In fragile democracies, elections often bring heightened surveillance, digital repression, and online/offline threats targeting human rights defenders and journalists. This session explores community-led strategies to strengthen digital resilience ahead of high-risk political moments, using Burundi’s 2025 pre-election context as a case study. It begins with interactive storytelling from HRDs and journalists trained by DIY in digital security, followed by hands-on breakout activities simulating real-life threats such as device confiscation, phishing, and online harassment. Participants will collaboratively build response strategies using DIY’s offline digital safety manual. The session promotes peer learning by bringing together defenders, journalists, technologists, and legal advocates, with priority given to voices of women, LGBTQ+ defenders, and rural journalists. A “Digital Resilience Wall” will support collaboration and reflection, while live polls and feedback circles will inform a DRIF 2026 resource brief. The session fosters solidarity, emotional safety, and practical skills, enabling participants to leave with actionable tools, stronger networks, and a shared vision for protecting civic actors before, during, and after elections