How to Organize Protests and Demonstrations

Protests and demonstrations help get your message across to two important audiences: the public and the protest target. Make sure you prepare and organize, so that your protest will be as effective as it can be.

Why Protest?

Protests generate media coverage for your issue, while also expressing your position to the target of your protest. Because protests sometimes antagonize the other side, it’s usually best to try to resolve the issue amicably before organizing a protest. However, there are going to be times when you can’t resolve the situation amicably, and a protest is an important tool to help get your message out.

Scheduling a Protest

When scheduling a protest, consider the target, the activists, and the media.

• Target: A protest is more effective when you know your target is present. If your protest at the state house takes place on a weekend and no one is inside the building while you are outside with your signs and leaflets, the legislators you are targeting will not see you, and your group will appear disorganized.
  
• Activists: A protest with a large number of people looks impressive to the media and to passers-by, so try to schedule your protest for a time when many activists are available.
  
• Media: Try to schedule your protest early enough in the day so that a camera crew has time to attend your event and make it back in time to edit the video for the evening news. If your protest is at 5pm, it's going to be difficult for them to show it on the 6pm news, although it may show up on the late news. Also, the Sunday newspaper is the most-read edition, while Saturday’s is the least-read. A Saturday protest will likely be covered in the Sunday newspaper, which will be read by a larger audience, while coverage of a Friday protest will appear in Saturday’s newspaper and reach a smaller audience.

These three considerations sometimes clash, but of these three, it’s more important to consider the schedules of your target and the activists.

Preparing for Your Protest

Protest preparation is important to make sure everything goes smoothly on the day of the protest.

• Protest Permit: Contact the local police and find out about protest permit requirements as far in advance as possible. You may find in some towns that no permit is necessary, but it is still a good idea to notify the police in advance so they can be there for crowd control. Then notify your activists of all the protest details as soon as you have your protest permit.
  
• Getting your Message Out: Send out press releases the day before the protest, to make sure the media shows up. Make signs and posters to make it obvious why you are protesting. The text on the posters should just be a few words, and the font should be large and bold, so that a pedestrian across the street can read it easily. If you will be in an area with foot traffic, print fliers that you can distribute to people who want more information about the issue. Prepare a press kit to hand out to reporters. The press kit should be a folder that contains your press release, any literature that you are handing out at the protest, and general information about your organization. Prepare yourself to make a statement to the media and to answer questions about why you are protesting.

Right to Protest

In the United States, your right to protest is guaranteed under the First Amendment of the US Constitution as part of your right to Free Speech. However, the government can place reasonable time, place and manner restrictions on that right. Common restrictions include requiring a protest permit, limiting sound levels, and prohibiting the obstruction of roads, sidewalks, and building entrances and exits. Try to plan your protest as far in advance as possible, and speak with the local police about their requirements for protests. If those requirements seem unreasonable, speak with an attorney. If your group cannot hire an attorney, try contacting your local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.