THREAD: A lot of this probably well intentioned “riot” advice is dangerous. It pushes an individualistic protester aesthetic that focuses on how good YOUR gear is as safety rather than tactical, coordinated organization with people around you—before, during, and after a protest.

Security is practical. The most unsafe thing you could do at an action is be distracted. If you’re trying to remember the rules a random 100-tweet thread told you in the heat of the moment instead of looking around you, you are putting yourself and the people near you in danger.

Security is also not a one size fit all topic. There is some security advice that is generally good (use encrypted messaging and email, turn off your location, remove metadata) but it’s also important to think practically about what makes sense for YOUR risk profile and asses.

What information do you not want to be released? What are your personal risk factors? Make sure to think about these questions when interpreting any general security advice.

More than anything, coordinate and organize with your people to have eyes on what’s happening in front of you. Have an exit plan. Don’t go to actions alone. Write the NLG number on your body. Think about where your car is in case you’re arrested and can’t move it.

Tell people you’re going to the protest. Coordinate childcare, pet care in case you’re back late or arrested. Bring water & snacks, cover your face, don’t bring too many extra supplies if you don’t need them—some is helpful, but a lot weighs you down. Wear what you can move in.

It’s better to be comfortable in your clothes than wear a bunch of gear you’ve never used before. Things change quickly and you need to be alert and ready to move. Understand where you want to place yourself given your risk levels. Make (even a makeshift) plan to exit safely!

Leave your keys with someone if you know you may be arrested. Give your name and information to legal observers if you’re being detained so they can help you. Bring extra battery packs and a flashlight for when it gets dark. This is practical advice I learned from experience.

You are safest in numbers and safest in organization. This is absolutely the most critical thing you can take from this—more than Amazon links for gear recommendations or ill-informed medical advice. Plan with people you know and move as a unit. Be focused and keep your eyes up.

TL;DR: Your security and awareness mindset is just as if not more important than your security/defense gear. Buying a ton of gear, memorizing twitter tricks promotes a false confidence that will only endanger you more. It prioritizes individualism rather than collective action.