Hey, I was wondering, How do you form an organized protest? I'm a teen, but I live near a veery good spot for protesting, and there is something I would like to form a true protest, like one that actually makes a difference. How do you form one of these, especially if you are just a young girl?
You will need to go to town hall to look into permits, because you want to make it legal. While there, ask for suggestions on how to make it peaceful and run smoothly. Then approach local businesses about sponsorships. You are going to need money for water, food and whatnot. If you can get donations great. But they might also be willing to help raise money to get advertisments/flyers/whatever else you need. Make sure they are cause friendly. You don't want to approach the corporation you might be protesting... Anyhoo. Talk it up with your friends. Get on the local radio (they have to do public service quota's). Even talk with the police (you facilitate a good relationship with them, they will be willing to help with future protests). Do what you can to get the word out! Find a charity, or form one for your cause. If you are looking to save the puppies, have a can going around for your local animal shelter. Find people in your area that would be knowledgable and willing to speak at your protest. Get a politician (they LOOOOVE that sort of thing, especially if it's a cause they support). Make sure you have help with organizing it, because it won't be easy. I hope that helped! Good luck, and let us know how it goes!!!
Usually the large protest groups have an organisation that includes the thinktank which decides the policy of the group, and the organisers produce the literature and decide the venue of protest. It is very dificult because you have to have credibility in what you are saying. It is not enough (for example) to be against the war, you reasons for being against it are all important. In this example A serious organiser would invite prominent anti-war thinkers to speak on the subject - They dont ask for money usually but they may not appear (if they are too prominent) in front of a small audience. Try to enlist prominent thinkers to support your cause by appearing at your venue and to do this you must demonstrate your ability to organise and to let them know all the arrangements you have made- that is all it takes - if you can get prominent people to accept your credibility they will teach you the rest. If you have no experience on this I suggest that you go to protests and get to meet the speakers that have appeared, just as they leave the stage - one or two will talk to you - also try to talk to the organisers of those events - they will help you - but they will also try to enlist your help for their cause -do this as it will give you experience. Work hard at it - have fun and try not to get into too much trouble and debt.
Columbo- I am sure she is aware of this. The only way to gain credibility is to do something to get it. Starting protests and organizing them and going through the right channels is the way for her to go. As for experience, it wouldn't hurt - but we don't know, she might already have some. I'm sure she isn't looking to organize a thousand people protest. You start off small. My area is constantly having small protests with ten or more people. They stand out near traffic with signs, just to get their message out. Small, but sometimes the smallest are the most effective.
