On the day - 12 Stewarding Tips
If you're new to Stewarding, why not print this page of top tips and bring it with you to your first action?
Stewards on a protest are welcomed, and we want to be professional too.
Wear hi-vis, comfortable shoes, clothing in layers & all-weather hat (no umbrellas) Bring sunscreen, electricians tape, earplugs, water, pen & paper, phone. Food, medication, anything you may need. in a backpack to keep both hands free & give the distinctive hump under the tabard. see What to bring with you when Stewarding for a complete list
- Stewards' primary task is to keep protesters and passers by safe (eg from traffic)
- Don't talk to the police or security, never repeat or text anything you might hear them say, nor rumours.
- If asked (e.g. how long, what else): you don't know, you are here to keep people safe, you are not part of the protest.
- Stay calm, don’t get into arguments, take a deep breath and de-escalate.
- To communicate quickly to a crowd, use Mic check e.g. to get people to sit down or leave.
- Stewards work in pairs - e.g.if there is an accident, one stays with the injured, the other gets help.
- Ask the lead steward anything you don't know, but find out where the nearest toilets are yourself.
- Do not point or gesture at people who might be helping at the protest - you may be being filmed so you don't want to be identifying people.
- Safeguarding: stay in pairs, do not give unclaimed children to random people, leave reuniting to the authorities.
- On a march slow the front to the slowest participant, don't allow gaps to widen, send banner pairs to hold intersections.
- On a static protest keep a path clear on the pavement for passers by and keep protesters off the road unless it is closed to traffic.
- Ask and suggest, don't order: people don't have to obey you.
Watch the 4min video of these tips Stewards Briefing Video