Protesting

Change happens by changing hearts and minds and/or increasing the cost of injustice. Advocates win when they persuade more people, especially decision makers, to join their cause. Cooperative approaches that emphasize shared values and interests are most effective for enlarging the circle of support. When cooperation and persuasion fails, however, sometimes confrontation is required.

Protest should be used as a strategic tool, not simply an expression of outrage and anger. While that feels good, it doesn’t necessarily lead to change. And you don’t want to damage the institutions you care enough about to change or damage relationships with potential partners who can be powerful allies for your cause. So when you organize a direct action or protest it should be part of a broader strategic plan – it is a tactic designed to move you closer to achieving your goals, it is not an end in itself.

Protest is effective at garnering attention for your issue, increasing pressure on your target(s), and mobilizing your supporters. Protests can increase the costs for those who benefit from the status quo. Protest can be used to pressure decision makers to the negotiating table and to take your issue seriously. Protest should not be a first resort, however. It is better to try to work through persuasive means first to get people on your team. If that doesn’t work, you may need to move to protest actions. Always weigh the costs and benefits.

1. Do Your Research

• Conduct background research on the people or organization(s) organizing the protest. Understand the purpose of the protest. Examine their goals and plans for the event.

2. Know Your Rights and Respect the Rights of Others

• Consult your student handbook and comply with campus policies on rallies and demonstrations or understand the costs of choosing not to comply.
• Know state and local laws. Public spaces don’t typically require a permit if you don’t block roads, sidewalks, or access to buildings and obey traffic signals.
• Private property owners set the rules for free speech on their property. You cannot lawfully protest in a private space without permission and could be subject to removal or arrest.
• Remember counter-protesters have the same rights as you. Do not engage in physical or verbal retaliation when others target you. Don’t debate haters, they thrive on attention and your focus gives them legitimacy. Ignore them and maintain your message.
• In most democracies, police are not permitted to end a gathering unless it threatens public safety. If a dispersal order is given, protesters should be given a reasonable opportunity to comply, including sufficient time and clear access to exit.

3. Safety First

• There is power in numbers. Never march or travel to or from a protest alone. Find a friend who is going or recruit someone to tag along with you.
• Wear comfortable clothing. Avoid clothes or shoes that might restrict your safety or limit your freedom of movement.
• Bring a string bag or backpack with water, ID, cellphone, emergency contact numbers labeled ICE (in case of emergency), essential medicine, money, and snack. You may wish to carry a scarf to protect your eyes if aerosols are used to disperse a protest and other protective gear like an extra face mask or small bottle of sanitizer during a pandemic. Never carry anything that can be perceived as a weapon.
• Make sure your cellphone is fully charged and disable facial recognition and fingerprint unlock features on your smartphone. Turn off text preview to keep messages from showing on your screen. This prevents people other than you from accessing your phone without your expressed permission.
• Scout out the area. Identify a safe meeting place and multiple routes to reach it in case you are separated from your friends. Take the phone number of a person not attending the protest or an organization who you can call in case you need assistance.
• Do not run from or resist authorities and keep hands visible. Even if it seems unfair, be calm and polite. Memorize everything. Justice can come later. Do not lie but do not reveal unnecessary information like immigration status. State verbally that you wish to remain silent, that you want an attorney, and that you do not consent to a search.

There is joy in collective action! Enjoy the solidarity. Have fun and take time to build community with people who share your commitment to justice and human rights. Know you are an agent of change and your work may be felt for generations to come.

Organizing a Protest