Protest Smart in AZ: Your Guide for Speaking Out Safely and Loudly

Why We Protest: A Legacy of Showing Up

Protesting is one of the boldest ways we make our voices heard. It’s like democracy's emergency flare—when we wave it, you know something’s gone terribly wrong. From the Boston Tea Party to Arizona’s present-day marches, people have taken to the streets to shout “enough!” In LD15, we know how to make noise and make it count.

Whether you're outraged about reproductive rights, clean water, strong public schools, or defending democracy from its slow slide into a conspiracy theory subreddit, this guide will help you prep smart, stay safe, and maybe even outwit the heat.

What to Bring: The Basics

Let’s start with survival. Arizona heat is less “mild inconvenience” and more “angry sun oven.” You’ll want:

• Water. Lots. Think one liter per hour, minimum. Frozen bottles are your new best friend.

• Snacks that don’t melt. Granola bars, trail mix, fruit leather. Leave the chocolate at home unless you want pocket fondue.

• Sun protection. Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses. Yes, even that floppy one you think looks silly.

• Comfortable shoes. You will walk. Your feet will complain. Be kind to them.

• ID and an emergency contact. Old-school style, on paper or your body. Tech dies. Ink does not.

Smart Extras and Clever Hacks

Want to look like a seasoned protest wizard? Try these:

• A Swiffer mop handle for your sign. It’s light, extendable, and let’s be honest, you weren’t using it to clean anyway.

• A lanyard and posterboard. Instant sandwich board. Hands free, all impact.

• A neck fan. Yes, they’re real. Yes, Costco has them. No, you will not regret it.

• An umbrella. Instant shade, doubles as a bold visual, and bonus: you’ll look delightfully dramatic if the breeze hits it just right.

• Cough drops. For chants, smoke, or just to share with someone yelling next to you like they’re auditioning for a metal band.

• A vinegar-soaked bandana. Classic DIY defense against tear gas. It’s not glamorous, but neither is gasping.

• A megaphone. Harbor Freight sells them. They are loud, surprisingly affordable, and possibly your new favorite accessory.

Know Your Rights (and Use Them Well)

You can protest in public spaces. You can take photos and video, even of police. You do not have to answer police questions unless you’re being detained. Calm, clear, and confident is the vibe.

Pro Tips:

• Write a legal aid number on your arm.

• Lock your phone with a passcode (not your face or thumb).

• Turn off location sharing, unless you want your battery (and privacy) to vanish faster than decorum at a Trump rally.

Protesting While Disabled or Chronically Ill? You Belong Here

Protests are for everyone, not just marathon runners with megaphones.

• Can’t stand long? Bring a chair or a stool. Some events even have ADA seating. Ask.

• Using mobility aids? Bring what helps you move. Volunteers are often around to assist.

• Sensitive to sound? Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can be game-changers.

• Can’t stay long? Show up for part of it. That’s still power.

• Can’t be there in person? Post, share, amplify. You’re still in the fight.

Leave the Dog at Home (Yes, Even the Very Good Boy)

We know. Your dog has opinions. But:

• The pavement is hot. Like frying-pan hot.

• Crowds are loud and scary.

• There’s no shade, no water bowls, and no one needs a heat-stroked golden retriever.

Unless it’s a service animal, let them stay in the AC and protest in spirit.

What to Wear and What to Carry

Fashion tip: function over flair.

• Clothes with pockets or a crossbody bag. Hands free = protest power.

• Skip the jewelry. Anything grabbable is a liability.

• Sunglasses and a mask. Protect your face and your identity.

• A portable phone charger. You’ll need it. Between taking videos, live-posting, and texting “I’m by the guy with the pink sign,” your battery will vanish.

Chants to Know (and Yell With Gusto)

Not sure what to yell? Try these classics:

• “This is what democracy looks like!”

• “No justice, no peace!”

• “The people, united, will never be defeated!”

• “When our rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back!”

• “Whose streets? Our streets!”

• “We’re hot! We’re loud! This crowd is sunscreen proud!”

• “Tiny hands, giant mess!”

• “No more lies, no more hate—Trump belongs behind a gate!”

• “Orange man, time to go, democracy says NO!”

• “Make America normal again!”

Can’t chant? That’s fine. Clap. Stomp. Dance. Just be there. Presence is protest.

Final Thought: Show Up Loud, Leave Proud

Protesting isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up. It’s about taking a stand, even if you’re sweating through your shirt and your voice cracks halfway through “Whose streets?”

We show up with purpose, we stay hydrated, and we chant like the future depends on it… because it kind of does.

So bring your water, your best sign, your charged phone, and maybe that extra cough drop. Someone next to you will definitely need it. Probably during the encore chant of “Lock him up.”