Direct Action
All the ways to participate in advocacy up till now can all be easily done from your home. Sometimes, you need more than just letter writing and public comments. This is where direct action comes in. Direct action disrupts business as usual and demands attention. Some of the activities that we’ve seen throughout history like rallies, protests, sit-ins, strikes, boycotts, and more are all examples of direct action. They refuse to let the status quo go on without change.
Let’s get into the history of direct action and how to participate safely.
Black Lives Matter Protest in front of Stockton City Hall
Rallies, Protests, Boycotts, etc.
A History of Movements
Current Movements
How it Works
When direct action disrupts the status quo, it not only forces attention for the cause, but it also makes the point that life cannot go back to as it was and demands action and change. For the people participating in movements and taking direct action, their goal is to build as much momentum as possible and sway public opinion to support them. Public opinion is a very powerful tool when working with elected officials that pushes them to make change.
Protest Forms and Rights
PRO-TIP
If you are looking to lead a march or rally in Stockton that would require street closures and roadway interruptions, you’ll need a permit
Protest Safety
Protesting may be a right, but it can still face regulation and violent repression from authorities and police. Even when participating in nonviolent direct action, stay alert and stay safe. Work with experienced organizers and do your homework to avoid being surprised by anything.
Tips sourced from Amnesty International Guide to Safety During Protest:
What to Do
Plan ahead: For essential needs, care and supplies. Know what to expect. Know how to get assistance. Plan for how to re-contact your buddies if separated
Be calm and focused: when things get most intense, react to danger or warning signs sooner, not later
Watch for signs of physical and mental problems in yourself and others. Cool down others who exhibit panic behavior
Document: film or write down police actions, brutality, and injuries
What Not to Do
Don’t put vaseline, mineral oil, oil-based sunscreen or moisturizers on skin as they can trap chemicals
Don’t wear contact lenses, which can trap irritating chemicals underneath
Don’t wear things which can easily be grabbed (i.e. jewelry, ties, loose hair)
Don’t go alone, if you can help it - go with an affinity group or some friends who know you well
Don’t forget to eat food and drink lots of water
What to Bring
Water in a plastic bottle with squirt top, to drink and to wash off your skin or eyes
Energy snacks + Identification and/or emergency contact information
Enough money for pay-phone, food, transportation
Watch, paper, pen for accurate documentation of events
Inhaler, EpiPen, insulin & several days of prescription medication
Menstrual pads. Avoid using tampons - if you’re arrested you may not have a chance to change
Basic First Aid Kit + Wet Wipes and tissues
What to Wear
Shatter resistant Swimming Googles and a N95 Facemask
Comfortable, protective shoes that you can run in
Clothing covering all your skin to protect from sun and pepper spray exposure
Shatter-resistant eye protection (i.e. sunglasses, swim goggles, or gas mask)
Bandana to cover nose and mouth soaked in water, lemon juice or vinegar, it can aid in breathing during chemical exposure
Fresh clothes in plastic bag (in case yours get contaminated by chemical weapons)
A hat to protect you from the sun and from chemical weapons
Dealing with Teargas and Chemical Irritants
Avoid use of oils & lotions because they can trap the chemicals and thereby prolong exposure
Gas masks provide the best facial protection, if properly fitted and sealed. Alternatively, goggles, respirators, or a wet bandana over the nose & mouth will help
STAY CALM. Panicking increases the irritation. Breathe slowly and remember it is only temporary + Blow your nose, rinse your mouth, cough & spit. Try not to swallow
Wearing contacts: you must remove the lenses or get someone to remove them for you, with CLEAN, uncontaminated fingers. Destroy the lenses after exposure
DO NOT RUB IT IN
Use an eye flush using a solution of half liquid antacid and half water. This only applies to aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide
Know Your Rights
Freedom of Expression and Assembly: Everyone has the right to carry their opinion to the streets.
Protection of the Right to Freedom of Assembly: Law enforcement must facilitate and not restrict a peaceful public assembly.
Freedom from excessive use of force: In the policing of non-violent protests, police must avoid the use of force.
Right to Medical Assistance: If you are injured you have a right to medical assistance without delay.
Freedom from Arbitrary Arrest and Detention: If you are arrested you have a right to be told of the reason for your arrest, you also have the right promptly after your arrest to have access to a lawyer and to your family.
Right to Complain: If your rights have been violated you have a right to file a complaint and to be provided information on how to do so.
The Limits of Advocacy
and Direct Action
Even with large movements and huge shifts in public opinion, no form of organizing and advocacy can guarantee policy or structural changes. This has a lot to do with money and power.
One way that money impacts politics is through public financing and campaign donations. As people who generally want to be re-elected, politicians need money to run successful campaigns and some of their major donors will have certain political interests. Tracking where elected officials get their money and identifying their major donors can shed light on the reasoning behind a politician’s voting history. Additionally, you can track campaign expenses and have transparency on where campaign funds go and who is getting paid for what. Search by name, committee ID, filing date, and more at the City of Stockton Public Portal for Campaign Finance Disclosure.
Another way that money can limit the impacts of advocacy is through Political Action Committees (PACs). When election season comes around, it’s typical to see ads on TV and in the mail urging you to vote for a certain candidate or vote yes on a proposition or no to another (Those “endorsed by” ads). This tactic of constant exposure finds success through name recognition. For the average voter who doesn’t have the time to properly research each and every candidate or proposition on a ballot, being more familiar with one name over the other because they’ve seen it on TV might be the reason why they cast their votes.
Understanding where money is flowing to and coming from will help you better identify the underlying political goals of a proposition or candidate. Follow the Money helps uncover who is sponsoring what ads and donating to which campaigns.
The Power of a Vote
As a citizen, the right to vote is a powerful tool. While there is a lot of emphasis on your right to vote for president of the U.S and a lot of attention placed on national legislation, local elections are just as important and local policies have more direct impacts on your day to day life. Local elections typically end up undervalued by residents leaving a power gap filled by special interest groups like police associations, oil companies, and corporate landlords. Staying engaged with the local government allows you to take power back and advocate for broader community needs and interests.
There are various locally elected positions that are very important to keep and eye on and mobilize around.
Make your vote count for these locally elected positions: