A BROTHERHOOD OF CONSCIOUS MEN ACTIVELY SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES
BEST PRACTICES TO CONSIDER FOR AN INDIVIDUAL MEMBER OR CHAPTER WHEN PARTICIPATING IN A NON-PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC. MARCH OR RALLY
Brothers:

During this time of great energy and vigor around seeking social justice through mass protest, it is imperative to remain safe and represent Sigma well. We are reissuing this guide to demonstration participation in hopes of supporting all of our attempts to safely engage in the current movement.

The information provided was developed and approved by the General Board during Bro. First Vice President Chris Rey’s tenure leading Social Action. Sigma has been at the forefront of change efforts prior to this moment and will continue to lead.

Godspeed in your work now and going forward to SUSTAINABLY impact our social landscape. Remember, today is just one step in combating injustice and we have been instructed to always "March On, March On, ye mighty host nor think the journey done, nor of the future deeds to boast TIL WE’VE THE VICTORY WON!

Yours In Service,

Bro. Dr. Michael Baslee
International Director of Social Action

PURPOSE

The purpose of these guidelines are to assist individual members or chapters with the best practices to consider when participating in a march, rally, vigil or any public demonstration that is not an official Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. event, but where members choose to wear Fraternity paraphernalia.

These guidelines are to help members make the right decision while protecting the Fraternity with the best in conduct. The leadership of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity recognizes the importance of civil engagement and strongly encourage members to participate in movements that will uplift and better the quality and plight of all people. If we are to be a “A Brotherhood of Conscious Men Actively Serving Our Communities” our participation in lawful, peaceful demonstrations is one of the many avenues of approach that we must engage.

GUIDELINES

When participating in a march, protest, gathering, vigil or large outdoor forum:

1- Make sure others in your personal circle know that you are going to participate in a particular event. This allows for immediate outreach by that individual to you in case of an emergency.

2- Make every effort to follow all local rules and ordinances in the municipality in which the assembly takes place.

3- Wearing paraphernalia during a protest is allowed. However, it should be left to only the clothing or clothing or paraphernalia worn on one’s person.

4- Signs or posters showcasing the fraternal letters are prohibited. Only use signs or posters during sanctioned Phi Beta Sigma events.

5- Responding vocally to the speaker, spontaneously or temporarily, is generally acceptable, especially if reaction against the speaker is similar in kind and degree to reaction in his or her favor.

6- Chanting or making other sustained or repeated noise in a manner which substantially interferes with the speaker’s communication is not permitted, whether inside or outside of the event.

7- Once an assembly ends, proceed to leave the area peacefully.

8- Always remember that those who counter protest against you have the right to free speech.

9- Do not engage in any discourse that is deemed uncivil with those that do not agree with your views.

10- If the coordinators do not have a permit for the event that does not automatically mean that a march/protest cannot take place. Marches are generally allowed on sidewalks as long as the sidewalks still have adequate space for citizens to utilize the sidewalk.

11- When dealing with police, stay calm, be polite and do not run. Do not argue, do not resist or obstruct the police, even if you are innocent or believer that the police are violating your rights.

12- If you are at an event with other members, keep a watchful eye on each other and make sure there is an account of all members after the gathering.

13- Document the best you can during a rally, whether through social media or video, to capture the organization’s engagement but also to capture footage of any violence that can be shared with authorities in case of an emergency.

14- Always remember that your actions are a reflection of the organization and it is magnified greater when you protest in paraphernalia.

The voice of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., is indeed now more than ever before in our communities. We are building “A Brotherhood of Conscious Men Actively Serving Our Communities” one Sigma Man at a time. It is our hope that Sigma Men worldwide will participate in lawful and peaceful events that support bettering the lives of all people. Safety must always be at the forefront of each engagement and the leadership of Phi Beta Sigma stands with its members who choose to be on the right side of history.

“Our Cause Speeds on Its Way”
Hon. Bro. Micheal E. Cristal
International President
Hon. Bro. Daryl A. Anderson, Sr.
International Executive Director
Bro. Dr. Michael Baslee
International Director of Social Action