Last quarter, I attended a walkout honoring the recent victims of ICE violence. Throughout the demonstration, we heard powerful speeches from USAC members and various on-campus organizations that reflected on the importance of community, solidarity and mutual care during a deeply tense and politically charged moment. The experience felt both sobering and unifying, reminding me how collective spaces can offer support, reflection and a sense of responsibility toward one another.
“It made me feel really happy to see that outpouring of support from students for my community and our community,” said Amaranta Ríos-León, a fourth-year anthropology and labor studies student who participated in the walkout. “It’s such a pressing issue, and it’s making so many people feel scared and uncertain about their futures, their families and the safety of their loved ones. Being able to simply be present in that space was absolutely wonderful.”
However, it quickly dawned on me that I had come a little bit unprepared. The sun was relentless, I hadn’t brought a water bottle and I was wearing an old pair of Converse that made my feet ache after only a few minutes of walking.
Not only that, but I also noticed flyers with QR codes linking to petitions being passed around while some people struggled with dead phone batteries. In that moment, I realized that showing up for your community and participating in activism responsibly requires preparation in more ways than I initially thought.
Preparation can mean bringing water and comfortable shoes, but it can also mean staying informed, remaining engaged and ensuring you have the resources needed to fully support the cause and the people around you.
“I think I would have definitely brought water. It was very hot, even though it was like the middle of January. It’s very hot. As well as a mask. I’m very glad that these organizations on campus were providing that for students,” said Ríos-León.
Meanwhile, Sissi Chavez Garcia, a fourth-year political science student who also attended the walkout, emphasized the importance of dressing comfortably and staying prepared, even during Southern California’s mild winter weather. Items such as breathable clothing, water and snacks quickly became necessities throughout the walkout. “I wish I had brought a hat, a comfortable breathable T-shirt, a face mask, water and probably a snack because we were out there for quite a while,” Garcia said.
With that in mind, here are some of my recommendations for students hoping to participate in activism thoughtfully, safely and responsibly.
Bring a face covering
A face covering can serve several purposes during a demonstration; it can provide protection from the sun, help shield against smoke or airborne irritants at the event as tensions escalate and simply offer a sense of privacy and anonymity in public spaces. There may be people attending a demonstration that don’t have the best intentions, so some participants may feel more comfortable limiting how easily they can be identified.
Know the environment
Make sure to research the event’s location, and make note of multiple routes in to and out of the area. Download an offline map of the location prior to arriving. Utilize the street-view options on Google Maps or Apple Maps for an in-depth look and plan accordingly with your friends on meet-up spots.
Come with walking shoes
Many demonstrations involve long periods of standing and walking across large areas, so comfortable shoes are essential. Being properly prepared can help you stay focused, participate more easily and move safely if conditions change unexpectedly.
Have a portable charger, and share
Bring a fully charged phone or a portable charger; you may need it to scan QR codes for signing petitions, document events for your safety or contact someone if something goes wrong. Demonstrate community by sharing your charger with someone who may need it, or let them use your device in an emergency.
Don’t forget the essentials
Snacks, water, medications, cash and a community-oriented mindset.
“Even if you’re going to go by yourself, make sure to like … maybe recruit someone or even then at the protest find someone because honestly everyone was so friendly,” said Garcia. “At the protest, I looked around and realized everyone was really friendly.” Having a companion at demonstrations, or meeting up with a group and staying together, is a strong safety practice. There is power in numbers, after all.
Ultimately, demonstrations like these reflect a broader truth about collective action and civic engagement. While individuals may arrive with different motivations and experiences, the strength of a movement often comes from shared presence and solidarity. As Ríos-León powerfully reminds us, “If you look anywhere in the world, students are at the forefront. Students are the reason why change happens.” In that sense, each step taken together at a protest becomes part of something larger.
So, consider showing up; we as students continue to push forward for increased accountability, visibility and change. Look out for one another, Bruins.