What is a Peaceful Protest?
A peaceful protest is a way for like-minded people to gather together to gain a feeling of personal empowerment. Political groups and communities hold peaceful protests in the form of vigils, marches, rallies, and protest demonstrations to bring attention to issues and causes that they feel passionately about.
How To Plan a Peaceful Protest
The key to a peaceful protest is keeping it peaceful. The last thing that you want is for your protest to turn violent. There are a few steps that you can take to plan a peaceful protest, and to get your thoughts, feelings, and ideas across.
The first thing that you need to do is choose a date and location for your protest. You want to make sure that is someplace relevant to your cause. For example, if you are protesting new housing laws, you would want to protest near the housing authority’s headquarters. It is important to make sure that the place that you choose to protest is legal. You also need to set the date. You should plan it on a day where most people would be able to attend, and also where the people you are protesting against will see it.
It is important to determine whether or not you will need a permit to hold your protest. If so, there will be fees to pay. Your local, state, or federal government officials will be able to give you all the information that you need. You want to make sure that your protest is being done by the book and that it is all legal. This way, the police do not have the right to break it up.
Before the protest, make signs. They should convey your message and they should be legible and large enough so that they get maximum exposure and attention.
Having T-shirts made is a great idea for your protest. When the protesters are wearing like clothing, it can create a feeling of solidarity. Also, if you sell your shirts at the protest, you can earn some money for your cause.
It is extremely important to make sure that everyone attending the protest understands that it is a peaceful one. Let them know that violence and belligerence will not be tolerated. Keep the swearing down to a minimum, as it can lead to confrontations. If you have time in advance, hold a workshop for those who plan to attend. Do some role playing exercises to help the group understand what they can expect from counter-protesters and observers.
The best way to spread the word about your peaceful protest, you need to do some marketing. You can use social networking, email, web pages, or the local media to spread the word. You can also contact other well developed groups that share your ideas to guarantee a good turn out.
Why Is Proper Planning Necessary?
If you plan your peaceful protect carefully, you can be sure that you will have a good turn out and that your message will be heard. Proper planning will also help keeps things peaceful, rather than turning violent.
