A peace team (sometimes called a peacekeeping team, nonviolent peace force, or protest marshal group) plays a critical role in maintaining nonviolent discipline and safety during protests or demonstrations. Their responsibilities typically include:

1. De-escalation of Conflict

• Intervene in tensions between protesters, counter-protesters, or law enforcement.

• Use verbal de-escalation techniques to calm potentially violent situations.

• Act as a buffer to reduce physical confrontations.

2. Nonviolent Presence

• Serve as a visible, peaceful presence to discourage aggression.

• Model nonviolent behavior to encourage others to stay calm.

3. Safety and Crowd Support

• Help guide and manage the movement of crowds to avoid trampling or bottlenecks.

• Identify and respond to medical or safety emergencies, often alerting medics or organizers.

4. Communication and Liaison Work

• Act as liaisons between protesters and police to reduce misunderstandings.

• Communicate updates and decisions from protest organizers to the larger crowd.

5. Monitoring and Documentation

• Observe and document events to ensure accountability, especially in cases of misconduct by police or others.

• Sometimes work with legal observers to record incidents of violence or arrest.

6. Support for Vulnerable Protesters

• Help protect individuals who may be at higher risk (e.g., people of color, minors, disabled participants).

• Assist in getting people safely out of potentially dangerous areas.

Peace teams are often trained volunteers, sometimes affiliated with organizations focused on nonviolence, human rights, or social justice. Their presence can significantly reduce the risk of violence and help keep protests focused on their intended messages.