Me Thinks The Lady (With Kids) Doth Protest Too Much
Things to consider and pack when attending a Protest (With Kids).
As a starter for ten I love this phrase and use it quite a lot. Yet while the meaning of the word ‘protest’ in Shakespeare’s day meant declaring something solemnly, it has only just dawned on me that, whatever the meaning, it is pretty darn offensive to women! The idea that our words are meaningless or not to be believed is a pretty bloody common theme under ‘the patriarchy’, and easily leads down very nefarious ‘she was asking for it’ avenues. Maybe it’s time this phrase went into retirement. But I digress…
Photo by Callum Shaw on Unsplash
The Chaos Of Doing Anything With Children!
This month I will be attending The Big One in London with my children. I haven’t taken them to many political events or demonstrations in their lives, partly because I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia just before I had them so getting us all there and back and coping with the demands of the day has always felt too much.
The last time I did was when I took them to hear the ex-Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, speak in our home city. My youngest was only three, but she spent the whole tram ride singing ‘Jeremy Corbyn, Jeremy Corbyn’ it was very endearing!
Even attending this small, local event felt quite difficult with kids. We used the Park and Ride and got the tram to the event but I was still encumbered with stuff. A pushchair in case of tiredness (oh that I fitted in it!), endless snacks, nappies, tissues, warm clothes, water. Now I know some of that is usual child travelling equipment but throw in the safety issues of an event and it felt quite overwhelming!
This time my kids are older, a teen and a tween. The event we are attending is a peaceful one, at least that’s the intention. But I’m still aware I need to plan ahead for a safe and drama-free day.
So what things need to be considered before heading to a protest, once you’re there and after the event? Armchair Activist gives you the low down on all the things I’m doing to prepare for attending The Big One - so if you’re going too, here’s a to do list for you! If you’re not attending this action there’s plenty here to consider for attending the next demonstration you go on, both with and without kids.
Planning Before An Event
I want my kids (and me) to be clear on why we are attending. What the background to the campaign is, what the goal of protesting in this way is. I also want them to be aware of what could happen; arrests, violence, harassment, what to do if they get lost (while my kids each have their own phones, I will be writing my phone number on both their arms!) and how to stay safe. (This video uses the term People of Colour which is one many are working to avoid - white is a colour too or if technically it’s not, neither is Black…).
I’ll be reading all the event information, watching the recorded preparation video call and will have a copy of the event schedule bookmarked on my phone. For this event we will also be learning the climate change song and the Staying Alive dance! We’ll be checking out the amenities and food map,
I have also joined the local organiser Whatsapp groups for up to date information about transport, accommodation, scheduling and all things planning.
Although this is an organised event with the support of the Metropolitan Police, authorities, lots of stewards, first aiders and volunteers, it is still an action. There’s the potential for members of the public to create problems if they disagree with the protest cause or organiser or if they face any disruption to their planned activities. Plus, given the institutional racism (misogyny and homophobia) reported in the Met, it is important to remember that safety is not a level playing field but affected heavily by the colour of our skin.
Knowing Your Rights & Being An Ally
Obviously the aim and hope of this action is that it is a peaceful get together to raise awareness about climate change and climate justice and challenge politicians to act more urgently. However, it is a protest, and as many seasoned protestors share, there are potential dangers so it is still better to be prepared. Here’s some resources the main organiser, Extinction Rebellion, have put together for everyone’s protection.
Know Your Rights Training 2023 (XR)
Packing List
Backpack - comfy to carry, space for a water bottle (for me that means on the outside of the bag rather than the inside in case it leaks and so I can easily access it). Kids will have their own backpacks, food and water.
Bum Bag (fanny pack, yep still not over finding that hilarious. Look up fanny meaning in UK if you’re unsure what I mean!) - for the essentials. Phone (with kids in tow and at a peaceful protest I will be taking my usual phone. Some protestors at less organised events with a greater risk of arrest choose to leave identifying items like phones and ID at home), money, plasters, tissues, sunglasses.
Water - staying hydrated will be essential as will knowing where we can fill our re-useable water bottles when we are there.
Sunscreen - we’re attending a Climate Change rally. Enough said! Although the safest bet is to cover up and seek out the shade. And definitely not use conventional environmentally unfriendly chemical laden sunscreen.
Umbrella - this is the UK, so probably best to pack an umbrella too alongside the sunscreen!
Face Mask/Scarf/Bandana - These are recommended in Covid times as well as to avoid digital recognition. I’m less concerned about either of these on this demonstration but recognise my whiteness gives me a level of privilege not everyone has.
Hat/Sunglasses - sunstroke is no fun. I’ve had it at a festival, hats will be taken!
Snacks - protein rich and nutritious are the order of the day. We’ll be taking plenty in re-useable containers.
Protest Signs - big and bold, less text, punchy messages.
Clothing - We will be wearing layers to cope with early morning and late night coldness. It is often recommended to wear black to blend in on demos (although that’s not great if the weather is hot). Guidance also suggests covering up distinctive tattoos and hair. Again, while this is a peaceful event, and shouldn’t be an issue for most, this isn’t true for all people, because of discrimination and racism.
A change of clothes. It’s going to be a long day, taking a spare t shirt and socks might just enable me to keep my peri-menopausal flushes from making me a sweat monster! We’ll also be taking a plain t shirt to decorate when we’re there.
Hand sanitiser - useful for cleaning hands before eating although washing them is the best option and uses less plastic.
Good walking shoes - already broken in, closed toe, comfy for walking long distances or running if you need to make a quick exit.
ID (I will be taking given the nature of the event).
Phone (remembering to be respectful of other protestors’ safety if you take or share photos of the day. Generally don’t share photos of others unless you have permission).
Cash - spread about your person.
A power bank for charging phones. One that can charge more than one phone is useful if going with teens and tweens.
Activities such as books, small games, easy art supplies for the journey and while there. There are also lots of activities for kids at the event.
Other possible items - duct tape (for fixing your placard or anything else!), plasters, first aid kit, pen and paper, hair ties, pain killers, torch, emergency phone numbers, any of the safety items from above - e.g. bust list.
See Extinction Rebellion Families Facebook Page for more on attending with kids.
After The Protest
Remember to take your placards home with you.
If you were motivated to attend a protest because you cared about the cause and helping to creating change, don’t head home after the event and consider that your job done! Follow up with the organisers and try to keep taking action and raising awareness.
Show your kids any footage on the news and keep up to date with any political or other progress about the cause.
Rest! An action can be a long and strenuous day for everyone. It’s important to decompress physically, mentally and emotionally.
Armchair Activism
Simple Activism:
Join in from home with the digital rebellion.
Step It Up A Notch:
Attend The Big One - and find out what’s going on
Serious Activism:
Volunteer At The Big One - There are lots of opportunities to be a volunteer or a steward. I won’t be doing that at this event, as I think it’s going to be enough of a challenge to get us all there and back!