Countering fascist mobilisation is a numbers game: outnumbering them tends to reduce their level of violence and makes the police more likely to contain them instead of you. So here's some tips on how to build an effective counter-mobilisation against fascists coming to your area.
Find your base and make a plan
- Figure out who's calling out the action. Can be a single org or a coalition
- Approach trade unions, community groups, and local anti-racist projects via their social media
- Make contact with affected communities: mosques, hotels, community centres, businesses, homes and markets likely to be targeted
- As more organisations join your action, make sure they are sharing your publicity and staying in touch
Prepare your message
- Agree a short message of solidarity and get the details of your action out there, ideally using Canva to make sure your images easily fit social media parameters
- If you have time, you can go big on publicity: use local press releases, leafletting, stickers, flyposters or public meetings - whatever there is time for. Social media is fastest
- Engage with other anti-fascist groups doing similar actions and maintain active social media in the run up to your action
- Get hold of a few decent megaphones
- Prepare some signs and placards - lots of anti-fascist groups have sections on their blogs, websites and Facebook pages with resources that can be downloaded and printed off (e.g. Brighton Antifascists)
Monitoring and liaison
- Monitor the social media of the fascist groups coming to your area so you are as well prepared for them as possible
- Follow @redflareinfo for verified updates and news
- On the question of whether police liaison is necessary, here is Green and Black Cross' guide: https://greenandblackcross.org/guides/planning-an-action/2-should-i-notify-the-police/
Legal support
- Download your local bustcard, which contain solicitors contacts and key pieces of advice, here: https://greenandblackcross.org/guides/bustcard/
- Legal Observers (LOs) are volunteers who observe police tactics on actions and support you on the ground with bustcards and advice. You can request LOs at your action by mailing [email protected] or calling 07946541511
- If you are worried there may be arrests at your action, task some of your volunteers to stay home and prepare police station support so that any arrestees can be supported and met on release. It's really simple. There is a guide here: https://greenandblackcross.org/guides/police-station-support/preparing-for-police-station-support-in-advance/
Safety planning
- Wear masks to stop the spread of COVID and avoid doxxing (being stalked online by creepy fascists looking for your details or publishing your personal details online)
- Wear comfy, nondescript clothing with no bright colours or visible logos - this helps to stop fascists targeting individuals
- Don't take ID or a phone with your life on it
- Don't turn up intoxicated sis, come on
- Plan to go with friends and meet at a specific place and time
- Take extra snacks and water in case of being kettled by cops
On the day
- Check fascist socials and respond with your own
- Avoid complex plans - adapt to events as they unfold
- Ensure visibility and presence with banners and props
- Stick together and make decisions together
- No speeches - yes chants!
- No collecting contact details - yes giving out placards!
- 5 key messages: no comment, no personal details, under what power, no duty solicitor, no caution! https://greenandblackcross.org/guides/key-advice/
- Write the protest support line number 07946541511 on your arm in marker and call in case of arrest
- Arrive together, leave together
Afterwards
- Police station support for anyone arrested
- Get some positive messages out on socials
- If you have time, write a press release for the local paper and radio
- Check in with people - a debrief is good
- Keep building!! https://antifascistnetwork.org/how-to-set-up-an-anti-fascist-group/
Comments