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RULES FOR PROTESTING

Flag of Druwayu

In the USA, You Have a Right to Protest

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The First Amendment of the United States Constitution explicitly states, “the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” The key word here is “peaceably.” This right does not extend to acts of violence, vandalism, arson, or threats of harm. When such actions occur, they cease to be protests and become acts of terrorism. There is no ambiguity in this distinction. That said, the First Church of Druwayu (FCD) has established some basic guidelines for any protests conducted on its behalf. These rules are straightforward and essential to ensure that protests align with our values and principles.

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Guidelines for Protesting

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  1. Respect Free Speech: Protest is an act of free speech, and as such, we must respect the free speech of others, even those with whom we vehemently disagree. If we fail to defend the rights of others to express their views—no matter how deplorable—we undermine our own rights. This is non-negotiable.

  2. Defend Freedom of Expression: Protest is also an expression of freedom. To preserve our ability to express ourselves passionately, we must defend the same right for others, even when their expressions conflict with our beliefs.

  3. Be Informed: Know the issue you are protesting. Protesting for the sake of protesting is counterproductive. Research the issue independently, beyond what “everyone else says.” Ensure your justification is well-versed, clearly articulated, and supported by fair, reasonable demands. Define specific, achievable goals for the protest.

  4. Focus on Change with Purpose: Effective protests are grounded in a legitimate theory of change, not change for its own sake. Like a well-structured debate, a protest must follow a logical course, leading to a rational and consistent conclusion.

  5. Base Protests on Facts and Ethics: Protests should be rooted in evidence and ethical considerations, not popularity or the influence of prominent personalities. Avoid basing protests on emotional appeals alone; instead, prioritize logic and reason.

  6. Stay Focused: Keep the protest centered on the specific issue at hand. Avoid being sidetracked by secondary or tangential debates. If you are unclear on the core issue, refrain from engaging in discussions until you have clarity.

  7. Avoid Partisan Agendas: Protests should not serve as platforms for advancing the agendas of individuals, organizations (including ours), or political parties. Focus on the issue, not on emotional or partisan appeals.

  8. Prioritize Facts Over Narratives: Facts must take precedence over assumptions or opinions. Speak up when facts are taken out of context or misrepresented and redirect the focus to objective truths.

  9. Reject Violence and Intimidation: Engaging in, promoting, or inciting violence, harassment, or the deprivation of others’ rights is unacceptable. Such actions are not protests—they are acts of terrorism and must not be tolerated.

 

Be Mindful of Threats to Freedom

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Unfortunately, threats to freedom exist both domestically and internationally, including within government institutions. While some openly push for tyranny, others operate covertly, engaging in acts of terrorism, including assassination attempts. If you choose to participate in a protest, be prepared for potential violence and ready to defend yourself and others. Local law enforcement can only do so much.

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  • Safety Measures:

    • Wear protective gear, such as bulletproof vests and body armor, to safeguard vital areas.

    • Carry defensive tools like tasers or pepper spray but use them only in self-defense.

    • Avoid attending high-risk protests if you have significant disabilities or vulnerabilities.

  • Speaking at Protests:

    • If you are speaking at a rally, ensure you are protected by bulletproof glass and that organizers have implemented comprehensive security measures for all participants and observers.

 

This is not paranoia—it is a practical approach to safety in a volatile world.

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Use of Flags and Symbols

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The FCD has not yet finalized flag designs to represent our culture and community. Members are welcome to submit ideas in the shared gallery section. Until official designs are approved, do not use flags or symbols associated with Druwayu in protests without explicit permission. Additionally, do not participate in protests not authorized by the FCD’s Drusidu. We aim to avoid associations with causes that contradict our teachings, principles, or values. Misrepresentation of Druwayu undermines our mission and integrity.

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Proposing a Protest

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If you or a recognized branch of the FCD wishes to organize a protest, follow these steps:

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  1. Use the guidelines above to structure your proposal.

  2. Submit your plans via the “Contact Us” option, providing specific and detailed information.

  3. Allow time for the Drusidu to review and vote on the proposal.

 

If the proposal is approved, the protest will proceed with the full support of the FCD. If it is rejected, you are free to protest independently but must not associate Druwayu or the FCD with your actions. Avoid mentioning the organization if questioned about your participation. This refined version ensures clarity, professionalism, and alignment with the original intent while enhancing readability and structure. Let me know if further adjustments are needed!

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