Welcome to the Resistance

This guide is a gift of solidarity from the people of Ukraine to the people of Iran.

We have watched with admiration as the people of Iran have risen up to demand freedom, dignity, and human rights. Your courage in the face of brutal repression has inspired people around the world, including us in Ukraine.

We know what it means to fight for freedom. We have faced tyranny, we have lost loved ones, and we have sacrificed everything for the chance to build a better future. We understand that your struggle is not just about one issue or one incident – it is about the fundamental right of every human being to live in freedom and with dignity.

This guide contains the lessons we have learned through years of civil resistance – from the Orange Revolution to the Euromaidan and beyond. We offer these lessons not as experts telling you what to do, but as fellow freedom-fighters sharing what has worked for us in the hope that some of it may be useful to you.

Every situation is unique, and only you can know what tactics and strategies will work in your context. But we believe that the principles of nonviolent civil resistance are universal, and that by sharing our experiences, we can support each other in the global struggle for freedom and democracy.

🇺🇦 ❤️ 🇮🇷

Mission Statement

Our mission is to support the people of Iran in their struggle for freedom by sharing practical knowledge and tools for effective civil resistance.

This guide aims to:

Provide a structured framework for planning civil resistance activities
Share proven strategies for mobilizing and organizing communities
Offer practical tools and templates for coordination
Help activists evaluate and improve their efforts
Build capacity for sustained, long-term campaigns

Important Note on Safety

Your safety is paramount. Always prioritize the security of yourself and your fellow activists. Use encrypted communication tools, be careful about what information you share and with whom, and always have contingency plans in case of emergencies. The most effective activists are those who can continue the struggle over the long term.

I

Planning Civil Resistance Activities

A systematic approach to designing effective resistance actions

Step 1 Target Audience & Outcomes

Before taking any action, you must clearly define who you are trying to reach and what you want to achieve. Without clear targets and outcomes, your efforts may be scattered and ineffective.

Identifying Your Target Audience

Your target audience is not "everyone" – it's the specific group(s) of people whose behavior, beliefs, or actions you need to change to achieve your goals. Consider:

Primary Audiences

Decision-makers who can directly grant your demands
Security forces whose cooperation or defection is crucial
Key institutions (judiciary, media, religious leaders)

Secondary Audiences

Fence-sitters who could join your movement
International community and diaspora
Business community and economic actors

Internal Audiences

Your existing supporters and activists
Allied organizations and movements
Future generations who will inherit your legacy

Defining Outcomes

Outcomes should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Short-term Outcomes

What can you achieve in the next days or weeks?

Raise awareness about a specific issue
Mobilize a certain number of people for an action
Generate media coverage
Force a response from authorities

Medium-term Outcomes

What can you achieve in the coming months?

Build organizational capacity
Shift public opinion on key issues
Win specific policy concessions
Weaken the regime's legitimacy

Long-term Outcomes

What is your ultimate vision?

Systemic political change
Protection of fundamental rights
Democratic governance
Rule of law and accountability

Exercise: Audience Mapping

Create a map of all the groups and individuals who have influence over your issue. For each, consider:

What is their current position?
What are their interests and motivations?
What would it take to move them toward supporting your goals?
What tactics might be most effective with this audience?

Step 2 Organization & Resources

Effective civil resistance requires organization. You need to understand your own capabilities and limitations, build sustainable structures, and manage resources wisely.

Organizational Structure

There is no single "correct" organizational model. The best structure depends on your context, goals, and the level of repression you face. Consider these models:

Hierarchical

Pros: Clear command, quick decisions, accountability

Cons: Vulnerable to decapitation, less adaptable

Best for: Coordinated mass actions, negotiations

Network/Cell-based

Pros: Resilient, hard to disrupt, adaptable

Cons: Harder to coordinate, potential for fragmentation

Best for: High-repression environments, distributed actions

Hybrid

Pros: Combines strengths of both models

Cons: More complex to manage

Best for: Large movements with diverse tactics

Resource Assessment

Take stock of the resources available to your movement:

Human Resources

Number of committed activists
Skills and expertise available
Leadership capacity
Volunteer networks

Financial Resources

Available funding
Fundraising capacity
In-kind donations
Cost-sharing with allies

Material Resources

Communication equipment
Transportation
Printing/media production
Safe spaces and venues

Social Capital

Relationships with other organizations
Media contacts
International connections
Community trust

Security Considerations

Critical: In high-repression environments, organizational security can mean life or death. Consider:

Compartmentalization of information (need-to-know basis)
Secure communication protocols (encrypted messaging, code words)
Vetting procedures for new members
Counter-surveillance awareness
Legal support and emergency contacts
Digital security (VPNs, secure devices, password management)

Step 3 Opportunities & Risks

Understanding your environment is crucial for strategic planning. A systematic analysis of opportunities and risks will help you identify the best moments and methods for action.

SWOT Analysis

Conduct a thorough SWOT analysis to understand your position:

Strengths

Internal factors that give you an advantage:

Popular support and legitimacy
Moral high ground
Creativity and adaptability
Decentralized structure
International sympathy

Weaknesses

Internal factors that put you at a disadvantage:

Limited resources
Internal divisions
Lack of experience
Communication challenges
Burnout and fatigue

Opportunities

External factors you can exploit:

Regime mistakes and overreach
Economic pressures
International events and attention
Divisions within the regime
Historical anniversaries and symbols

Threats

External factors that could harm you:

State repression and violence
Infiltration and surveillance
Disinformation campaigns
International indifference
Economic coercion

Timing and Windows of Opportunity

The timing of your actions can dramatically affect their impact. Look for:

Calendar events: Holidays, elections, anniversaries that naturally bring people together or highlight issues
News cycles: Events that create openings for your message
Regime vulnerabilities: Moments when the regime is distracted, divided, or weakened
International moments: UN sessions, foreign visits, global media attention

Risk Assessment

For each potential action, assess:

Risk Type	Likelihood	Impact	Mitigation Strategy
Arrest of participants	High/Medium/Low	High/Medium/Low	Legal support ready, dispersal plans
Violence by security forces	High/Medium/Low	High/Medium/Low	Medical support, documentation, escape routes
Infiltration/exposure	High/Medium/Low	High/Medium/Low	Compartmentalization, verification protocols
Counter-narrative/smear campaign	High/Medium/Low	High/Medium/Low	Pre-prepared messaging, rapid response team

Step 4 Action Plan, Narratives, and Amplification

With your analysis complete, it's time to develop specific action plans, craft compelling narratives, and plan how to amplify your message.

Developing Your Action Plan

A good action plan answers the questions: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How?

Action Plan Template

Objective: What specific outcome do you want from this action?

Target: Who are you trying to influence?

Tactic: What type of action will you take? (protest, strike, boycott, etc.)

Timing: When will it happen? Why this timing?

Location: Where will it take place? Why this location?

Participants: How many people do you need? Who will fill key roles?

Resources: What materials, funds, and logistics are required?

Security: What are the risks? What precautions will you take?

Communication: How will you coordinate? What's your messaging?

Success criteria: How will you know if the action was successful?

Crafting Your Narrative

Your narrative is the story you tell about your movement. A powerful narrative:

Connects emotionally: People are moved by stories, not statistics
Centers human dignity: Shows real people affected by injustice
Frames the conflict: Makes clear who is responsible for the problem
Offers hope: Shows that change is possible and worth fighting for
Calls to action: Tells people what they can do

The Story Framework

The Challenge: What injustice or problem exists?
The Stakes: Why does it matter? What happens if nothing changes?
The Heroes: Who is standing up? (The people, not just leaders)
The Villains: Who is responsible for the problem?
The Vision: What does the better future look like?
The Path: How do we get there? What's the first step?

Amplification Strategies

Even the best action is wasted if no one sees it. Plan how to amplify your message:

Social Media

Create shareable content (images, videos, hashtags)
Coordinate posting times for maximum impact
Engage influencers and amplifiers
Counter regime disinformation quickly

Traditional Media

Develop relationships with journalists
Prepare press releases and media kits
Make your actions visually compelling
Have spokespeople ready for interviews

International Outreach

Connect with diaspora communities
Engage human rights organizations
Reach out to foreign governments
Provide content in multiple languages

Word of Mouth

Personal conversations and trusted networks
Community gatherings and events
Printed materials for offline distribution
Cultural and artistic expressions

Step 5 Scaling to a "Campaign"

Individual actions are powerful, but sustained campaigns create lasting change. A campaign is a series of coordinated actions designed to achieve a specific goal over time.

From Action to Campaign

A campaign differs from a single action in several key ways:

Single Action	Campaign
One-time event	Sustained series of activities
Immediate impact	Cumulative pressure over time
Can be spontaneous	Requires strategic planning
Limited resources needed	Requires sustained resources
Simple coordination	Complex coordination across groups

Campaign Strategy Elements

Clear goal: What specific change will mark victory?
Theory of change: How will your actions lead to that goal?
Coalition building: What allies and partners will you work with?
Escalation ladder: How will you increase pressure over time?
Timeline: What milestones will you aim for and when?
Adaptability: How will you respond to changing circumstances?

The Escalation Ladder

Effective campaigns typically escalate through stages:

5

Mass Noncooperation

General strikes, mass civil disobedience, economic shutdown

4

Disruption

Blockades, occupations, targeted strikes

3

Demonstrations

Marches, rallies, public gatherings

2

Symbolic Actions

Petitions, statements, wearing symbols

1

Awareness Building

Education, outreach, building support base

Maintaining Momentum

Campaigns often face periods of low energy or apparent stalemate. To maintain momentum:

Celebrate small victories
Rotate leadership to prevent burnout
Vary tactics to keep participants engaged
Create "on-ramps" for new participants
Document and share your progress

II

Executing Civil Resistance Activities

Putting your plans into action effectively and safely

Phase 1 Plan

Good execution starts with thorough planning. The planning phase translates your strategic vision into operational details.

Operational Planning Checklist

Participant Preparation

Ensure all participants are prepared:

Training: Provide nonviolence training and de-escalation techniques
Briefing: Share essential information (time, location, objectives, rules)
Documentation: Ensure participants know their rights and have emergency contacts
Supplies: Advise on what to bring and what to leave at home

Phase 2 Coordinate

Effective coordination ensures that all elements of your action work together smoothly. This requires clear communication channels and well-defined roles.

Communication Systems

Secure Digital Communication

Use encrypted messaging apps (Signal, etc.)
Create separate channels for different functions
Establish protocols for sensitive information
Have backup communication methods

On-the-Ground Communication

Visual signals and hand signs
Runner networks for critical messages
Designated communication points
Code words for emergencies

Coalition Coordination

When working with multiple organizations:

Establish clear decision-making processes
Agree on common demands and messaging
Divide responsibilities clearly
Maintain regular communication
Respect different organizational cultures

Real-Time Coordination

During the action, maintain:

Command center: A central point for receiving information and making decisions
Scouts: People monitoring the situation and reporting
Support teams: Medical, legal, and media teams ready to respond
Flexibility: Ability to adapt plans based on circumstances

Phase 3 Act

The moment of action is when all your planning comes together. Focus on executing your plan while remaining adaptable to changing circumstances.

During the Action

Maintain Nonviolent Discipline

Even under provocation, maintain nonviolence. Have trained marshals to de-escalate tensions. Remember: the moral high ground is your greatest asset.

Support Each Other

Look out for fellow participants. Help those in distress. Maintain group cohesion. Show solidarity in action.

Document Everything

Record what happens. Document any violence or rights violations. This documentation serves multiple purposes: accountability, evidence, and amplification.

Stay Adaptable

Be prepared to adjust your plans based on circumstances. Have contingency plans ready. Maintain communication with leadership.

Dealing with Repression

If authorities attempt to suppress your action:

Stay visible: Witnesses and documentation are your protection
Stay together: There is safety in numbers
Stay nonviolent: Do not give authorities justification for violence
Know your exits: Have escape routes planned
Protect the vulnerable: Help those who are injured, arrested, or in distress

If Arrested

Remain calm and do not resist physically
Know your rights and assert them clearly
Do not sign anything without legal counsel
Memorize key details (badge numbers, locations, times)
Contact your legal support team as soon as possible

Phase 4 Evaluate

After every action, take time to evaluate what worked, what didn't, and what you can learn for the future. This is how movements grow stronger.

Evaluation Framework

Did We Achieve Our Objectives?

Compare outcomes to your stated goals
Consider both intended and unintended consequences
Assess impact on different target audiences

What Worked Well?

Identify successful tactics and strategies
Recognize effective leaders and teams
Document best practices for future use

What Could Be Improved?

Identify weaknesses and failures honestly
Analyze what caused problems
Develop solutions for next time

What Did We Learn?

Capture lessons for the movement
Share knowledge with allies
Update training and planning based on experience

Conducting After-Action Reviews

Bring together participants to discuss:

What was supposed to happen? Review the original plan
What actually happened? Get multiple perspectives
Why was there a difference? Analyze root causes
What should we do differently? Identify specific improvements

Care for Participants

Evaluation should also include attention to the wellbeing of participants. Activism can be traumatic. Provide:

Space for emotional processing
Recognition and appreciation
Resources for those who need support
Connection to maintain community

Phase 5 Campaign

Individual actions build into campaigns. The Campaign phase is about connecting actions into a sustained strategy for change.

Linking Actions Together

Each action should:

Build on previous actions: Learn and grow from each experience
Lead to next steps: Create momentum and pathways for escalation
Fit the larger strategy: Contribute to your theory of change
Expand participation: Bring new people into the movement

Campaign Lifecycle

1

Launch

Generate attention and build initial support

→

2

Build

Expand coalition and increase pressure

→

3

Peak

Maximum pressure and confrontation

→

4

Win or Adapt

Achieve goals or adjust strategy

Sustaining the Campaign

Long campaigns require:

Resource management: Budget your resources for the long haul
Activist care: Prevent burnout through rotation and support
Innovation: Keep tactics fresh and unpredictable
Narrative control: Keep your story in the public eye
Coalition maintenance: Nurture relationships with allies

📎

Annex: Templates & Tools

Practical templates to support your planning

Target Audience & Outcome Brainstorming Board

Instructions:

Use this template to map out all potential target audiences and desired outcomes for your campaign.

Who has the power to grant our demands?

(List decision-makers, institutions, individuals)

Who influences those with power?

(List advisors, allies, stakeholders)

Who is currently neutral but could support us?

(List fence-sitters, potential allies)

What specific changes do we want to see?

(List measurable outcomes)

Organizational Profile & Associations Template

Your Organization

Name/Identity:

Mission:

Core Members (approx.):

Key Strengths:

Key Challenges:

Allied Organizations

Organization	Relationship	Shared Interests	Potential Collaboration

SWOT Analysis Template

Strengths (Internal Positive)

Weaknesses (Internal Negative)

Opportunities (External Positive)

Threats (External Negative)

Action Planning Template

Action Name:
Date/Time:
Location:
Objective:
Target Audience:
Expected Participants:
Key Messages:
Materials Needed:
Roles & Responsibilities:
Security Plan:
Success Criteria:

Campaign Planning Template

Campaign Goal

What specific, measurable change do you want to achieve?

Theory of Change

How will your actions lead to achieving your goal?

Key Audiences

Primary

Secondary

Internal

Timeline & Milestones

Phase	Timeframe	Key Actions	Success Indicators
Launch
Build
Peak
Win/Adapt

Download This Guide

Share this guide with fellow activists and organizers. Available in three languages:

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