On Safety, and 2 weeks until No Kings 3!
On Safety, De-escalation, and Why We Do This the Way We Do
Last week, we had an incident. A group of young men drove up and began harassing demonstrators towards the end of our rally, and when our numbers were small after the event, they came back. They drove into a crosswalk while two of our people were crossing, hands full, forcing them to go around. It was intimidating and deliberate. They cornered people in a smaller group in the lot behind Antiques on Elm, spit at them, threw objects at them, called them slurs.
In a year of showing up, this is only the second time something like this has risen to this level. That is a testament to how we show up. But it is also a reminder that how we show up matters every single time.
Here is what works: When we are together, and someone provocative approaches — our safety team goes to them directly. They ask attendees to ignore them or move away. It works because we don't give them what they want. No arguing or engagement, no reaction!
Here is what doesn't: Leaning out in the street, yelling back, going one-on-one with someone looking for a fight. That puts you and all of us at risk.
Going forward, many of our working team will be wearing our safety vests full time at actions. If you see a vest, that's your person. Please listen to their instructions to de-escalate.
You can walk away instead of escalating.
Before you join us, please review https://www.nokings.org/kyr and the description of our weekly events https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/850189/
On Iran
Last week we named it: empire is a policy choice, and it can be unmade.
We shouldn't be bombing anyone, and we should know the people of Iran. Tomorrow night, right after our rally, don't go home.
Tuesday, March 17th, 6:30–7:30PM at the Westfield Athenaeum:
https://westath.libcal.com/event/16567008
Dr. Mara Dodge of Westfield State University traveled 500 miles across Iran in 2010 — three major cities, countless faces, a country that is not its government.
All are welcome, no registration required.
NO KINGS 3 — March 28th, 11AM–12PM, Park Square
We are going for 1,000 people. Invite everyone. Drag your skeptical neighbor out of the house, to the most unlikely political home in Western Massachusetts.
Call for volunteers!
We need two things specifically: marshalls and someone with first aid experience. A gathering this size needs people willing to help hold it together. Talk to us Tuesday or Friday, or email [email protected]. You will need to take a safety training, some of which are scheduled below:
50%
And here is a recorded training!
Our democracy requires your participation! Have you made it to your town's Democratic Committee Caucus? Become a delegate and represent your ward in your district, meet with candidates 0r their surrogates!
There are a quite a few left in MA!
This Week & Beyond
Tuesday, March 17th, 4–5PM — Park Square Weekly Standout
Tuesday, March 17th, 6:30PM — Dr. Mara Dodge, "The Human Face of Iran," Westfield Athenaeum
Friday, March 20th, 4–5PM — Southampton Rd Overpass Standout
Tuesday, March 24th, 4–5PM — Park Square Weekly Standout
Tuesday, March 24th, 5:30PM — Liberator Stations of the Cross
@ Episcopal Church of the Atonement
Saturday, March 28th, 11AM–12PM — NO KINGS 3, Park Square
Tuesday, March 31st, 4–5PM — Park Square Weekly Standout
Think you see ICE? Call LUCE: 617-370-5023
Together, we will resist.
No Kings Westfield
[email protected]