As a protester participating in direct action during COVID-19, how can you help to ensure that you don't spread the virus to vulnerable communities? And mutually, how can the chronically ill / disabled community aid you from home?
COVID-19 has forced us all to face the systems that were designed to fail us. Now we must protect each other from not only the virus, but the system as well.
In this document we have attempted to collect resources that will help not only those participating in direct action, but also those who cannot participate in direct action, including the disabled and chronically ill community, as well as those who are unable to for any other reason.
FOR PROTESTORS RISKING EXPOSURE TO COVID-19
PREPARING FOR DIRECT ACTION
- Assess risk levels, both personally and within your community. Do you live with, or otherwise interface with, elderly or immunocompromised individuals who may be at risk for mortality from COVID? If you are exhibiting any symptoms associated with COVID-19, stay home. Consider pursuing testing prior to taking to the streets, even if you are not currently exhibiting symptoms, if you live in an area where testing is accessible.
- Treat yourself as though you could potentially be an asymptomatic carrier: suit up with PPE (personal protective equipment) for the protection of those around you. This means wearing masks (N-95 or surgical masks, preferably), nitrile gloves, glasses and/or face shields, and hand sanitizer if you can – this can help limit the spread of contagion. Understand that even with PPE, it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of the spread of the virus, but taking protective action can drastically decrease the possibility of contagion.
- Sanitize hands before, during, and after the direct action.
- If possible, bring several extra masks to change into if things get hot: sweat lessens the effectiveness of face masks in protection from the virus.
- Try to also bring extra masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer to share with those who may not have brought their own.
- Maintain social distancing measures as much as possible while protesting. Understand that six feet, while a helpful guideline, is a somewhat anachronistic number; aim for more if possible — as much distance as you are safely able to achieve.
- Keep masks on at all times when speaking and/or chanting: any form of speech will propel viral droplets forward into others’ eyes, mouths, and noses.
- Remember that COVID-19 affects and kills Black people disproportionately in this country. Recognize that standing up in support of Black lives should extend beyond the act of protesting itself. COVID-19 mortality rates are 2.4 times higher for Black Americans than they are for White Americans. Social distancing is an act of social solidarity; prepare to self-quarantine for 14 days following being present in a crowd.
FOLLOWING DIRECT ACTION
- Immediately upon returning home from an action event, take the clothes you wore in public off and toss them in a plastic bag. Tie it and store it away from common areas for a minimum of three days, and then thoroughly wash the clothing.
- Don’t forget your shoes – heavy viral droplets tend to settle on them, so be sure to take off and sanitize shoes immediately before entering your home. Additionally, cellphones can be hotspots for viral activity; be sure to thoroughly wipe your phone down if you did bring it with you.
- After you have taken off and stored your clothing, shower – don’t forget to wash your hair.
- Self-quarantine after participating in direct action: isolate as much as possible for a period of 14 days. During this time, keep away from loved ones and community members who are elderly or immunocompromised.
- If you must go out in the two weeks following this action, do not leave your house without a mask and/or gloves. Wash your hands constantly.
- Learn patient advocacy: if a loved one or friend has tested positive or is unable to receive a test for any reason, understand that knowing how to protect them from the medical-industrial complex can help ensure that they receive proper care and potentially save a life.
***A note on COVID-testing & treatment post-protesting :
If you are symptomatic and have to go to a healthcare center / hospital to be treated, they will most likely ask where you have been in the last 14 days - DO NOT TELL THEM THAT YOU WERE PROTESTING. Insurance coverage can be pulled & treatment may be denied.
- Covid19 long term effects/symptoms
https://www.vox.com/2020/5/8/21251899/coronavirus-long-term-effects-symptoms
COVID-19 TEST SITE FINDER
COVID-19 Test Site Finder
https://my.castlighthealth.com/corona-virus-testing-sites/
Source: @thetestingproject: NYC Covid-19 Testing Centers https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZGwqxK1UKzLXleL1GoArgusnYCC3FHDKYechMK9TcU0/mobilebasic
Supplies / Comfort / Food Sites: Finding & Donating
Food Drop Site Tracking Map (Frequent and rapid change: check regularly for updates/changes)
https://jdalt.github.io/twin-cities-aid-distribution-locations/
Minneapolis Resources to Support for Protests (Frequent and rapid change: check regularly for updates/changes for needs)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KTBHcXuAUoa-ZevN1-Jq6LYpkmJWhwiJRBhLKRTU0AU/edit
Playground is raising money for health/ covid-19 supplies for protesters.
donate via venmo: @playgroundyouth
DM: @playgroundcoffeeshop to drop-off items in manhattan
Map of Supply Locations For BLM Protestors In NYC
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBGebqOHXuA/?igshid=try5t50s6fc1
On-The-Ground Protest Safety
Protestor Breakup Tactic Diagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA-gVSvDEh8/?igshid=18w13sdpvkm8x
Insight on Large Group Approachment Tactic
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA7RF1gjt9V/?igshid=1jv77w8ytb376
Recommended Reading For Chronically Ill / Disabled Allies
Cyrée Jarelle Johnson - A Paradoxical History of Black Disease
https://disabilityvisibilityproject.com/2020/05/14/a-paradoxical-history-of-black-disease/
Johanna Hedva - Sick Woman Theory
http://www.maskmagazine.com/the-greatest-hits-issue/struggle/sick-woman-theory-reprise
Sharona Franklin - Let's Talk About Disability
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-q4jNXIj47Sf3ojmGnIREyb2H01jB9i-/view?usp=drivesdk
Center For Patient Partnerships
https://www.patientpartnerships.org/about/our-mission/
Patient Advocate Foundation
https://www.patientadvocate.org/explore-our-resources/national-financial-resource-directory/
Covid19 long term effects/symptoms
https://www.vox.com/2020/5/8/21251899/coronavirus-long-term-effects-symptoms
DIRECT ACTION RESOURCES
Supporting Direct Action From Home
-Help the spread of information via the internet or phone
-Spread information carefully as social media can be traced
-If you’re posting images of people participating in the protests, blur/erase faces before posting for safety
-Be an emergency contact, check in with friends, or be on call incase of arrests
-Offer rides, organize rides
-Make Calls! Defund the Police!
-Download a secure messaging program - Signal or Whatsapp - to protect your communication
-Source masks / sanitizer/ food/ water for protesters
-Donate if you can
-Find ways to fund covid-19 tests for protesters as not everyone has insurance
-Make sure you have your absentee ballot and vote
The Movement For Black Lives
https://m4bl.org/
Protesting as a non-citizen thread via @stellarmarg
https://twitter.com/stellarmarg/status/1267829495907536898
DIRECT ACTION RESOURCES (cont.)
Protesting as a non-citizen cont. via @NLGChicago
https://nlgchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/KYR_IDA_non-citizen_english.pdf
Digital Security for Protests
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/11/digital-security-tips-for-protesters
ACLU Protest Rights
https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights/#im-attending-a-protest
Jail Support and Solidarity
http://upagainstthelaw.org/jail-support-and-solidarity/
National Resources Guide : by @botanicaldyke on Twitter (please credit when circulating)
https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/1CjZMORRVuv-I-qo4B0YfmOTqIOa3GUS207t5iuLZmyA/mobilebasic
Ruckus Action Strategy Guide
https://ruckus.org/training-manuals/the-action-strategy-guide/
Ruckus Security Culture for Activists
https://ruckus.org/training-manuals/security-tips-resources/
Direct Action Roles Cheatsheet
https://ruckus.org/know-your-role/
Law Enforcement Violence Toolkit
https://incite-national.org/stop-law-enforcement-violence-toolkit/
File Police Misconduct Complaint (NYPD) -file a complaint with the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) or by calling 800-341-2272
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/ccrb/complaints/file-online.page
National Lawyers Guild
https://www.nlg.org/
Creature Friend Finder : Protestor finder + Bail Advocacy Connection
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA75FelpZkJ/?igshid=iqtbkjhovzyz
The Legal Aid Society
https://www.legalaidnyc.org/
Bronx: 718-579-3000
Brooklyn: 718-237-2000
Manhattan: 212-732-5000
Queens: 718-286-2000
Staten Island: 347-422-5333
Neighborhood Defender
https://www.neighborhooddefender.org/
*Phone Number: 212-876-5500
Detroit Justice Center
https://www.detroitjustice.org/
#DefundThePolice Petition
https://actionnetwork.org/forms/2005_email_blm_defund
DEFUND THE POLICE, FUND OUR COMMUNITIES! @cromchy_plamt_ & @ejeris
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PFEIjh7cFtmdhaJ6vYsQDgTh9GbIVkdJPmd134IctEw/preview?pru=AAABcprdDRU*aVM3ELqaRWlsigaEYZvpJg
REPEAL SECTION 50-A CALLING (AND EMAIL) TOOLKIT - @nyjusticeleague
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FmfcLXQJ6aTVa3IMzFUDk8XbFhq_S_dQcrSPNKU6nrQ/mobilebasic
@changethenypd linktree
https://linktr.ee/changethenypd
Sooper Records (Chicago music label) - KNOW YOUR RIGHTS : Protests, Demonstrations & Police Encounters
IG: @sooperrecords
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D3OfMfFyjioQzi9Lx2mloeURd9nklzZOzZOGw0gvY1U/mobilebasic
NYC Day-Off Activist Guide
https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/144cbppqdzWr0M4TxEKOtHahLOpcxBZIawYfs6nrMgYA/mobilebasic
STREET MEDIC RESOURCES
Street Medic Manual
https://itsgoingdown.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/riot-medicine1.pdf
Basic Medic Kit - Cheat Sheet
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAy3RndgvmG/?igshid=1vneebkbswwig
NYCAM (NYC Action Medical) Training Resources & NYCAM Phone Number
https://m.facebook.com/NYCactionmedical/
*Phone Number: 917-768-5115
Frontline Medics Instagram
https://instagram.com/frontlinemedics?igshid=vshguz7ci92n
Tear Gas 101
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAxxlaOgT5L/?igshid=qtyk9e483uq0
Gun Shot Wounds
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAyNRTyAjM9/?igshid=16t3nbcir16ag
INDIRECT ACTION RESOURCES
Beyond The Streets
https://issuu.com/nlc.sf.2014/docs/beyondthestreets_final/1?ff
Alternatives to Police
https://www.aaronxrose.com/blog/alternatives-to-police
Decolonize Your Bookshelf
https://www.facebook.com/951485691668408/posts/1423637697786536/?d=n
Spit Justice Reading Lists
https://www.instagram.com/p/By8cGFDA7Ek/?igshid=8ijsx3r966yn
INDIRECT ACTION RESOURCES (cont.)
The Abolitionist Toolkit
http://criticalresistance.org/resources/the-abolitionist-toolkit/
Get involved with Reclaim The Block
https://secure.everyaction.com/fdZD1qSoRUyUEwQcB-zmdw2
Conversation starter prompts to confront/explore white privilege & white supremacy
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAveJ0MDEbT/?igshid=1j3tktdhcii1s
Anti-racism resources for white people compiled by (instagrams)— @sarahsophief & @dj_diabeatic
https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1BRlF2_zhNe86SGgHa6-VlBO-QgirITwCTugSfKie5Fs/mobilebasic
Racial Justice Research Document
https://www.patreon.com/posts/36868690
Linktree: @1thatgotawayy / IG: @rachel.cargle /
Anti-Racist Education Resources/Courses/Videos
https://linktr.ee/1thatgotawayy
When Feminism Is White Supremacy In Heels article by Rachel Elizabeth Cargle
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/politics/a22717725/what-is-toxic-white-feminism/
Parenting & Education Resources Through A Critical Race Lens — from (IG) @theconsciouskid
https://www.patreon.com/theconsciouskid
41 Children’s Books to Support Conversations on Race, Racism, and Resistance: compiled by @theconsciouskid
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA0WzafJJqB/?igshid=iizet6qay7fb
@fempowermia linktree
https://linktr.ee/fempowermia
DONATION/ORGANIZATION RESOURCES
George Floyd Memorial Fund
https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd
Reclaim The Block
https://www.reclaimtheblock.org/home
I Run With Maud Fund
https://www.gofundme.com/f/i-run-with-maud
Black Visions Collective
https://secure.everyaction.com/4omQDAR0oUiUagTu0EG-Ig2
Communities Against Police Brutality
https://www.cuapb.org/what_we_do
Campaign Zero
https://www.joincampaignzero.org/#campaign
North Star Health Collective
https://www.northstarhealthcollective.org/donate
The Gathering For Justice - source @nyjusticeleague
https://www.gatheringforjustice.org/
‘Ways You Can Help’ BLM support link
by IG @dehyedration
https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/
BAIL FUNDS
Community Bail Fund Directory
https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory
May 30th Doc @skypewilliams
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1A3f-20SipegLlS2D-D8JRpJd2IBGmN7eKdfRB6cJHwY/htmlview
National Bailout Fund #FREEBLACKMAMAS
Brooklyn Bail Fund
https://brooklynbailfund.org/donate
Louisville Community Bail Fund
https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/louisville-community-bail-fund/
Minnesota Freedom Fund
https://minnesotafreedomfund.org/donate
Covid Bailout NYC
https://www.covidbailout.org/
Philly Bailout
Emergency Release Fund - for high risk trans people in NYC prisons
Venmo : @emergencyreleasefund
https://emergencyreleasefund.com/
Black & Pink National Bail Fund - for Black LGBTQ+ liberation
IG: @blackandpinkorg
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/blackandpinkbail
BAIL FUNDS (cont.)
Collaborating orgs for bail in NYC :
For The Gworls Party + Black Trans Femmes in the Arts + Black Trans Travel Fund
IG: @forthegworls + @btfacollective + @blacktanstravelfund
Paypal : btfacollective@gmail.com
Venmo : @payjordynjay
Cashapp is currently blocking payments
(F)empower Community Bond Fund - @fempowerbailout
https://www.paypal.me/freethemall/
The Bail Project
IG: @bailproject
https://www.bailproject.org/donate/
COVID-19 DONATION RESOURCES
Disability Justice Mutual Aid Fund for disabled organizers for the Black liberation protests. Organized by @sheabutterfemme
To request funds please fill out the form : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyjbOCGNJGUEXPefDxh4UrDuxdXjRCtv8dhbGMznvHd4E18g/viewform
Club A Kitchen
https://www.instagram.com/club_a_nyc/?hl=en
COVID Bail Out NYC
https://instagram.com/covidbailoutnyc?igshid=b278jt71eifg
Housing Justice For All NY
https://instagram.com/housingjustice4all?igshid=fgw4vug48zx9
GOODWITCH Herbal
https://instagram.com/goodwitch.nyc?igshid=34j87lpy697k
Playground is raising money for health/ covid-19 supplies for protesters.
donate via venmo: @playgroundyouth
DM: @playgroundcoffeeshop to drop-off items in manhattan
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
A Mental and Physical Health Database
https://www.otionfront.com/mentalphysicalhealthdatabase
Free Therapy For Communities of Color
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA00ze7J79U/?igshid=1lqyk2fyx8guy