per station (5–6 min action + 3–4 min debrief). Rotate clockwise. Assign a trainer or experienced role-player to each station and provide each with a role card. Observers use checklists.

How to Use Role Cards
Role cards tell role players what to do and say to maintain an element of uncertainty for participants during the exercise. Print or badge them. Give each role-player 60–90 seconds to read before the station starts. Agree on a safe word (e.g., “Cut”) to halt immediately. Set an intensity dial on the back (1 = calm, 2 = firm, 3 = loud / urgent — still no contact). Trainers choose the level per rotation.

Station 1 – Law Enforcement: Dispersal & Lawful Orders

Set-Up: Tape line on floor to denote “street,” “curb,” “property boundary.” Role cards for Officers 1 & 2.

Scenario (choose one):

A) Officer issues dispersal order over bullhorn; participants must hear, confirm, communicate, and either comply or locate designated police liaison.
B) Officer orders group to clear a lane; participants must create space without breaking solidarity.

Skills Focus: Hearing orders under noise, repeating instructions succinctly, distancing crowd, delegation to liaison, documentation without interference.

Trainer Guardrails: No physical contact. Use neutral, firm tone; no slurs.

Debrief Prompts:
What helped you understand the order?
How did you create space without panic?
When did you call in a liaison or organizer?

Role Card – Officer 1: Dispersal Order

Objective: Issue a clear, lawful order; test if participants can hear it, repeat it, and respond without panic.
Starting Line: “This is [Agency]. For safety and lawful assembly, you must [create a 10-ft lane / move to the sidewalk / disperse]. You have 2 minutes to comply.”
Escalation Ladder: Warn → Repeat → Time check (“1 minute”) → Final order.
Boundaries: No touching, no identity-based language, no threats beyond script; accept liaison or spokesperson.
End Condition: When lane is created / boundary respected → say “Thank you for complying.”

Role Card – Officer 2: Lane / Crowd Management

Objective: Support Officer 1 by testing crowd’s ability to organize space, delegate, and communicate.
Prompts: “Who is your liaison?” / “Point me to your organizer.”
End Condition: Visible lane open for 10 seconds → “That works.”

Station 2 – ICE Agents: Boundary & Jurisdiction

Set-Up: Mark a “private property” zone and “public sidewalk.” Props may include clipboard. Role card for ICE Agent. One participant plays “community member.”

Scenario: Agent insists group is trespassing and demands IDs while a member is assisting someone near the line.

Skills Focus: Boundary scripts, staying on public side, delay while confirming location, delegation (legal / liaison), documentation discipline.

Debrief Prompts:
Which boundary script worked best?
How did you avoid being drawn across the line?
When did you decide to escalate to organizers or legal?

Role Card – ICE Agent

Objective: Test participants’ boundary discipline on public vs. private space and their use of short scripts and delegation to liaison / legal.
Setup: Badge / lanyard, clipboard, taped property line & sidewalk zones.
Starting Lines: “This is a restricted area. You need to move to the public sidewalk.” / “I need to see identification from anyone interacting with people approaching this facility.”
Follow-ups: “Are you refusing to comply with a lawful directive?” / “Who is your organizer or liaison?”
Boundaries: No touching or identity-based language; no threats beyond script; accept liaison if offered.
End Condition: Participants stay on sidewalk and maintain assistance there → “Thank you for complying.”

Station 3 – Counter-Protester Harassment

Set-Up: Two role-players as hostile counter-protesters with signs or phones.

Scenario: Loud heckling inches from faces, filming, baiting for soundbites.

Skills Focus: Direct intervention, distancing, distraction, documentation notice, regulate not educate.

Debrief Prompts:
What offer shifted energy (if any)?
How did your body language change the interaction?
What would you try differently next time?

Role Card – Counter-Protester / Harasser / Doxxer

Objective: Test participants’ ability to set boundaries (“I need you to step back”), create buffers, employ distraction, and regulate not educate.
Setup: Signs, cardboard camera / phone, taped buffer zone.
Starting Lines: “What are you even doing here?” / “Say that again for my followers.”
Follow-ups: “So that’s a yes? Got it on video.” / “Who’s in charge?”
Boundaries: No touching or identity-based language; keep volume below shouting.
End Condition: Participants establish a clear buffer for 10 seconds → “Got it. Stepping back.”

Station 4 – Inside Agitator / Provocateur

Set-Up: One or two role-players pose as “inside agitators.”

Scenario: Person tries to provoke a rush on a barrier or start an argument near a chokepoint.

Skills Focus: Name-it-to-tame-it, CLARA listening, delay + distancing (walk-and-talk), delegation, exit & hand-off.

Debrief Prompts:
What cues told you this was “inside,” not “outside,” escalation?
Which part of CLARA was most effective?
How did you end the interaction safely?

Key Takeaway
Recognize internal escalation and redirect with clarity and care before it spreads.

Section V – Integration & Aftercare (10 minutes)

Objectives
Consolidate learning into a simple field plan.
Normalize emotional let-down and immediate care.

Rapid Plan (5 min):
In affinity groups / buddy trios: pick one boundary phrase, one hand-off line, one regroup-spot cue for your next action. Say them out loud together.

Aftercare Mini-Flow (3 min):
Teach a 3-step reset: Water → Breath (box 4-4-4-4) → Buddy check (“1 word now, 3 sentences later”).

“1 word now” = an immediate, time-boxed pulse check right after a stressful moment.
Buddy prompt: “Give me one word for how you’re doing right now. Optional to pass.”
Examples: steady, shaky, overwhelmed, okay, numb, angry, calm, dizzy.
No analysis, no fixing — just notice and triage (water, sit, swap roles).

“3 sentences later” = a slightly deeper follow-up once you’re in a calmer / safer spot (a few minutes later or post-action).
Buddy prompt: “Give me up to three sentences about your state and what you need.”
Template: “I feel ___.” “My body is ___.” “Right now I need ___ (water / quiet / food / space / tap-out / medical).”

Why it helps:
Keeps the hot-zone check quick and non-intrusive.
Prevents long processing while adrenaline is high.
Ensures needs translate into action (swap, hydrate, sit, step back) and saves fuller debrief for later.

How to run it (script-ready):
Now (≤ 30 s): “One word check — how are you?” (allow “pass”) → respond with a concrete support (“Here’s water; let’s sit by the curb. I’ll tap in for you.”)
Later (≤ 90 s): “Three sentences max: feeling, body, need.” → take action to address the need or escalate to trainer / medic.

Options & Accessibility:
Hand signals if verbal is hard (👍 = okay, ✋ = pause needed).
Nonverbal “one word” via card / emoji (🟡 = shaky, 🔴 = support now).
Always offer consent to pass; never force disclosure; no phones / recording during these checks.

Group Debrief (2 min):
“What skill will you practice this week?”
“Where will you post your scripts so you actually use them?”

Key Takeaways
Plan your words, your body, and your buddy moves now, not during crisis.
Aftercare is discipline — it keeps people coming back.

Section VI – Closing Reflection and Grounding (5 minutes)

Reflection Round (1 sentence each):
“One thing I’ll do differently in my next action is…”
“One cue that will help me remember to breathe is…”

Closing Script (60–90 sec):
Lead a slow collective breath; brief gratitude; “Who keeps us safe? We keep us safe.”
Optional short chant or 10 seconds of shared humming, ending together.

Observer / Coach Checklist (issue on index cards)

Assess / Breathe visible before speaking
Voice: low, slow, audible; short scripts
Body: open stance, palms relaxed; 45° angle; no cornering
Distance: created a lane; avoided crowding
Buddy: requested tap-in / out early; clean hand-off phrase used
Technique choice: named & used (Direct, Delay, Distancing, Distraction, Delegation, Documentation)
CLARA: genuine Affirm present; didn’t argue / educate
Boundaries: clear, repeatable; stayed within role
Safety: no touch; avoided identity-based language; called for help when unsure

Section 00 – Trainer Scripts & Phrases (Quick Reference)

De-escalation Offer: “Can we step over here where it’s quieter?” / “Water?”
Boundary (Public Space): “We’re staying on the public sidewalk and need you to give us space.”
Lawful Orders: “I hear your order. We’re creating a lane now.”
Hand-Off: “I’m stepping out; my teammate will continue.”
Tap-In: “I’ve got you — switch with me.”
Documentation Notice: “For everyone’s safety, we’re documenting this interaction.”
Inside Conflict: “I can see this is heated. Let’s pause and talk over here.”
End the Interaction: “I’m closing this conversation now.”

Trainer Debrief (Post-Session, Not with Participants)

What cues worked best to prompt “breathe before speak”?
Which scenarios ran long and why?
Any safety edges or moments to refine?
Note specific phrases participants adopted — feed them into future manuals / cards.

Section IX – Sources

ACT UP New York. Direct Action Resources (n.d.). Practical models for disciplined, nonviolent disruption and mutual support drawn from AIDS activism.

Amnesty International. Toolkit for Non-Violent Direct Action (circa 2018). Roles, prep checklists, and contingency planning for safe NVDA.

Amnesty International. Civil Disobedience Toolkit (2024). Defines NVDA, situates it in strategy, and outlines nonviolent principles.

ACLU. Know Your Rights: Protests & Demonstrations (updated regularly). Guidance on First Amendment rights, police encounters, and documentation.