FAQs - Frequently Asked Protest Questions

Protesting in the rain requires a little creativity, but Hoosiers are up for the task!

Will the protest still happen if it’s raining/snowing/really hot?

Yep, we’ll still be there! If it’s too hot/cold/rainy for you to attend due to health reasons, please stay home and take care of yourself. Self-care is resistance, too!

Where do protests happen?

Indianapolis protests happen at the Statehouse. Any other protest locations will be announced.

Where should I park for Indy protests?

That’s a dilemma-and-a-half! We recommend street parking or use a service like SpotHero or Parkopedia to schedule a parking spot.

Is there a schedule or a march route?

Each event has its own schedule, which often includes speakers. When we march, we keep it simple and go around the Statehouse building.

How long do events last?

Usually, events last around 2-3 hours. Feel free to come late or leave early.

Will there be restrooms, food, or water available?

We don’t provide restrooms, but there are facilities available in the Statehouse and in surrounding buildings like the public library, the parking lot near the Old Indiana State Museum, the Canal Walk, and on the Circle.

We will try to bring water, but we do ask that you try to bring water for yourself if possible to reduce the cost and burden on our organizers. We will not have food.

Is this accessible for people with disabilities?

·         Mobility limitations: We march on a wheelchair-accessible paved path around the Statehouse. If you’re not up for marching, bring a lawn chair or a blanket. We have many people who do this at each protest.

·         Stimulation sensitivities: Protests are loud events with a lot of people. You may find you’re okay with noise-cancelling headphones or that it’s simply too much for you.

·         Sun sensitivities: There is some shade at the Statehouse, but not much. Please feel free to bring a sun umbrella. We also have a first aid tent that you’re encouraged to seek out if you need to sit and take a break.

·         Immune system disorders: We currently don’t require masks since testing has shown that they have little effects when used outdoors. If you’d like limited contact with people, sitting at the back of the lawn is a good choice. The crowd can pretty tightly spaced when marching and at the front near the stage, so you may want to avoid those areas.

Can I bring my children/pets?

We’re a non-violent protest group, but all protests come with some level of risk. Additionally, children attending may be exposed to colorful language and ideas. While children are welcome, these aren’t specifically family-friendly events and we don’t police protestors’ expression.

Pets must be on a (non-retractable) leash or in a carrier, and we ask that any reactive dogs wear a muzzle or stay home. Events are loud and filled with a lot of people and other animals. If your pet isn’t used to that, they may experience anxiety.

What are the groups’ goals/demands?

Please see our mission statement here.

Is it legal to protest at the Capital building/local courthouse?

Yes. We file for protest permits to keep us compliant with the law.

What are my rights as a protestor?

Please see this lovely write-up from the ACLU.

What should I bring (or not bring) with me?

Please bring a water bottle and a snack. If it’s hot, a cooling towel or misting fan is also a good idea. Ponchos are clutch in bad weather.

Feel free to bring a sign or a banner. Sticks to hold them up are fine for outdoor protests. Mobility aids, including walking canes, are always welcome.

Please do not bring weapons (including knives) or aerosol sprays.

What should I do if there’s a medical emergency?

Call 911 immediately. Follow their directions. If you see a Safety Team member, flag them down so they can assist.

What should I do if there’s a medical need that isn’t life-threatening?

Come to the First Aid Tent! We can help with:

• Cooling you down/warming you up

• Bandaging small scrapes and cuts

• Removing splinters

• Giving you food/water

• Helping with headache relief

We also have a supply of Narcan and people trained to use it. Our first aid volunteers also are trained in CPR, but, once again, please call 911 immediately, and then ask for assistance.

Can I bring signs or banners?

Absolutely, please do! There are no size limits or restrictions on signs when we’re marching outdoors. However, please be aware of your surroundings! Only bring signs and/or flags that let you see where you’re going and that you can pay attention to for the safety of your fellow humans.

Can I record videos or take photos? Can other people take photos or videos of me?

Yes. We’re in a public space and the 1^st Amendment allows recording by private citizens and journalists alike. If you’re concerned about appearing in photos of the protest, we’d encourage you to take measures to hide your identity (like wearing a hat, sunglasses, and/or a scarf or surgical mask) or staying home. We recognize that it’s not possible for some people to safely protest, and we’d rather you stay home than to put yourself at risk. See our page on working groups if you’d like to be involved without physically attending protests.