COLUMBUS, Ohio — Over the last two weeks, teens, 20-something’s and 30-something’s have consistently taken to the streets all over the U.S. protesting social injustice and police brutality. They’ve been leading the way, but Jerry Ross, who helps to facilitate spaces for conversations before and after protests, says as of late, it hasn’t been without some help in the background from those who’ve been a part of civil rights protests.

“We're definitely trying to put together more millennials around elders and the elders are the ones who's advising us and mentoring us and coaching us and helping us with this fight,” he said.

Ross and his co-worker William Washington are helping to bridge the gap between generations. It’s one thing that’s becoming key with a number of organizations in their overall strategy as they make sure young protesters know their rights—from how to respond to police during protests to what can happen with pictures and video they’ve taken. 

“When it comes to your rights, it's understanding and knowing what the police can and cannot do. Do they need a subpoena to get this stuff?” said Washington.

But they’re not the only ones working to educate youth and young adults. The Kaleidoscope Youth Center in Columbus has also made sure young people there are up to date.

“Knowing their rights if an officer were to approach them or attempt to, you know, if they were arrested or what not. You know, like understanding like what that means for them as minors even and who they get to call and what they have to say or don’t have to say,” said Erin Upchurch, the center's executive director.

Recognizing that some may not have known their rights before marching through city streets, William Washington said it has become equally important for protesters to know their status before heading out too. That means if a protester’s been in trouble with the law before and has a bench warrant, it can’t be ignored while protesting.

“If you have any police interaction, they're going to take you into custody, and then your life can be completely taken to the left,” said Washington.

For all involved, it’s ultimately about educating the next generation, who has risen to the occasion of protesting for change, and helping them to exercise their First Amendment rights without being distracted by it all. 

If you know of a young person who has been protesting but may not know their rights, Ross says you can reach out to any organization like the NAACP or Urban League. You can also find information online from the ACLU.