Surviving a Protest

Your group has planned a protest. You're now at the site. The next task is to survive it. What do you do? Actually, you're doing one of the most important things by simply being there. You have a presence. At this point, any number of things can happen. Large numbers of any group of people are sure to attract attention.

Count on a visit from a member of the opposition, or an official, or manager of the building or entity where the protest is being held. Explain why you are there, and ask to see someone in charge. Be sure to have the name of the person that your group wishes to see. When, or if they come out, state why you are there, and give them your demands, preferably in writing.

Expect that the police will be called, especially if your group has chosen to block entryways and street intersections, or if you are chanting and making noise. If your group chooses not to block, make that very clear from the start by keeping an open pathway.

Dealing with people.

Expect people to approach your group and ask what is going on. Explain to them what is happening, why you are there, and how they can help, or support you. Give fliers, brochures or information that you may have about your group, or reason for the protest.

What do you do if you're dealing with a difficult person? The best thing to do is to be polite, yet firm. Ask them to leave if they're making the group uncomfortable. If they're being especially nasty, get on your cell phone and call the police!

The police.

If you are not blocking as part of your action, chances are, you won't see much of the police. Be sure to have someone assigned as a police negotiator in case your group has to deal with them. It is a good idea to be co-operative with police officers, especially if you're not planning on being arrested. Your group may even be able to use them to negotiate with the opposition if they are being difficult.

The media.

Make sure that you have a media list and use it! Try to contact the media shortly before the protest, and during it, as well. If there is a certain news person that always shows up at your local actions or events, try to get that person to cover it. Make sure that you send out press releases. Don't be too disappointed if no one shows up. The media is fickle, and there may be any number of reasons why they may choose not to cover your event.

Although there is not much that your group can do about politics and attitude within the media, it is wise to be aware of this. It may be that a certain television station or newspaper editor feels that your group is too controversial, and have ordered their reporters not to cover your protest. Some media outlets, journalists, or reporters may have their own agenda, or may actually be hostile towards your group, and may seek to slam you in their report.

Most of the time, small mistakes and misquotes are totally innocuous. This is why it is a good idea to educate the media about your group. Give handouts, talking points, and other information about your organization so that the small mistakes can be avoided. If, despite this, you notice that there are blatant misstatements, or a pattern of negative reporting, it is likely that someone within that media outlet may have another agenda, and you'll simply have to be careful when you deal with them.

Getting the word out to your organization.

If your organization is national, or international, make sure that you get the word out to your other chapters about your action. Send out e-mails before the protest, and take your organization's contact list with you to the site. Call contacts on the list and keep them abreast of what is going on. That is also a good time to get support and advice on what to do. The support that you'll get from other chapters or groups will be a real morale booster.

How do you deal with violence?

Unfortunately, there is the possibility that your group may experience violence, threats, or retribution for having your action. Hopefully, this will not happen to your group, or its members, but this is something that you must take into consideration. An individual may not agree with your group's reason for the protest, or your position on an issue, and use violence or threats to try to frighten or intimidate you into leaving, or changing your views.

So, what do you do if your group is confronted with violence during your protest? First, do not resort to violence in return! It will do nothing for your group but destroy your credibility. All of your hard work will be for naught. Even one incidence of violence on the part of members of your group will result in the group getting a reputation for violence, and your opponent will not want to deal with your group, or its representatives.

Remember that name calling, itself, is a form of violence. Always be polite yet firm, even if you disagree strongly. Remember the old adage, "two wrongs don't make a right", and follow it closely!

If a member of the group has a camera, or video recorder, make sure that they film or videotape what is occurring. Turn this information over to the media. Get the word out. Above all, don't let violence, or the threat of it stop your protest. Keep your eyes on the prize of your goal. Remember the civil rights activists of the '60's, who put their very lives on the line for their cause, and have courage!

Planning a Successful Protest

What to Do After a Protest