Participating in protests or public events is one way for students to share their voice and advocate for change. Here are five tips and resources from Stanford’s Vice Provost for Student Affairs office for students interested in engaging in campus activism.

Familiarize yourself with the university’s policies around free speech on campus.

• The university’s policies for banners, flyers, chalking, and posters include size and placement requirements.
• The Campus Disruptions policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff who are planning protests or demonstrations.
• The Freedom of Speech and the Fundamental Standard website outlines how free speech intersects with the university’s student conduct process and explains why abhorrent speech can sometimes be protected.
• The banners, fliers, and posters policy for student residences is outlined in the student residence agreement.

Learn about support available for students interested in holding or attending events including vigils and marches.

• The Office of Student Engagement is a resource for student groups that are organizing events, including vigils and marches.
• The Office for Inclusion, Belonging, and Intergroup Communication offers a variety of staff- and student-facilitated trainings, courses, and programs around building communication across differences.
• International students with specific questions or concerns regarding the First Amendment can reach out to the Bechtel International Center.

Prioritize the safety and well-being of yourself and others while participating in demonstrations.

• Be aware of your surroundings and circumstances, consider participating with a friend or in groups, and communicate with others, including your loved ones, about your plans.
• If you are experiencing harassment, there are on- and off-campus resources to help you feel empowered and heard.

Take steps to protect your privacy and know what resources are available if unwelcome engagement or attention online becomes stressful.

• If you are concerned about or experiencing online harassment, review personal information listed on public websites, or consider preventatively adjusting your privacy settings in the Stanford Directory.
• Remember the nature of social media is inherently public so remain mindful of what you share.
• If you become overwhelmed, take a break from social media and consider limiting your followers to close family and friends. Suspend your accounts, delete or archive old posts, and review privacy settings, especially regarding your physical location.

Take care of yourself and others. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, check in with friends and seek out support.

• If you’re an undergraduate, your RAs, ethnic theme associates, and resident directors are available to help.
• If you’re a graduate or professional student, reach out to the Graduate Life Office.

In case you missed it, here are five tips for taking care of yourself and others during difficult times, and check out the Mental Health Resources at Stanford website.