For example, let’s say you want to stage a protest at a local factory farm as a way to spread awareness about how animals are treated there so people will stop buying their products. In this case, your audience is the public. You may have a more specific goal, like trying to prevent or change a discriminating law or policy. In this case, the aim of the protest might be to put pressure on the local government to address human rights and the needs of the community who feel discriminated against. In some cases, your goal might be quite large in scale, like if you’re protesting a war or a governmental policy. In this case, the protest can be used as a tool to show political leaders that their constituents want a change in policy.
In some cases, the permit will set limits on how many people can gather, how much noise you can make, and where protesters can move about. If you disagree with the terms, you can contact an attorney to help you try to get them altered. Some cities don’t issue protest permits. If you’re expecting a large crowd to come to the protest, you should alert the police department anyway. If they know what to expect they can help with crowd control and there will be less chance of conflict occurring.
Have community leaders introduce the protest and make speeches on the issue at hand. Have an emcee who can lead protest chants and songs, and have bands play protest music. Plan a march from one location to another. This is a classic form of protesting that helps bring widespread attention to a cause. Implement performance art to help get your point across. [6] X Research source Screen an informative video or documentary on the subject you’re protesting. Consider having a sit-in or sleep-in and occupy the space until your demands are met.
Post details about the protest on all your social media channels. Make flyers about the protest and put them up around town. Target college campuses and other places where people likely to be interested in protesting your issue congregate. Call local newspapers and radio stations and ask them to publish information about the protest and promote it on the air.
You might want to put the name of the group with which you’re affiliated on your protest materials. That way people who are new to the issue will know who to contact to find out more. Consider coming up with a catchy slogan for the materials—something people can easily memorize and communicate to others. Do not bring weapons to a protest (e. g. baseball bat, switchblade knives, batons, brass knuckles, stun guns, tactical pens or pepper spray).
Wear comfortable tennis shoes. Wear several layers of thick clothing so you have extra padding on your body. If you plan to be on the front lines of a protest that could easily escalate into conflict, wear protective eyewear, since you might be sprayed with chemical agents such as pepper spray or tear gas.
A copy of the protest permit Your identification card A first aid kit A gas mask, escape hood, or respirator, if you have one
Do research on the group you’re protesting with. If you weren’t one of the organizers, you should know the history of the group before joining the protest. If the group has ever used illegal tactics or caused violence at a protest, it’s best to avoid joining them. Most protests don’t end in violence, but it does happen sometimes. When people feel passionate about an issue, their behavior can be unpredictable. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings when you protest. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and make sure people know where you are.
Do your best to follow the instructions given by both the protest organizers and the police. If you believe your free speech rights are being threatened, speak to the protest organizer or call an attorney. If a police officer asks if they can search you, you have the right to decline until a warrant is presented.
Yelling insults at people who disagree with you Vandalizing public or private property Spitting or throwing water Resorting to violence of any kind
It’s unlikely that a single protest is going to change everything. You’ll probably need to have follow-up protests. Consider approaching the issue from other angles as well. You could start a letter-writing campaign, lead a boycott, write a blog to voice your opinions, and take other actions to spread awareness and accomplish your goals. Don’t give up!
