Marshal Training & Information
Marshals play a vital role in keeping our events safe, organized, and effective. At Indivisible St. Johnsbury, marshals help guide participants, support clear communication, and de-escalate situations when needed.
What you need to know:
This section outlines the responsibilities of a marshal, what to expect during actions, and the skills needed to step into the role with confidence. You’ll also find training resources, expectations, and practical tips to help you support both the crowd and the mission every step of the way.
Roles of a Safety Marshal – Indivisible St. Johnsbury
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Support Participant Safety – Help create a calm, safe environment for everyone attending the event.
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Guide Crowd Movement – Direct foot traffic, keep pathways clear, and prevent overcrowding in key areas.
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De-escalate Situations – Stay alert to tension or conflict and use calm, non-confrontational communication to reduce it.
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Serve as a Point of Contact – Be approachable and ready to answer questions or direct participants to the right resources.
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Coordinate with Event Leaders – Stay in communication with organizers, medics, and other marshals throughout the event.
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Monitor Surroundings – Keep an eye on the overall environment for potential safety concerns or changes.
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Assist in Emergencies – Help connect participants with medics or emergency services when needed.
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Uphold Event Guidelines – Encourage participants to follow agreed-upon expectations and keep the event aligned with its goals.
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Support Accessibility Needs – Be attentive to individuals who may need extra assistance, such as help navigating the space.
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Help with Setup & Wrap-Up – Assist with basic logistics before and after the event as needed.
Videos
No Kings Training
This one‑hour virtual overview provides No Kings safety marshals across the country with the foundational skills needed to support safe, grounded, lawful, and powerful nonviolent actions. We focus on the essentials: understanding marshal roles, guiding marches, communicating with participants, using de‑escalation rooted in dignity and teamwork, and responding calmly to higher‑risk situations.
Participants will leave with a strong introductory framework they can apply immediately and a clear sense of how safety marshaling protects people and protects the movement. We will also identify some decision-points that event teams should discuss locally before events.
Hands Off! Training
Wherever you are and whatever your level of concern, this training is a great opportunity to learn best practices to consider for your event to help ensure it's as safe and welcoming as possible for all attendees.
By the end of the session, you will understand how to recognize escalating behavior, respond calmly, and diffuse potential conflicts—whether with opposition groups, bystanders, or law enforcement—while staying aligned with your event goals.
Links
This section provides a curated collection of links to additional training materials designed to support and strengthen your role as a marshal. These resources include guides on de-escalation techniques, crowd management, situational awareness, and effective communication, as well as best practices gathered from experienced organizers. Whether you’re preparing for your first event or looking to build on your skills, these links offer flexible, self-paced learning to help you feel confident, informed, and ready to support a safe and successful action.
