How to do it:

The basic principles of de-escalation are fairly simple. We start by not adding active energy to the scene. Deescalation is not about direct confrontation. Instead we introduce calming tones, or we shift focus to extract someone vulnerable. Here are some quick examples, but we strongly recommend you find a training below that works for you. Deescalation has many specific tactics you can learn, and practice is the key to taking effective action in the moment.

MAGA at a protest: get the attention of the two people closest to you and take one large step AWAY from the intruder. Begin chanting something patriotic but neutral like “protect the constitution” in a calm tone that says “everything is okay here.” Don’t yell or scream. Try to make eye contract with more protesters. The goal is to clear space around the agitated person in a unified but non-threatening way that doesn’t give him a target for escalation and draws the attention of trained peacekeepers who may be present. DO NOT RING HIM IN. Give him a pathway to leave.

A vulnerable person is being harassed. Use your judgement: sometimes direct confrontation is valid, but sometimes it can put the target and bystanders at increased risk. Instead, extract the victim. Create some familiarity with the victim: compliment their shoes or pretend you know them. Sometimes this is enough. If it isn’t, continue ignoring the bigot and try to physically link arms with the victim then walk them away. This isn’t risk-free, but shared risk dissipates: you will each have lower risk than the target initially did.

There are many specific tactics you can learn, and it helps to practice. Choose and practice your song or chant. Role-play building rapport with different kinds of victims. Learn your rights when observing an ICE arrest. We encourage you to choose one or more trainings below.

Trainings:

More detailed explanation of how to get a protest crowd to de-escalate together: https://activisthandbook.org/wellbeing/deescalation

ACLU protest de-escalation training (recording of OCT15 training.)

A print-out, pocket reminder of de-escalation tips from NO KINGS! to help you stay calm and take action.

Basic overview of one-on-one deescalation concepts (for situations that have moved past ignoring the antagonist, or where a peer is engaging): https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/modern-minds/202305/7-rules-for-de-escalating-conflicts

Several reputable non-violence and de-escalation programs with many options to learn:

• CLARA for interpersonal de-escalation https://inittogether.cargo.site/CLARA-Method
• Gandi Team provides several useful handouts: https://www.gandhiteam.org/downloads
• Princeton maintains a comprehensive list of current and past trainings you can attend or review: https://bridgingdivides.princeton.edu/de-escalation-and-community-safety-training-nationwide-virtual