Our WhatsApp Community chat rules

This community is for members and supporters of East Berkshire ‎PALESTINE SOLIDARITY ‎CAMPAIGN to chat in topic-based groups and get important announcements. Please familiarise yourself with the COMMUNITY GUIDELINES below: ‎ 

1. ‎In an effort to reduce duplicated posts and disturbing people with too many to read: ‎Please do not post on the groups after 9pm or before 8am. Some people are disturbed by posts when sleeping. ‎
2. Please use the CHAT FORUM for all posts unless specifically related to a sub group. To avoid too many posts maybe consider leaving any groups where you do not actively participate in the actions. ‎
3. Focus on our campaigning and upcoming events. Keep messages concise and relevant, no ads, spam or personal information.
4. ‎No racist or antisemitic comments.
5. Please verify posts for accuracy before sharing.
6. Be courteous, mindful and respectful of each other as we are from different walks of life, and politics.
7. If you are offended by anything, or there is a disagreement, then bring this to the attention of the Admins by direct message. Or resolve it yourselves privately. ‎
8. If in doubt about sending a message ask:
   ‎Is it relevant?
   ‎Is it necessary? ‎
   Is it in the relevant focus group?

Stewarding Guidelines for Marches

The overriding priority for stewards is to make the event safe.
The expectations that the Police and East Berkshire PSC have for stewards are as follows:

1. The lead person or steward acts as the single point of contact for the police, has overall control of stewards and the event, and should proactively seek out police when or if they attend on the day.
2. Stewards must be identifiable and safe. They should be visible and distinguishable, for example by wearing high-visibility vests, as they are working at the edge of traffic.
3. They should have a way to communicate with the designated lead and with each other, especially for front-to-back coordination.
4. Stewards need to be able to control their group. A loud hailer may be required for communication with the crowd, separate from those used for chanting or protest.
5. They must also maintain control of the space from front to back, ensuring the march does not become too stretched out. Stewards should remain evenly spaced, as the front often moves faster than the back.
6. There should be sufficient stewarding numbers to manage the predicted group size, with additional capacity as contingency.
7. Stewards must understand the route and requirements. The route or march should be pre-notified to the police, and stewards should ensure the group keeps to it.
8. They must also understand their powers: stewards are responsible only for their group. They have no authority to step into the road or stop traffic.
9. Stewards should be aware of the potential impact of the march and ensure it does not cause significant disruption to major (A/B) roads. They must keep participants on the pavement, away from the road.
10. The right kind of people should be chosen as stewards. They need to be assertive, willing to give clear instructions, and not remain passive. On the day, their role is stewarding, not protesting.
11. Children must be kept away from the roadside at all times.
12. A clear space along the roadside edge of the pavement must be maintained for stewards to move freely.
13. Stewards must remain in their designated positions, whether at the side or acting as back markers. They should only move out of position to relieve another steward at a road crossing, after which the relieved steward must return promptly to their position.