Planning a Successful Protest

A well-planned protest or action is more likely to result in success. It is impossible to factor in every eventuality, but a well thought out plan will allow flexibility in case of an unforeseen event. I have organized and participated in hundreds of protests in my 24 years as a disability rights and social justice activist.

Determine the reason for the protest.

Look at the issue or problem and decide if a protest is warranted. Sometimes, a letter or meetings will suffice.

Decide what your demands will be.

Determine what demands your group will make of the opposition, and what your compromise, if any, will be. Your demands must be simple, reasonable, and achievable within a short period of time.

Determine who in your opponent's organization wields the power.

This is crucial! It makes no sense to talk to, or meet with someone who has no power, or authority to accede to your group's demands.

Decide where the protest will take place.

Does your group want to demonstrate in front of the opposition's headquarters, or do you want to do it in a symbolic location? Be practical and realistic. Sometimes, the building housing the opposition's office is located in an out-of-the-way location. Your protest site must be in an area where there is either good car traffic, good foot traffic, or both. Have plans for an alternate site, or two in case your group is sent away by the police, or other plans emerge.

Decide how long the action will last.

Will it last for one hour, or all day? Sometimes, this is not easy to decide, but your organization must have a clear idea of how long you are willing to sustain the protest. Devise an open-ended plan that would allow it to go on for as long as necessary.

Make a checklist of items that you'll need for the protest, and things you'll need to do to prepare for it.

This is extremely important. Try to think of everything you will need, even if it seems small and insignificant. This is important because you might get to the site and find that you need something that you don't have. Try to have as many of these items as possible beforehand.

Determine a strategy for your action.

Will the group meet with the opposition, or stay put? Will you go for arrests, or stay peaceful and quiet? Will the group do other actions within this action, or concentrate on one major protest? This is best decided beforehand, but sometimes, things happen, so at least, be prepared. Think through everything. Ask about all the "what ifs" you can think of. Do this for all aspects of your protest.

Decide what members of your group will do the protest, and what members and/or groups will act as supporters.

This is essential. Decide who among your group or coalition is willing to participate in an action, and for how long, and in what way will they be able to participate. Some of the more "hard-core" members might do the protest while the more reserved members and groups might arrange for food or supplies, make media calls, or initiate action alerts involving letter writing or call-in campaigns.

Decide who will be spokespersons and contacts throughout the action.

Depending on the number of participants, it is a good idea to have at least 2 - 6 people to act as contacts and negotiators during the protest.

Determine the responsibilities of each person in the group.

It is very important to determine the responsibilities of each person in the group, even if it's just showing up. Decide who will be responsible for getting food or water, or other supplies. Find out who will be runners or attendants. Decide who will write press releases, letters, or fliers. Decide who will be responsible for making signs, writing chants or songs, or organizing any theatre that you may do. Determine who'll be responsible for informing the entire group of the outcome of meetings, or decisions that the leadership has come to. Make it so that each person feels that they have a part in, and ownership of the action.

Surviving a Protest

What to Do After a Protest