Many folks going to a protest for the first time are unsure as to what to carry with them for the demonstration. It's hard enough to maintain a peaceful state of mind in a large crowd under the watchful gaze of a sniper-rifle, without also kicking yourself mentally because of some forgotten item that would have made the afternoon much easier. This essay will help you decide what to take, and what to leave at home.

Having participated in many demonstrations myself over the years, I have developed a “protest kit” that I do not leave home without when joining a march. As an avid rock-climber, I'm rather anal about only taking along what is absolutely necessary. Extra weight is the enemy of a good climb just as much as it is to a good march. Therefore, each item I suggest packing is something I once smacked myself on the forehead and said "Doh! I should have brought one of those!"

So without further ado, I give you: Brainshrub's Protest Kit.

4) Pens, a small notepad and a permanent magic-marker.
Write down the emails of folks you connect with throughout the day in the notepad, and do what you can to keep in touch with these people after the protest is over. Here's a little secret: The real power of a protest march is in the networking opportunities, not in the network coverage. The main-stream media will ignore you, trust me on this. However, you are going to make lots of valuable friendships, learn leadership skills and begin conversations that will help the movement gain a foothold in the American psyche. When it comes to social policy the plutocrats have golf courses, and the people have the streets.
Use the permanent magic-marker to write an emergency phone number on your wrist of someone who will be by the phone, such as a lawyer or a family member. If you get detained, your cell phone and address book may not be available to you.

5) Lip balm.
If you forget everything else, don’t forget the lip balm. You’ll thank me later.

6) Small bottle of water.
Purchase a small 12-ounce bottle of water, not soda. (You'll see why in the next paragraph.) Remember, everything must be able to fit into the satchel.

8) Handkerchief.
You don't need to be near pepper-spray for it to affect you. If you start to feel the effects of a chemical attack by the police, wet the handkerchief and place it over your nose and mouth to create a makeshift protective mask.

9) Earplugs.
The authorities enjoy confusing crowds of citizens with sirens, low-flying helicopters and amplifiers. Fear and intimidation is the primary weapon the police will use to control the crowd. Earplugs will make you much more comfortable, and thus, better able to think clearly in tense situations.

10) A sandwich.
You will get hungry. Democracy tends to work up quite an appetite. Don’t count on the local restaurants to be open.

11) A local street map.
If you don't know why a map is important, please rethink going to the march.

The above list is what I consider a complete protest-kit. There are other items you might consider taking, but are not critical. For example, I like to carry an extra memory-stick around my neck to back up pictures. I also usually take along a simple magic trick to entertain nervous children or deal with agitated people.

The two most important things to take to a march do not fit into a bag: A loving attitude toward your country and patience. Look at it this way: Your parents did not raise you overnight; it took years of hard work, sacrifice and love. The same goes for democracies, they need direct citizen involvement over decades in order for the highest ideals of a nation to come into fruition.

Don’t go crazy trying to anticipate every contingency. Be peaceful, prepare a protest kit and have a safe demonstration. You are more powerful than you know.

I’ll be seeing you in the streets.