All attendees, organisers and outreach participants must follow the Global Safety Rules to ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing at events. These guidelines cover conduct around vehicles, interactions with animals and the public, and the role of safety marshals during vigils. Please watch the video to learn more.
GLOBAL SAFETY RULES
ASM organizers and activists must adhere to the following:
- ASM affiliated events must be alcohol, cigarette and drug free.
- Attendees, Organizers, Safety Marshal(s) must be at least 18 years of age unless accompanied by a legal guardian, familiarize themselves with the rules and help ensure everyone's safety.
- All attendees shall wear reflective vests at all times.
- Do not approach trucks that are in motion, especially when they are turning or backing up.
- They have a blind spot which is extremely dangerous that no one should ever enter.
- Activists should not approach or prohibit moving vehicles.
- Under no circumstances should anyone stand in front of, or in the path of, moving slaughter trucks or vehicles.
- Bear witness from the curb side of the truck, not the traffic side.
- Offer new attendees the option to be paired with experienced activists during vigils for safety and emotional support.
- Do not drop signs or other materials on the ground when bearing witness so people don't trip over them and they don't fly into
traffic. Have a designated storage area. - Do not put your arms inside trucks. If the truck moves or animals panic, you can be seriously injured.
- Activists are not permitted to climb the vehicles to bear witness (even if static) unless there is an agreement with the driver AND
slaughterhouse and approved by the Safety Committee. - Be sure to follow the Code of Conduct at all times during the vigil and downtimes.
- It is recommended that you contact your Country/Regional Liaison regarding any unique challenges, circumstances and
legislation that may affect your events. - Breaches of safety rules are taken very seriously and you may be asked to not attend future events if you break one or more of
these safety rules. - Everyone shares the responsibility to uphold and enforce safety rules at any vigil or event, and must speak up when safety
concerns arise, particularly safety marshals and paid organizers. Safety comes before photo or video opportunities.
SAFETY MARSHALS
- ASM events should have one or more Safety Marshal(s) assigned.
- Attendees must not bear witness prior to the arrival of the safety marshal(s) and pre-briefing has been completed.
- Local chapter Organizers and Safety Marshals are required to participate in regular safety trainings.
- Safety Marshal(s) must introduce themselves at the start of the event and be clearly identifiable via safety vest, reflective
armband or other means. - Safety Marshal(s) should brief all new attendees of safety rules. Attendees arriving late should be briefed before joining the
action. - Follow and respect the instructions of Safety Marshal(s). They will have the final decision on all safety matters at the vigil and
other events. If there is a disagreement, a disputant can raise the issue with Regional Liaisons or Human Resources. - Activists are to step away from trucks immediately upon request of Safety Marshal(s).
- Safety Marshal(s) should announce the vigil has ended. Do not bear witness or approach any more trucks after the vigil.
INTERACTING WITH THE ANIMALS
- Minimize loud noises in close proximity to the animals (e.g. do not use megaphones) as they are extremely sensitive to noise
and under a great deal of stress. - Exercise discretion when offering water to the animals. If they do not accept your offer then stop. Please also check your local
laws and regulations. - Exercise discretion when engaging with and touching the animals so as not to cause them distress. Please also check your local
laws and regulations.
INTERACTING WITH THE PUBLIC, POLICE, SLAUGHTERHOUSE WORKERS & TRUCK DRIVERS
- Use a love based approach in your communication with the public and fellow attendees. Speak to drivers, slaughterhouse
employees, and police with respect. Do not react to provocations. Oppose anger and violence with love and kindness. Always
stay peaceful and positive. - When not bearing witness, explore opportunities to engage in public outreach.