Guidelines for Effective Occupation *

• Behave with due regard for the rights, traditions, and feelings of others in the vicinity of the Occupation. We are a diverse group, and we should all respect one another in this regard.
• Refrain from using words and behavior which could reasonably be perceived as being intentionally threatening, abusive, insulting, or lewd. Express yourself in creative, positive, and productive ways.
• Know your rights and know your responsibilities! Comply with lawful orders from police and other legal authorities (e.g., traffic and pedestrian laws), except where you believe that these orders are in violation of your right to individual expression and public assembly.
• Be aware of daily and seasonal weather trends and wear/bring clothing and other equipment that will ensure that your stay warm, dry, and healthy.
• Stay within the boundaries of the Occupation area (or procession area during a march) and position yourself to prevent blocking the flow of pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle traffic. Always use crosswalks and sidewalks when on foot.
• Do not carry, display, or use alcohol, weapons, or illegal substances within the bounds of the Occupation area.
• Do not steal, deface, or damage public property.
• Signs, banners, and other displays should be carried in hand or lay on the ground near you. By law, signs cannot be affixed or tied to poles, trees, or other structures.
• Be responsible for yourself and to the other participants! Your orderly and peaceful behavior will reflect well on the movement and reflects your respect for your fellow occupiers.
• Keep the Occupation area clean, neat, and sanitary. Clean up your Occupation area at least once per day. If possible, follow the “carry in, carry out” principle so as not to burden City employees with your trash and mess.
• If you choose to smoke, please do so only in the areas of the Occupation or activity areas that are designated for smoking and dispose of your ashes and butts in an appropriate receptacle.
• Do not engage or participate in violence or hate speech (any communication that disparages a person or a group on the basis of some characteristic such as race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, or other characteristic). If you do so, you may be asked to cease your involvement in the Occupation or other activities.
• Be aware of the behavior of other occupiers who may be inciting others to violence. Occupy Delaware is a non-violent movement and those who incite others to violence may be misinformed or may be saboteurs. Alert a Peace Steward immediately if you observe this happening.
• Know your rights! If you are given an order that you believe is unlawful or a violation of your right to public expression or assembly, alert a Peace Steward who can serve as a witness and complete an incident report. Do not be afraid to assert your rights in a calm but firm manner.

If you believe that you may be arrested, alert a Peace Steward who can serve as a witness and secure your possessions prior to arrest. If you believe that your arrest constitutes a violation of your civil rights, contact the National Lawyers Guild regional office at (267) 702-4654.

* voted on and adapted by the General Assembly