LOCK ARMS - DO NOT SIT ON THE GROUND

We've seen a lot of this particular instruction making the rounds online - to sit on the ground. Here's the directive from 50501 organizers along with several reasons why this is bad information.

If an escalation happens near where you are we urge you to give marshals space, video from a distance to capture accurately, and LOCK ARMS WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS. DO NOT SIT.

Sitting down makes you physically vulnerable, reducing your ability to flee or protect yourself if violence escalates.

This strategy may unintentionally endanger people with disabilities who may not be able to sit down or get back up quickly, or who might need mobility aids, putting them at greater risk in a chaotic environment.

Aggressors may not respect peaceful actions, and remaining passive does not guarantee safety, force may still be used indiscriminately.

Tear gas is more concentrated near the ground, exposing seated protesters to more intense effects like choking, burning eyes, and disorientation.

Sitting on the ground relies on full crowd coordination, but not everyone will understand or be able to follow the sit-down signal in a high-stress moment, which can lead to confusion, panic, or even stampedes.

Sitting can create a false sense of security, giving violent actors a strategic advantage while peaceful protesters are immobilized and more easily targeted.