For New Protesters, Legal Observers, and Community Watchers
Built for all ages and skill levels
🧭 PART 1: CHOOSE YOUR PURPOSE
Ask yourself:
- 🔴 Do I want to stream live or record for upload later?
- 🟡 Do I want to be visible (on camera), or stay anonymous?
- 🟢 Do I want to post publicly, or just save proof privately?
Each choice affects which tools you should use.
📱 PART 2: GEAR CHECKLIST
You’ll need:
- ✅ A smartphone (Android or iPhone)
- ✅ A portable power bank
- ✅ Headphones with mic (optional but useful)
- ✅ A stable mount or grip (tripod, selfie stick, or chest strap)
🔒 PART 3: SAFETY FIRST – KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
🛡️ You have the right to film police and public officials in public spaces under the First Amendment. But you must:
- Stay in public spaces (sidewalks, parks, etc.)
- Don’t interfere with police activity
- Don’t enter private property without permission
📞 Key numbers to have saved:
- National Lawyers Guild (Legal Hotline): 📱 Enter your local NLG chapter number
- ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights
- GI Rights Hotline (for service members): 📞 877-447-4487
✍️ Write your legal aid number on your arm with sharpie before going out.
🌐 PART 4: CHOOSE A PLATFORM (LIVE vs. UPLOAD)
| Platform | Good For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube | Large reach | Must verify account. Takes 24 hours to activate live streaming. |
| Familiar to many | Easy to go live. Consider setting audience to “Friends Only” or custom. | |
| Twitch | High quality, less censored | Good for desktop streaming. May flag activism content. |
| Instagram Live | Very easy, but short sessions | Video quality lower. Good for fast audience reach. |
| Owncast | Independent, no takedowns | Self-hosted livestreaming if you want total control. |
✅ RECOMMENDED FOR MOST PEOPLE:
- Record video to your phone.
- Upload later to YouTube or Facebook.
- Use a simple livestream app if needed.
📦 PART 5: EASY-TO-USE STREAMING & RECORDING APPS
📱 For Phones:
- Streamlabs (iOS/Android): Free, simple livestreaming to YouTube/Twitch/Facebook.
- Larix Broadcaster (iOS/Android): Secure, pro-grade. Great if streaming to Owncast or private server.
- Camera app: Most built-in camera apps record great HD video. Just press record!
💻 For Laptops (advanced):
- OBS Studio: Free open-source streaming and recording software. Requires setup.
⚙️ PART 6: SETTINGS TO GET RIGHT
- 📽️ Resolution: 720p is fine. 1080p drains battery.
- 🔊 Audio: Use headphones with mic for better sound.
- 🔋 Battery: Turn on battery saver. Dim your screen. Bring a charger or battery pack.
- 🧼 Clear space: Delete old videos and apps to make room.
🕵️ PART 7: STAY SAFE, STAY PRIVATE
- 📴 Turn off face unlock and fingerprint unlock. Use a PIN.
- 🧼 Scrub metadata (like GPS location) before uploading. Apps like ObscuraCam (Android) help.
- 🚫 Avoid filming protestors’ faces unless they give permission.
- ✈️ Use airplane mode when not streaming to protect your signal and battery.
📤 PART 8: UPLOADING VIDEO LATER
- Use Wi-Fi if possible to avoid cellular data overages.
- Edit if needed to blur faces (apps: CapCut, InShot).
- Add a title and date. Example:
Police action near Capitol – June 14, 2025 – Des Moines
🚨 PART 9: EMERGENCY PLAN
- If arrested: Say “I do not consent to a search. I want a lawyer.”
- Don’t unlock your phone for police.
- Set up auto-upload to the cloud (Google Photos, Dropbox) in case your phone is taken.
📢 PART 10: SPREAD THE WORD
- Post links to your stream in protest threads, Discords, and your local subreddit.
- Use hashtags like
#Copwatch,#FirstAmendment,#IowaProtests,#50501watch - Be ready to screen record if social media platforms try to take your post down.
🧰 QUICK RESOURCE LIST
- 📱 Streamlabs app: https://streamlabs.com/mobile-app
- 📹 OBS Studio: https://obsproject.com/
- ⚖️ ACLU Know Your Rights: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights/
- 💾 ObscuraCam (Android metadata scrubber): Guardian Project
📌 FINAL WORD
🎤 Your voice matters. Your footage can save lives, expose abuses, and protect the truth. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or showing up for the first time — if you can hit “record,” you’re helping the cause.