10 apps you'll definitely want at the next protest
Overwhelmed by President Donald Trump? Attending a protest or march is one way to make your voice heard.
If you're headed out, it's a good idea to expect the unexpected. Here are the apps we recommend you have at your fingertips while you're fighting the good fight.
1. Countable
What it does: Countable gives you information about your local lawmakers and how they voted on proposed legislation. It also helps you message your representatives directly.
When you'll want it: Whenever you want additional detail about current events or want to take a step beyond marching.
2. Zello Walkie Talkie
What it does: Just like an old-school walkie talkie, this app lets you easily send voice messages to large groups of people.
When you'll want it: When you want an extra layer of coordination when you're marching with a large group—and to make sure you can stay in touch if you get separated.
3. Find My Friends
What it does: Gives a map of your friends' whereabouts in relation to yours.
When you'll want it: When you're having trouble finding your buddies in a massive crowd.
4. SitOrSquat
What it does: This gives you a handy locator that points to the nearest restroom.
When you'll want it: You'll know when the time is right.
5. Avast Wi-Fi Finder
What it does: It's a map that displays available hotspots in your location. When you tap on one, it will let you know if you'll need a password to connect.
When you'll want it: When you've reached your data cap or when you have a patchy mobile connection.
6. MySOS Family App
What it does: Provides an alert system that automatically notifies emergency contacts with the tap of a button.
When you'll want it: When you need urgent assistance and you want to notify your loved ones at once and immediately.
7. Signal
What it does: Signal is a private messaging app with end-to-end encryption that "scrambles" your texts so that it's almost impossible for them to be intercepted by someone other than the intended recipient.
When you'll want it: When you need to communicate extremely sensitive information and really don't want someone hacking into your account to obtain said information.
8. FireChat
What it does: Lets you communicate to others without internet, via Bluetooth.
When you'll want it: When both the internet on your phone and Wi-Fi hotspot fail you.
9. Battery Doctor
What it does: This meter predicts how much battery you have left on your phone, and also tracks how apps are sapping your device's precious energy.
When you'll want it: When you've exhausted your portable charger and you might need to resort to clearing apps to make your battery life last longer.
Download it: Android
10. Know Your Rights
What it does: This app informs you of your Constitutional rights in different scenarios.
When you'll want it: When police stop you to ask questions and you want to know the best action you should take to ensure maximum legal protection.
Download it: Android
Topics Apps & Software Social Good
Anisa was a Tech News Intern for Mashable, based in New York. She recently graduated with an MA in Journalism from New York University and her bylines have appeared in Fusion, Business Insider and The Verge. Before taking the plunge into journalism, she worked briefly as a telecommunications, technology and media lawyer in New Zealand.
