“Get up, stand up, Stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up, Don't give up the fight.” -Bob Marley
How do the words above resonate with you?
Pause here for a moment and free yourself from distractions:
Take a deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... calm your mind and be present...
I woke up with these lyrics rolling through my head this morning and thoughts of the iconic Bob Marley. Marley is considered one of the pioneers of reggae music with a distinctive vocal and songwriting style. I can hear his voice in the words above... and the unique way he was able to infuse his message with a strong sense of spirituality, authenticity and truth.
What artist, song, or song lyrics come to mind for you that expresses how you are feeling right now?
...think about that for a moment... sit with your feelings... tap into your creative self...
Much has taken place during this pandemic. All of us are dealing with many things that we certainly could not have predicted and were not prepared for. Yet here we are. We continue to survive, adapt, evolve, provide for our families, help others, and fight for much needed change in order to leave this world in a better place than we found it.
Out of tragedy comes opportunity... The killing of George Floyd serves as a catalyst for nationwide protests over the sorrow and outrage of the disproportionate numbers of black Americans being injured or killed during encounters with police.
#SayThereNames (Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Philando Castile, Breonna Taylor and many others) #BlackLivesMatter are two organized movements dedicated to non-violent civil disobedience in protest of police brutality.
As we stand together, the difficult conversations begin about race and the systemic issue of racial oppression in this country progress, let's prepare ourselves and stay safe.
How to Protest Safely During the Coronavirus Pandemic: (from health.com)
1. Keep following pandemic guidelines:
Wear a mask and bringing a spare
Carry hand sanitizer, bottled water, and practice good hand hygiene
Anyone who shows COVID-19 symptoms, believes they have been exposed to the virus, currently recovering from it, or is high-risk, please isolate at home.
What updates and protocol changes have been made in your area at this stage?
2. Take care of your emotional health:
Even if you haven't been physically harmed at these events, seeing others being harmed or hearing their screams can still cause emotional distress.
Ask yourself if you’re mentally and emotionally prepared to be involved in or witness confrontations
Watch for signs of physical and mental problems in yourself and others. Cool down others who exhibit panic behavior.
If you’re feeling wound up or anxious, be present and take a step back, Get away from it for a moment. You can always rejoin when you’re ready.
Get support before, during, and after these experiences.
Who do you go to when you are in need of some emotional support? ...When was the last time you spoke to them...
3. Consider your overall health risk factors:
Think about how well your body tolerates heat, long bouts of standing, potentially walking for miles, as well as physical and emotional stress.
Kneeling at a rally rather than marching might be a good option for those who are less mobile or more sensitive.
Think about preexisting conditions. An asthma attack or breathing issues can be triggered by heat and humidity, walking for long hours, stress, and chemical exposure.
Don't forget emergency medications: inhalers, Epi-Pens, insulin, and also prescriptions you take regularly, in case you're stuck in a location for longer than planned.
Your health is important,.. How will you know if you are risking too much?
4. Know the effects of tear gas:
Blow your nose, rinse your mouth, cough, spit, and try not to swallow
Skin irritations, vomiting and diarrhea can occur if the chemical is accidentally ingested.
Eyes can swell or look similar to pink eye.
Exposure can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, and prolonged coughing.
Using a mask that seals tightly to the face with no gaps will help prevent these effects
If you don't have a mask that seals up tightly, pair the mask you do have with goggles to protect the eyes and lungs from tear gas. If all you have is a cloth facial covering, put that on; it's better than nothing.
Opt for long sleeves and long pants to protect the skin from exposure.
Glasses are safer than wearing contact lenses.
How will you prepare yourself for chemical exposure?
5. Be prepared with first aid:
Basic First Aid Kit, bottles water, wet, and tissues
Know where the nearest ER of urgent care is and go if needed!
Compression bandages and alcohol for cleaning wounds, supplies for splints for ankles, legs, and joints in case of sprains or breaks.
Tourniquets in case of excessive bleeding, so know where and how to place them.
A full-face gas mask, or shatter resistant Swimming Goggles could protect the eyes
Know where the nearest ER or urgent care is and go if needed. Increasing pain, risk of a concussions if you get hit in the head, could lead to something more serious without the proper medical attention.
What's in your First Aid Kit? Check it, don't assume...
Where is the nearest hospital or urgent care center? Know before you go...
6. Have a plan if things get dangerous:
Your health is most important. Ask yourself what you would do if you see SWAT vehicles or a police barricade ahead.
Do you have access to the care you’ll need if a serious injury occurs?
In an emergency, it’s important to walk quietly and efficiently away from the scene. *Medics on the ground advise protesters not to run because it can escalate police perception of what’s happening, and it also puts people at risk for trampling.
What's your emergency plan?
7. Keep an eye out for medical helpers:
Scan the crowd for people you might need in an emergency.
Medics often wear a red duct-taped medical cross symbol on their backpack and sleeves. These people will have the equipment and communication tools to get more help,
Some carry glucose for diabetics and Epi-Pens for those who might have allergic reactions.
Other volunteers, such as those handing out masks, hygiene kits, snacks, and bottled water are good to find, too.
How will you locate medical assistance in the event you are planning to attend?
8. Important Reminders and Things to Bring:
Water bottle with a squirt top to drink and wash off skin or eyes
Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues
Identification and emergency contact information
Enough money for pay-phone, food, and transportation
Energy snacks
Wear comfortable protective shoes, hat and clothing covering your skin to protect you from the sun and other chemical contaminates
Cell phone, watch, pen, paper for accurate documentation of events
Know your rights, and understand them.
"May hope continue to fuel your fire... may justice be administered with equal fairness, by all those in authority required to do so... and may mercy and grace be granted to all those with righteous hearts who continue fight." _Coach Tavia
Don’t miss your opportunity! Be intentional, encourage others to do the same and watch what happens.
You got this!
Coach Tavia
Related Article:
How to Protest Safely During the Coronavirus Pandemic
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