These forms were created for actual, specific protests in the past. Feel free to edit them based on the specifics of your protest, people, or legal jurisdiction.

 

Know your rights! A one pager on your rights and how to use them to keep yourself, your friends and the climate justice movement safe(r).

Here’s an excerpt from our KYR one pager:

• You never have to give any information to the police. If they try to speak to you, don’t answer any questions. You can direct them to a police liaison if you have one.

• If the police stop you, ask: “Am I free to go?” If they don’t let you leave, say: “I am going to remain silent, I want to see a lawyer.” You do not have to reveal your immigration status.

• If you get arrested, say: “I am going to remain silent. I want to see a lawyer.” Repeat this every time the cops question you. Don’t wait for them to read you your rights—they probably won’t.

• Police are supposed to stop questioning you when you ask for a lawyer. If and when they keep asking, repeat: “I am going to remain silent, I want to see a lawyer.”

 

For affinity groups: Our form for collecting identifying + contact info from members to track and support people in case they get arrested. (2 pages)

Here’s the intro to the legal support form:

This document is for anyone going to protest during the 2019 Climate Strike Week of Action. It’s a way to share the minimal amount of information with the legal team to track you in jail if you get arrested. (And people get arrested without planning on it all the time.) You’ll notice we do NOT ask for your immigration status or if you have any outstanding warrants. That info should only be shared with people with whom you share a very high degree of trust. The legal team will destroy this document when the week is over and/or everyone in it is out of jail.

 

How to do legal support for your friends at a protest where they might get arrested: an overview. (2 pages)

Here’s an excerpt from our legal support guide:

• DON’T GET ARRESTED IF YOU ARE A LEGAL SUPPORT PERSON.
• If and when you hear from your friends in jail, remind them not to talk about their arrest details,
because jail phones are monitored.
• Regularly check your number’s voicemail in case you missed a call.
• Record and track arrestees’ booking and arrest numbers and upcoming court dates.

 

The longer guide to knowing your rights when protesting for climate justice. Good general information with some specific info for the Bay Area. (6 pages)

Here’s an excerpt from the long KYR guide:

• Form affinity groups: these are groups of people who are participating in the action in various ways and will support each other. People who are engaging in civil disobedience and risking arrest should have someone who knows their plan, keeps track of their belongings, updates their family or other contact, knows any medical issues, etc.
• Know the plan for jail and legal support.
• Fill out a jail support form and leave it off site at a pre-arranged private location. (Coordinate with legal support people to make sure they have access to this information.)