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I know people are really stressed about this Saturday & what the goal is. There are a lot of things being done that aren't mine to share, but of the people I have spoken to (mutual aid, various event-holders, bloc members), the goals of the 26th have been essentially unanimous.
The first priority is to affirm that Black Lives Matter and uplift our dedication to Black liberation in spite of the hate movement that gathers and threatens the city. We cannot stop the alt-right rally from happening. But we can declare that we will not tolerate their bigotry.
Emphasizing community safety: We know without counter-protesters, the alt-right will attack anyone. The solution, however, isn't taking the bait. It's community awareness & intervening in events of violence. A non-confrontational presence affirming: you are not welcome here.
Another priority discussed is deplatforming, aka: making it not worth it for them p2. This is where having the events in other places is really important. I hope media doesnt photograph/live update ANYTHING the alt-right say do on a public platform. Dilute its relevance.
Now, there will be counter-protesters. It's Portland- people really hate fascists here. There might be journalists documenting for *responsible* later use, or people passing by who get in over their head. These people deserve safety too and should be considered.
Now, my personal piece: I think we have the opportunity to have a weekend that does not join the list of our tragic references, but at no point can we let our vigilance falter. They have made it clear: they want to kill us (PoC and race traitors). They have been slowly escalating
We should assume at least one person in the crowd of the alt-right wants to & has the means to commit an atrocity. And it only takes one. Every event should be prepared for terror response. Every location & route VERY carefully considered. Please, do NOT think distance is enough.
Be ready to make exact plans w/ short notice. Talk through circumstances w/ your trusted network and discuss how you will make decisions quickly and efficiently when new information arises or circumstances change. And critically: prepare yourself to keep your calm and cool.
