No Kings 3 Tips & Tools: Pre-Event Checklist

No Kings 3 Tips & Tools: Final Prep + Day-Of Checklist

Last week, we talked about creative resistance. For our final Tips & Tools, we’re bringing everything together with a quick, practical checklist for organizers and attendees. At this point, the goal isn’t more planning. It’s making sure your event runs smoothly, safely, and with strong visibility.

Final Prep (This Week)

• Make sure your team has completed at least one safety or marshal training (virtual or in-person). Check out our calendar for several online trainings this week. You can also view past trainings at NoKings.org. 
• Confirm roles: safety lead, peacekeepers, first aid team (if needed), press contact, photographer, and headcount tracker.
• Do a quick media check-in. Confirm who’s coming, resend your press release if needed.
• If you will have speakers, confirm attendance, gathering point, schedule, and time limits. Ensure your audio system is in good shape.
• Prep your visuals: signs, props, music, anything that adds energy and visibility.
• Prep handouts. This could include small flyers or preprinted business cards with a QR code or link to your organization's mailing list signup form. Many more folks may attend than have signed up via Mobilize. Make sure you capture and hold their interest!
• Connect with a service organization like a local food pantry with the event. Invite them to host an information/donation table.
• Some organizers also collect cash donations for local groups to show that No Kings is about caring for the community as much as protesting the Administration. Let attendees know you'll be collecting cash donations. Print QR codes that lead to the group's donations page for those who don't bring cash. Safety-pin these to the back of your coat for hands-free access.
• Set up Signal chats. You may want one just for safety marshals and a separate one for organizers. Or include everyone in the same chat if you're a small group.
• Finalize plans for carpooling if you plan to attend several events throughout the day.
• Send your final email to Mobilize signups with logistics, safety reminders, parking advice, ADA information, donation information, and tone (peaceful, welcoming).

Day-Of: Organizers

• Arrive early to set up any tables, tents, or other equipment.
• Do a quick team huddle to focus and energize.
• Confirm your Signal chat is up and running. Check in every 20 minutes or so to make sure everyone is paying attention.
• Make sure safety marshals are visible and positioned at strategic points. Remind them to focus on observing their surroundings and to check the Signal chat often.
• Greet media and help them get what they need.
• Greet speakers and ensure they remain close until they have spoken.
• Take photos and short videos to capture the energy. Before doing so, let folks know they should hold their signs in front of their faces if they don't wish to be visible.
• Distribute handouts so people can stay connected after the event.
• Keep messaging consistent: peaceful, welcoming, community-focused.
• Take a head count about halfway through the event, after latecomers arrive but before folks start drifting away. Thank people for coming and remind them how to stay involved

Day-Of: Attendees

• Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
• Prep your phone. Consider basic privacy steps like turning off facial/fingerprint ID, limiting location services, and using airplane mode when possible. Make sure you can still access what you need (contacts, maps, emergency info) before the event.
• Bring water and any essentials you’ll need. Bring extras for folks who may have forgotten.
• Follow directions from safety marshals.
• Stay on sidewalks and out of the road. Cross streets only at crosswalks and pay careful attention. Drivers can be distracted by large crowds.
• Stay aware of your surroundings and support de-escalation. Remind folks to "smile and ignore" negative attention.
• Bring a sign, wear a fun costume, or just bring your positive energy!

One More Thing

Your event doesn’t need to be perfect. It needs to be visible, peaceful, and welcoming. When people see their neighbors showing up calmly and confidently, it builds momentum—and that’s what this is all about.