Participation in Social Action and Protest
Members of our community (faculty, staff, and students) are, true to the Georgetown spirit of Hoyas for Others, interested in learning more about or planning to engage in safe, direct, and social action. Information on this webpage below has been compiled by staff members of the Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching & Service at Georgetown University (CSJ) and Division of Student Affairs (DSA) based on their experiences and recommendations. While this information is not endorsed by the CSJ, the DSA, or Georgetown University, we work directly with partners on this list.
Visit the University’s webpage Resources and Opportunities to Engage in the 2024 Election to learn how you can participate in our democratic process, take care of yourself, and support one another. The Division of Student Affairs has created an array of opportunities for Election Reflection this fall semester. We hope these spaces provide opportunities for processing information, news, and events and allow for meaning-making, community building, and action steps. Our events are created with undergraduates and new voters at front of mind and are open to all members of the Georgetown community.
Know Your Rights: Voting and Protest
If you are planning to engage in election-related protests or actions, it is crucial to be informed about your rights. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) offers a comprehensive Protesters’ Rights Guide. Familiarize yourself with this guide before attending any demonstrations. The ACLU has also created an informative guide for protests specific to Washington, DC, including how to distinguish different members of the law enforcement. For protests on or near the Capitol, read about rules, regulations, and prohibited items as published by the United States Capitol Police.
Prepare Your Team for Protests
For Hoyas planning to engage in protest and social action, CSJ encourages you to create a small, trustworthy team. CSJ does not recommend that you engage in protest or social action alone. If you are in Washington, DC keep in mind that the Public Defenders Service operates a Protest Hotline. They are available to answer any legal questions if you or someone you know is arrested or questioned.
Know Your Rights: Stopped by Police
ACLU offers a description of what the law requires and offers strategies for handling police encounters.
Minimize your Risks of COVID-19
Georgetown University Medical Center has developed detailed evidence-based suggestions and a harm reduction field guide for governments, organizers, and individuals to proactively take steps to minimize the risk of COVID-19. Read up on some tips and suggestions for taking extra precautions.
Useful Digital Security Technologies to Minimize Digital Risk
The need to communicate digitally is critical to successful, safe protest. Protect your communications from surveillance and intervention. It is likely that cell and internet service will be interrupted, especially in Washington, DC, with large-scale protests. Create a plan to “check-in safe” with family and friends.
- Signal is a free and useful encrypted messaging app already. Setting a disappearing message timer can be helpful in making sure that sensitive information is erased on everyone’s phones.
- Cryptpad is an encrypted alternative to Google suite. It offers shared documents, spreadsheets, polls and other useful tools for organizing.
- Jitsi is a free video conferencing app with encryption technology. It works best for small groups.
Nonviolent Direct Action
There are hundreds of effective methods of nonviolent protest. Read about 198 of these methods through the Global Nonviolent Action Database at Swarthmore College. The DC Peace Team offers workshops including on Community Safety for Election Scenarios and Active Bystander Intervention.