Personal awareness is something that activists should
exercise at all times. This means that you should generally be aware of where you are, who
is around you, what is taking place close by and what actions you will
take if a situation becomes dangerous. This is particularly important at
demonstrations and other actions, but is something to keep in mind all the time.
Dangers to you do not only come in the form of physical threats (such
as a
police officer with a baton or can of pepper-spray), but also in the form
of surveillance and disruption activities. Do not allow yourself to be
overheard by "strangers" making action plans, choosing targets, or
planning general tactics on a demonstration. As well, do not allow
yourself to be lead into situations that appear dangerous or isolating
(such as being taken by someone you don't know very well out to a remote
location to look at an action target).
Be careful in the consumption of drugs and alcohol at all times, but
especially in situations where you are unfamiliar with the people or
location. Moderation is key - especially if you are someone who is holding
a lot of secrets about the community or is prone to talking when under the
influence of drugs or alcohol.
On demonstrations and actions, awareness of everything that is going on
must be
heightened. Who is standing close to you? Are you near the front of the
police line where a police riot is likely to break out (and if you are,
how do you plan to defend yourself)? Is the person close to behaving in a
manner that is unusual (provoking the police to violence when the rest of
the crowd is passive - etc.)? Make sure that you are totally aware of all
factors that could influence a violent turn of events at a demo (although
we can not stop the police from exercising violence and we can not predict
when they will riot - we can be prepared for the possibility). No matter
what the situation - never leave a demonstration alone, and try to arrive
with others as well. This makes it harder for the police to pick
organizers and other active participants off as they come or go from an
action.
After particularly violent police actions - it is important that
activist
communities take time to debrief and go through some type of psychological
release. This may take the form of group sessions where participants speak
out about their experience and their feelings, and possibly even act out
their own "scenarios" in which the police are not the victors etc. (check
out some "theatre of the oppressed" type scenarios which are intended to
help communities work through specific problems). Psychological debriefing
is extremely important for our communities. Unfortunately, without
constructive outlets to deal with traumatic and violent events - activists
(just like other folks in society) are likely to turn to drugs or alcohol
as a coping mechanism. This is obviously something that needs to be
monitored in ourselves and watched for in others. Creating a culture of
open dialogue in our communities (where participants are free and
comfortable to speak their minds) is essential to protecting ourselves.
Self-Defense
It is largely not in our best interests to go around
picking
fights with
aggressors - particularly the police. However - self-defense is a
perfectly rational response to aggression. How you choose to defend
yourself is something that you will determine based on your own personal
skills and comfort level. In this section, we are not going to get into a
discussion about whether it is a good idea to carry weapons such as
pepper-spray, knives or other items for self-defense - that is obviously a
question for each person to determine for themselves and is entirely
context dependent. Keep in mind however, that if you do choose to carry
some type of weapon, you should be comfortable and confident in using is
(otherwise it is more likely to be taken away and used against you!)
Self-defense is first and foremost about awareness and confidence. The
main goal of most self-defense training is not to teach you how to fight
(though some focus on that more than others) - but to train you in
confidence and awareness so that you are less likely to be a target of
violence overall. Of course, all the confidence in the world is not going
to stop a police officer on a demonstration from charging over you with
his horse, or spraying you with cs gas!
Knowing a few basic self-defense moves, or having some martial arts (or
other hand-to-hand) training is never a bad idea (especially for women and
other oppressed groups in movements who may be more at risk of attack).
There are many programs in every major city and most smaller areas that
teach the basics of self defense. If you are interested in taking a
martial art for self-defense, look into the differences between them and
pick one that suits your interests and your natural abilities. Aikido is a
popular martial art for self-defense and is a good one for beginners.
First Aid
Why learn first aid? Been on a demo lately where you've
been shot at,
pepper or cs-gassed, or beaten up? Then you know why learning some first
aid is important. First Aid is not a replacement for proper
medical attention though it can provide a stop-gap measure until further medical
attention can be obtained.
Generally speaking - if there is a possibility for you to get proper
first
aid training - go for it! It is essential the community develop its
skills and teach each other some of these basics. If at all possible,
bring a first aid trainer or a Registered Nurse in to do some training
sessions prior to large actions (or just as general community education) -
and develop a medical team that is willing to come out to demonstrations
as an organized body. Herbal first aid is something that communities may
want to explore in order to cut dependence on the pharma-businesses and
promote healthier options.
Below are some resources that may be useful to you in preparing your
first
aid team, or your first aid kit. We are looking for more activist-oriented
first aid information, so if you are aware of any or wish to send something
to us for addition here - PLEASE DO!
The Black Cross Health Collective now has a Guide to First Aid for
Radicals and Activists online! With printable zines!!
Online
Paramedics Handbook - this is a standard and very comprehensive
resource for those who are interested in all the facets of emergency first
aid.
Dealing
with CS (Tear) Gas is an excellent article on how to help yourself and
others in the event that your action is sprayed with tear gas.
Herbs
for First Aid - article on the standard items to go in an herbal first
aid kit.
