How to Take Action with Hands Off NYC
You’re ready to get involved in protecting NYC. Where do you start? This page will be updated as we learn more, with options for engagement.
The best way to stay in the loop is to sign up for updates from Hands Off NYC.
1. Get Trained
Mark your calendar for the next in-person Hands Off NYC Orientation session in your borough. Meet your neighbors and gain strategies to resist!
Topics include: community defense, strategic non-cooperation, how authoritarianism works and proven strategies to counter it.
2. Build Community
Find 5 friends or neighbors and talk to them about the urgent need for community solidarity.
You can talk to people you already know, go door to door to meet new people, or participate in the Community Day of Action on November 15th.
3. Take the Next Step
With your newfound comrades, choose a resistance project that speaks to you. Let joy and your strategic training be your guide!
We also have a menu of projects available below.
We don’t have all the answers, and our success is dependent on your creativity, community, and involvement! Reach out to us for support.
Want to do something today?
Print and distribute the flyers below to help explain the Hands Off NYC network and begin to organize your block. You might pair them with Know Your Rights cards or whistles, as well! We need your help.
Get Trained
We’re hosting a series of borough-wide trainings designed to give you everything you need to know to jump in and get involved, meet your neighbors, and enjoy lunch on us! We’re still finalizing a few details, but mark your calendars. These sessions will be packed with tools, connections, and energy to move forward together.
Brooklyn: Saturday, December 6
Bronx: TBD (Coming soon! Sign up to learn more.)
Manhattan: Saturday, November 22
Queens: TBD (Coming soon! Sign up to learn more.)
Staten Island: Sunday, November 23
Build Community
Find 5 friends or neighbors and talk to them about the current situation. Materials below can be used for information sharing, outreach, and building connections. Exchange contact information, and keep them in the loop about Hands Off NYC!
for individuals
for businesses, by Indivisible
for individuals; Spanish version coming soon
You can talk to people you already know, go door to door to meet new people, get signs of solidarity into businesses, or participate in our Community Day of Action on November 15th.
Take the next step
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JOIN ELECTION PROTECTION.
Tuesday, November 4 is election day here in New York City, although early voting begins 10 days before on Saturday October 25.
All New York City offices – mayor, comptroller, public advocate and city council - are on the ballot.New York City has free and fair elections and we want to be sure they stay that way.
Volunteer to help voters across our city as part of the non-partisan Election Protection program.
As an Election Protection volunteer, you’ll receive thorough training and be part of a team monitoring polling places in vulnerable neighborhoods, ready to help voters and report any issues.
Sign up here. -
LINK: For more information, click here.
When you put up a Signs of Solidarity poster, you’re doing two important things:
Making Your Workplace Safer – By designating a private, employees-only area, you exercise your Fourth Amendment rights. ICE cannot enter without a signed judicial warrant.
Sending a Public Message of Support – Posting a visible sign in your window or door tells neighbors, customers, and other businesses that you reject fear and stand for dignity, safety, and inclusion.
When many businesses take this step together, the impact is powerful. Courage is contagious — your sign may inspire others to do the same.
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Spread the word on campuses and within student communities about this pledge to walk out if NYC is occupied.
Print and distribute quarter-sheet flyers to get the word out about the pledge.
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Check out this document to find creative actions you can take today.
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This movement will rely on your creativity. The options listed here are a few concrete ways of getting involved, but don’t let them limit you!
Other acts of resistance could include:
Set up a table in the park where you distribute whistles and flyers!
Create art / graphics and tag @HandsOffNYC on IG or Blueksy - maybe we can help print and distriubute your work!
Talk to your local birdwatching club about being the eyes and ears of the resistance. Teach them about the whistles.
Make music, poetry, or performance art that carries the message
Anything you can dream of! None of us know what will ultimately work, and every small step forward is needed.
Please keep in mind that all Hands Off events are committed non-violent resistance. We stay rooted in joyous defiance and love for our neighbors and our communities.