Naomi Klein addresses the G20 Legal Defence Fundraiser concert at the Great Hall, Toronto, November 11, 2010.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has been hosting a public hearing into last summer’s G20 protests and the police response to them, and if you’ve been following the testimony being given there, things sound pretty grim. The CCLA has been doing amazing work live-tweeting the proceedings and the stories that people have to tell are shocking and saddening. We definitely recommend taking the time to read what they’ve already recorded in Toronto over the last two days; they’ll be continuing the hearings in Montreal today. To add insult to the injury many protesters sustained in the G20 police’s lockups, they now face the prospect of lengthy legal proceedings to defend themselves against the law that was supposed to protect them. It’s easy to feel down about the whole thing.

But it’s Friday, and this is Friday FTW! which means we’re going to look on the bright side (even though yes, I know, looking on the bright side isn’t my forté). Because despite the injustice of the situation, there are lots of people working hard together to help. Last night, that took the form of a big fundraising concert at the Great Hall in Toronto, where This alum Naomi Klein, comedian Martha Chaves, musician Hawksley Workman, and electronic ensemble Lal. Funds from the concert went into the G20 Legal Defence Fund, which provides financial aid to G20 arrestees. You can donate to the fund through Toronto Community Solidarity Network, which estimates up to $400,000 in legal costs by the time all is said and done.

Our friends at Rabble were there filming the whole event, and you can watch the rebroadcast right here or on their Livestream page.

Protesters against the G20 in Toronto. Photo by Jesse Mintz.

From June 25–27, the world’s most influential political and economic leaders will descend upon Muskoka and Toronto for the G8 and G20 summits. Joining them will be thousands of protesters advocating everything from anti-globalization to climate justice.

If you want to get in on the dissent, check out this advice for emerging activists from Mike Hudema, the man behind Greenpeace’s “Stop the Tar Sands” campaign and someone who’s no stranger to direct action.

Connect…with people you trust. Attend activist training camps, join a Facebook group, and talk to local and indigenous communities to discover how you can support them. Good places to start are the Toronto Community Mobilization Network and No One is Illegal.

Arm Yourself…with knowledge. Educate yourself about the rich history of civil disobedience and all the rights we enjoy today because of it. Read classics like Henry David Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience or books by AK Press, an anarchist publisher with a great alternative bookstore.

Pack…protective shoes you can run in; heavy-duty gloves; shatter-resistant eye protection; clothing that covers most of your skin; a gas mask or goggles with a vinegar-soaked bandana for protection from chemicals; and noisemakers. Optional: rollerblades and a hockey stick to shoot back tear gas canisters—Canadian-style.

Be Aware...of the variety of tactics employed by diverse groups of activists. Some may feel that vandalism is warranted, whereas you may not. Decide beforehand what tactics fit with your personal convictions. And watch for police provocateurs who may show up undercover to incite violence and discredit activists.

Prepare…to be arrested. If you decide that you are willing to risk arrest, speak to a lawyer or civil liberties association beforehand so you know your rights and what to expect. Get a jail support person off-site who knows of your personal needs (e.g. if you need regular medication) and will be able to communicate with your lawyer and advocate for you.

Reconnect…once it’s over. Travelling to the summits is great, but make sure to also support causes in your own community. The old adage still stands: act locally!