Civil protest is a great way to make a difference when you can't stay silent on a particular issue.Gathering with other people to speak out against wrongdoing is a powerful way of bringing about change.Be sure to organize and execute a peaceful protest so no one gets hurt.
Step 1: You should set a goal.
Protests can be used to spread awareness about an issue or put pressure on those in power to make a change.What do you want to accomplish with your protest?Determine who the audience of your protest will be and plan your strategy from there.If you set a goal for achieving it, you're more likely to get the outcome you want.If you want to spread awareness about how animals are treated at a factory farm, you can stage a protest there.The public is your audience.Trying to prevent or change a discriminating law is a more specific goal.The aim of the protest is to put pressure on the local government to address the needs of people who feel discriminated against.If you're protesting a war or a governmental policy, your goal might be large.The protest can be used to show that people want a change in policy.
Step 2: There is a public location.
Find a location that is convenient, symbolic, or practical.The location you choose should help you reach your target audience so that the protest is effective.This could be the sidewalk in front of a business, a public street corner, the courthouse, or a park that has historically been used for protests in your city.In order for the protest to be legal, the site you choose must be public.
Step 3: The time to stage the protest should be chosen.
You will be able to gather the largest crowd and have the greatest impact on your audience when you protest.If you are protesting a company's business practices, you will want to stage the protest when the CEO is present.If the goal of your protest is to gather as many people as possible, you might want to protest on a weekend when more people will be available to come.
Step 4: You have to get the permits.
Do you need a permit to protest in the location you choose?There are laws in each city about how many people can protest and where they can gather.Do your homework and get the permits you need so that your protest can gain traction.Limits on how many people can gather, how much noise you can make, and where protesters can move about can be set by the permit.You can try to get the terms changed if you disagree with them.Some cities do not issue protest permits.If you are expecting a large crowd to attend the protest, you should inform the police department.They can help with crowd control if they know what to expect.
Step 5: The sequence of events should be mapped out.
What actions will help you reach your goal?Once everyone is gathered for the protest, it's important to have an agenda in mind.You can research other effective protests and come up with a game plan to target your goal.Community leaders should introduce the protest and make speeches on the issue at hand.If you have an emcee who can lead protest chants and songs, you can have bands play protest music.A march from one location to another is possible.This form of protest helps bring attention to a cause.You can use performance art to get your point across.You can show a video or documentary on the subject you're protesting.If you want to occupy the space until your demands are met, consider having a sit-in.
Step 6: Publicise the protest.
Make sure your protest gets as much attention as possible by taking this important step.To capture that attention of the media, the aim is to encourage people to show up for the protest.Start spreading the word a few weeks before the protest.You can post about the protest on your social media channels.You can put up flyers about the protest.People are likely to be interested in protesting your issue at college campuses.Call local newspapers and radio stations and ask them to publish information about the protest and promote it on the air.
Step 7: Protest materials should be gathered.
Posters, fliers, and pamphlets can be used to spread your message.Information on what you're protesting can be given to interested parties during the protest.You should put the name of the group you're affiliated with on your protest materials.People who are new to the issue will know who to contact.People can easily memorize a slogan for the materials.
Step 8: You should wear protective clothing.
Dressing appropriately for a protest can keep you safe.It's a good idea to dress for comfort and safety just in case you get caught in the middle of a conflict.Tennis shoes are comfortable.You have extra padding on your body if you wear several layers of thick clothing.If you are going to be on the front lines of a protest, wear protective eyewear.
Step 9: There are emergency supplies to bring.
You should bring a backpack with you.If the protest is going to last a long time, bottled water and food should be on hand.You should pack a copy of the protest permit, identification card, first aid kit, gas mask, escape hood, and respirator in your backpack.
Step 10: Understand that protests can go wrong.
No matter what you're protesting, there will be people who disagree with you.There may be a separate group of protesters protesting the opposite side of the issue.At larger protests, the police may be present to control the crowd and make sure things don't get out of hand.Be prepared for unpredictable things to happen with all these different forces butting heads.You should research the group you're protesting with.Before joining the protest, you should know the history of the group.It's best not to join the group if they have ever used illegal tactics or caused violence at a protest.Protests don't always end in violence.People who feel passionate about an issue can have unpredictable behavior.When you protest, be aware of your surroundings.
Step 11: The guidelines for the protest permit can be followed.
Make sure you know your rights as a protester and know how to deal with the police if you get stopped.You never know what will happen if you stick to the terms of the permit.Follow the instructions given to you by the protest organizers and the police.Speak to the protest organizers if you believe your free speech rights are being threatened.If a police officer asks you if they can search you, you have the right to decline.
Step 12: At all times be respectful.
A protest is a great way to make your voice heard and bring about change.Being disrespectful to those against whom you're protesting can hurt the cause and undermine your group's reputation.If disrespectful actions are taken, your arguments won't be taken seriously.Protesters should avoid yelling insults at people who disagree with them, Spitting or throwing water, and violence of any kind.
Step 13: Obey the law as it is written.
Follow the rules in your area.Civil disobedience can be a part of your protest strategy.Civil disobedience can be a brave strategy for driving a point home, but it comes with serious consequences, like getting arrested.It's important to know what you're getting into before you break the law.
Step 14: The effectiveness of your protest can be assessed.
When all is said and done, think about what worked and what didn't during the protest.If a different approach would be more effective the next time, think about it.No matter what, be proud that you exercised your right to be heard and stayed true to your beliefs.Speaking up about your cause is a step in the right direction even if your protest didn't change anything.It's not likely that a single protest will change anything.You will probably need to have more protests.Look at the issue from other angles.You can start a letter-writing campaign, lead a boycott, write a blog, and take other actions to spread awareness and accomplish your goals.Don't give up!