Protest Encampments

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Encampment Tips & Tricks

Effective Camp Organization

Ensure your camp is well-organized, with everything clearly labeled and mapped out. Key areas to establish include:

  • Medical Tent

  • Library

  • Inventory Storage

  • Communal Eating Area / Kitchen / Pantry

  • Teach-Out Spaces

  • Games and Activities Area

  • Welfare Zone

  • Prayer Area

By organizing your camp efficiently, you'll create a supportive and functional environment for all participants.

Assign Team Roles

Assign participants to teams based on their skills and strengths. Key teams to create include:

  • Outreach

  • Action

  • Security

  • Legal

  • Social Media

  • Welfare

  • Camp Management

By aligning tasks with individual expertise, you'll enhance efficiency and ensure all aspects of the camp are well-managed.

Schedule Group Activities

Organize regular group activities (every other day) to strengthen team bonds.

Maintain a daily schedule on a whiteboard or chalkboard, and share it on your camp’s social media account.

Examples of activities:

  • Teach-Out Sessions

  • Weekly Rallies

  • Daily Camp Cleaning

  • Daily Palestine Update Meetings

  • Embroidery Sessions

  • Group Discussions and Debates

  • Movie Nights

  • Workshops and Skill-Sharing

  • Meditation and Yoga Classes

  • Community Potluck Meals

Consistent group activities foster unity and keep everyone engaged.

Listen

Ensure everyone feels heard, their ideas valued, and they are included in the decision-making process.

Actions to take:

  • Walk through the camp and ask people if they have everything they need (pillows, blankets, food, toiletries, etc.)

  • Hold regular feedback sessions where everyone can voice their opinions and suggestions.

  • Create a suggestion box for anonymous input.

  • Rotate meeting facilitators to give everyone a chance to lead discussions.

Prioritizing listening fosters a supportive and inclusive environment.

Protect Each Other

Stand as a shields for each other! Acknowledge that in many cases, relying on police or university security may not offer support. Therefore, ensuring protection becomes a shared responsibility within the team, with every member watching each other's back. No one gets left behind!

Tips for mutual vigilance:

  • Ensure a security head or legal representative is always present at the camp.

  • Maintain composure in tense situations, refraining from impulsive reactions.

  • When confronted with aggression, immediately call for the security head and respond appropriately to the situation.

By actively watching out for one another, we fortify our unity and safety, ensuring every member's well-being in our shared cause.

Wellbeing Sessions

Prioritize well-being with weekly sessions!

Tips:

  • Arrange activities from sports to mental health checks, communal game nights, and movie nights.

  • Aim to have three meals together as a family.

  • Continuously check in on each other.

By dedicating time to our well-being, we foster a supportive and resilient community.

Get a Good Night Sleep

Your energy impacts the camp's energy. Ensure everyone can rest comfortably at night, as a well-rested camp is more vibrant and resilient.

Suggestions:

  • Assign at least 2 individuals per shift for night watch, adjusting based on camp size, to maintain security and assist passersby with any inquiries.

  • Establish 3-4 night watch shifts, typically spanning from 12-3 AM, 3-6 AM, and 6-9 AM.

  • Provide comfortable sleeping arrangements, such as sleeping bags, mats, or cots, to enhance sleep quality.

  • Offer earplugs or eye masks for those sensitive to noise or light disruptions.

By prioritizing rest, you cultivate a camp environment that thrives with energy and strength.