Bearing Witness meets every Wednesday from 11AM - 1PM. You can find out more about the group and its mission on the homepage: Bearing Witness New England.
The Peacekeepers (marshals) are committed to keeping these events:
We warmly invite any person who regularly participates in Bearing Witness on Wednesdays to join us. Prior training is not requiredand there is no required commitment to staff. We only ask that people do their best to attend, to help out regularly, and to participate in some training (see below).
If you are not already on the peacekeepers’ mailing list, you can fill out a questionnaire. HERE and one of us will contact you shortly.
Below are some resources about marshaling if you'd like to learn more.
1. Arrive early to the event (around 10:45am) so we can coordinate together as a marshal team.
2. Form a general perimeter around the protest so we are able to see everything going on.
3. Stay alert for any activity that might jeopardize the peace and safety of the protest. This could be a heckler, a crowd of fellow protesters closely following an ICE van, or someone who looks like they might
need to sit down and drink some water. Try to monitor anything that could lead to an escalation or an unsafe situation.
4. During the march, we will have marshals at the front and back, covering each intersection, and also interspersed with the crowd.
5. During the march, people might approach you with questions. Do your best to answer them and, if you need help, signal another marshal.
Above all, we are there to help ensure that these protests are SAFE and PEACEFUL for EVERYONE. So far, they have been, and we aim to keep it that way. Thanks!
Standouts and De-escalation of Aggressors
These recommendations reflect advice of law enforcement and security
professionals and may be modified in the future.
As we begin to be more present at events and standouts, we should all have a common
goal of avoiding any confrontation with people wanting to insult or engage us.
Below are some tips going forward.
#1 If the situation feels unsafe, leave and/or call for help.
Note: we may want to share with police when and where we will be holding signs and
that we’ve encountered aggressive actions/comments in the past.
#2 If people are walking or driving by with offensive gestures or comments, do not
engage. Stay neutral which can be difficult. Don’t over-smile or yell back anything
#3 Do not hesitate to call the police, that’s what they are there for.
#4 Beware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for cars that might be repeatedly
driving by or if a group of people are starting to amass in the area.
#5 Smartphone recording. Your safety is the number one priority so use your phone to
call or message authorities first, if necessary. Never stick your phone in someone's face
and it’s usually better to leave the area. If you’re a safe distance away and feel it could
be valuable, it’s your call.
If someone or a group approaches you/us:
- be ready to step back and maintain distance between you and individual/group
- Never crowd or gang up on an aggressor
- Present a non threatening appearance. Even if you don’t feel it, try to look calm and
self-assured.
- Maintain a neutral facial expression or a positive one, but do not show contempt.
Belligerent eye rolling is one of the best nonverbal examples of contempt. Some other
nonverbal recommendations include placing your hands in front of your body in an open
and relaxed position, not shrugging your shoulders, and not pointing your finger at the
other group.
-Don't match their intensity. If you are upset, it’s only going to escalate the situation. Try
to stay calm to help you navigate the scene safely. Take a deep breath. Use a low, dull
tone of voice and don’t get defensive, even if the insults are directed at you.
Other signs of aggression or danger:
- Clenched fists or tightened jaw
- Sudden change in body language or conversational tone
- Pacing or fidgeting
- The “Rooster Stance”—chest protruding out more with arms away from the body.eneral perimeter around the protest so we are able to see everything going on.
3. Stay alert for any activity that might jeopardize the peace and safety of the protest. This could be a heckler, a crowd of fellow protesters closely following an ICE van, or someone who looks like they might
need to sit down and drink some water. Try to monitor anything that could lead to an escalation or an unsafe situation.
4. During the march, we will have marshals at the front and back, covering each intersection, and also interspersed with the crowd.
5. During the march, people might approach you with questions. Do your best to answer them and, if you need help, signal another marshal.
Above all, we are there to help ensure that these protests are SAFE and PEACEFUL for EVERYONE. So far, they have been, and we aim to keep it that way. Thanks!
Copyright © 2025 BearingWitnessNE.org - All Rights Reserved - Sign up for our newsletter