About latNOW
latNOW exists to help everyday citizens find and organize peaceful assemblies in their communities. We believe in the power of showing up — responsibly, safely, and together.
Your Constitutional Rights
The First Amendment
“Congress shall make no law… abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees every American the right to peacefully assemble and speak freely in public. This is one of the most fundamental rights in a democracy.
The Fourteenth Amendment
Ratified in 1868, the Fourteenth Amendment extended the protections of the First Amendment to apply to state and local governments — not just the federal government. This means your city, county, and state cannot lawfully suppress your right to peacefully assemble either.
Know your limits too.
The right to assemble is not unlimited. Governments may impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions — such as requiring permits for large gatherings or limiting protests to certain hours. Violence, property destruction, or blocking emergency routes are never protected. Know your local laws before you go.
Community Guidelines
All events listed on latNOW are expected to be peaceful. Here is what we ask of every organizer and attendee.
- 1.
Bring a friend.
Never attend alone if you can help it. A buddy keeps you accountable, safer, and ensures someone knows where you are. Agree on a meeting point if you get separated.
- 2.
Stay peaceful — always.
Do not provoke, threaten, or engage in any act of violence — physical or verbal. Peaceful assembly is your right. Violence forfeits that protection and harms everyone around you.
- 3.
Do not engage with counter-protesters.
Engaging with those who wish to disrupt your assembly rarely helps and often escalates. Stay focused on your message. Let your presence speak for itself.
- 4.
Look out for one another.
If someone near you is in distress, help them. If someone looks lost, check in. If someone is being targeted, don't look away. Community means showing up for each other.
- 5.
Come prepared.
Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and dress for the weather. Charge your phone beforehand. Write an emergency contact number on your arm in case your phone is lost or dead.
- 6.
Follow the organizer's lead.
The person who planned the event has context you may not. Follow their instructions on routes, timing, and de-escalation. If you disagree with the direction of an event, it is always okay to leave.
- 7.
Know your rights on the ground.
You have the right to film in public spaces. You have the right to remain silent if detained. You have the right to ask if you are free to go. If arrested, clearly and calmly state: “I am invoking my right to remain silent and my right to an attorney.”
- 8.
Leave it better than you found it.
Clean up after yourself. Respect the space. How you leave reflects on everyone who showed up.
latNOW does not provide legal advice. If you have specific legal concerns about an upcoming event, consult a licensed attorney or contact the ACLU for guidance on your rights.