Some right-wing organizations have encouraged their members to infiltrate and disrupt progressive events. While we believe it’s highly unlikely this will happen, we should be prepared! If you notice anyone who claims to be on our side acting substantially out of line, use these tips to help you de-escalate the situation.

 

● Stay calm and avoid confrontation. Overall, the most important thing is to avoid confrontation, which can be difficult. Even if it means disrupting or changing your event program, the most important thing is to avoid scenes or confrontational moments that can be completely misinterpreted. Avoid feeding into the hostile atmosphere that disrupters may attempt to create. Stay cool, calm, and respectful.

 

● Watch your language. Be intentional in using language that is nonviolent and inclusive at all times. Assume anything you say could end up on Fox News. This is good practice in general, and you should hold your attendees to the same standards.

 

● It’s okay to ask someone to leave. If you notice a person filming without your consent, or if anyone makes you uncomfortable for any reason, it’s totally fine to ask them to leave the event. If they refuse, ask the rest of the participants to ignore them and not engage with them. Don’t let a disrupter distract the rest of your participants!

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● Assess. If it becomes impossible to avoid confrontation with a right-wing agitator, address them in a way that does not disrupt the main event. Have one (and only one) person be responsible for engaging them in a space away from the main event, using a conversational tone that discourages them from shouting to disrupt the event. If necessary, engage the authorities to address someone who is continuously disruptive or confrontational.

 

If you suspect a tracker was at your event, please email press@moveon.org to let us know! as soon as you can