Use When
Authorities target whistleblowers or journalists with doxxing and legal threats.
Regimes pressure platforms for extralegal takedowns.
Instructions
- 1
Assess legal, physical, digital, and psychosocial risks to establish a safety baseline.
- 2
Assemble vetted experts in law, safety, logistics, and communications for policy drafting.
- 3
Define protocols for consent, confidentiality, intake, escalation, and project exit strategies.
- 4
Train volunteers in de-escalation and OPSEC while securing the physical site infrastructure.
- 5
Partner with bar associations, medical clinics, shelters, and digital-security organizations.
- 6
Open with a low-detail public presence and an encrypted form for privacy.
- 7
Manage all internal alerts and case updates through a secure, encrypted messaging hub.
- 8
Manage capacity limits and weekly reviews while documenting referrals and housing outcomes.
- 9
Close cases or transfer support once independent monitoring benchmarks are fully met.
Historic Parallels
- U.S. Sanctuary Movement, 1980s and revival 2017–2020—faith institutions shielded migrants and catalyzed policy debates.
- Argentina, 1970s–1980s—church and human-rights offices documented abuses and protected families.
- Poland, 1980s—parishes and cultural centers served as meeting nodes for Solidarity.
U.S. Sanctuary Movement, 1980s and revival 2017–2020—faith institutions shielded migrants and catalyzed policy debates.Modern Examples
- Faith communities open “civic rooms” with lawyers on call, secure Wi-Fi, and hotline desks for rapid documentation and referrals.
- Libraries and universities provide “rights labs” offering FOI clinics, digital security trainings, and verified info hubs.
- Neighborhood co-ops host respite housing, transport, and safe meeting space with vetted volunteers and check-in protocols.
Participants
Individual
Yes
A core of 10–25 trained volunteers per site (legal/safety/logistics/comms), supported by a wider referral network of pro bono lawyers, clinicians, and trusted partner orgs.
Helpful Materials
- Sanctuary policy template
- Encrypted intake and triage forms
- Volunteer vetting checklist
- De-escalation and OPSEC guides
References
Use of Action Playbook educational materials must adhere with Unruled Masses’ Terms of Service.
Stay Nonviolent. Coordinate Strategically. Take Back Your Power.