Resources

HOW TO HELP AND BE SAFE

Whether you’re an average person, a small business, an organization, or a politician, there are important things to know that will help you express your opinions, help others, and be more effective, while staying as safe as possible.

Hands Off NYC has gathered these resources to help you speak out, care for one another, organize locally, and navigate specific situations as safely and effectively as possible.

Download printable resources

Every individual, regardless of immigration status, has rights in this country. Whether you’re going about your daily life, attending a protest, or supporting your community in public, knowing your rights helps protect you and the people around you. This section covers what to know before taking action, how to prepare, and how to plan for your safety and your family.

When You are in public

If you encounter federal or other law enforcement agents, knowing your rights and staying grounded can make a critical difference. This section outlines common tactics, what to do during an interaction, how to document and report actions safely, and where to find legal support if you or someone else needs help.

When you have to interact with federal or other agents

Protect SHOPS and workers in your neighborhood

This section offers guidance for workers and business owners on knowing your rights, protecting one another, and responding to enforcement activity.

Easy ways to act locally

Change starts locally. There are simple, meaningful ways to support your neighbors and strengthen your community, no matter your experience level. This section highlights easy ways to get involved, including trainings, distributing leaflets, supporting mutual aid, and working with schools and families to keep communities informed and connected.

Help someone detained by federal agents

When someone is detained, our response matters. Knowing how to show up, who to call, and what information to gather can help protect their rights and support their loved ones. This section offers practical guidance and connections to legal aid and community support.

for faith leaders and congregations

The faith community has an important and beautiful role to play in our movement.

To get involved with Hands Off NYC Faith, reach out to faith@handsoffnyc.com.

  • EVERY THURSDAY - SHINE THE LIGHT

    Hosted in Local Communities, Organized by The Beacon

    The Beacon connects, teaches, and mobilizes people of all faiths and secular backgrounds in neighborhoods across the country to stand for compassionate democracy and stand against cruelty, fear, and despair.

    Every Thursday, make a sign that boldly expresses your concern, invite your friends, and take to the streets in your own community to stand up for the democracy you want to see.

    Click here to learn more, find a list of ongoing “Shine the Light” vigils, or and find tools to create your own.  Let your light shine!

  • EVERY MONDAY - MULTIFAITH MONDAYS

    Since March 3, 2025, the Multifaith Monday vigils have served as a sacred space for collective lament, prophetic resistance, and multifaith community-building in a time of deep division and threat to democratic values.

    Every Monday, 5:30 – 6:00 pm

    Columbus Circle, 59th Street and Central Park West. 

    Gather at the USS Maine statue on the southwest corner of Central Park.

    As M. Gessen teaches, “Autocratic power requires the degradation of moral authority.”  By participating in Multifaith Mondays, we strengthen the moral authority of democratic voices and values.  RSVP here.

    • Resource Guide prepared for Dec. 4, 2025, “Religious Resistance to Authoritarianism” conference, held by Interfaith Center of New York and other partners

    • Conference Videos‍ from “Religious Resistance to Authoritarianism,” including “Religion and Authoritarianism” keynote by Ruth Ben-Ghiat, panel discussions with faith leaders and scholars, multifaith prayers, and Call to Action by Ruth Messinger

    • The Faithful Fight. Toolkits for faith leaders and communities to counter authoritarianism, prepared by Protect Democracy and the Horizons Project

  • Sanctuary Guidelines with legal and theological resources for congregations considering how best to support immigrant NYers

for families

Families are standing together through joyful resistance, playdate protests, and looking our for eachother.

Check out Hands Off NYC Families to get more involved, or email Info@handsoffnycfamilies.org