Church Of Protest - User contributions [en]

Main Page

2025-03-08T02:27:43Z

Collin: /* Under Construction Announcement */

= Welcome To The Church Of Protest Activist Wiki =

=== (currently under initial construction) ===

== '''Main Topics''' ==

=== [[Protests]] (organizing and attending) ===
[[Church Of Protest:About|About The Church Of Protest]]

== '''Under Construction Announcement''' ==
Right now we are working on a Wiki to provide live, updated, activist sourced information. This Wiki's initial release will contain information for both activist organizers and activist attendees in regards to protests. With the goal of helping organizers conduct productive protests and grow their activist groups. As well as assist attendees with necessary information to know before attending a protest.

You can access currently available draft articles. However this wiki is still in a draft stage and is not at an "official release" status yet. Many pages may still be missing or incomplete while the information is created and updated. When the Wiki has been officially released then registration to be able to edit and add will be opened for select verified activist organizers. Editing privileges will not be available to all the general public In order to prevent defacement of the Wiki. However public access to read all the pages will be available to everyone.

If you are an activist interested in contributing to the wiki please contact the Church Of Protest through ChurchOfProtest@Proton.me with information on your organization and background to be considered as a contributor once we open to initial release,

== Long Term Plans ==
After the initial release of the [[Protests|In Person Protest]] section is completed we'll be working on supplemental sections to help all activists be as effective at creating change as possible.

'''Planned Upcoming Sections Include'''

* '''Effective Communication For Changing Minds With Our Activism''' - Based on communication styles developed by the Deep Canvas Institute, Street Epistemology, Motivational Interviewing, and Sociological Research
* '''Alternative forms of activism''' - Calling Campaigns, Projector Protests, Boycotts, etc
* '''Activist Index''' - Links to major activist groups across the world and information on their focus
* '''Activism Calendar''' - A place for activists to share their upcoming events for potential attendees to easily find.
* '''Activist Tools''' - A list of resources including programs and apps to assist organizers
* '''Talking Points''' - Quick effective sound bite talking points sourced from the community as shortcut in crafting your own messaging
* '''People of Protest''' - A Podcast covering recent events from activist perspective, effective activism theory/psychology, and interviews with on the ground activist with experiences and lessons they've learned

Main Page

2025-03-08T02:19:19Z

Collin: /* Main Wiki Topics */

= Welcome To The Church Of Protest Wiki =

=== (currently under initial construction) ===

== Main Wiki Topics ==

=== [[Protests]] (organizing and attending) ===
[[Church Of Protest:About|About The Church Of Protest]]

== Under Construction Announcement ==
Right now we are working on a Wiki to provide live updated and activist sourced information. This Wiki will initially contain information for both activist organizers and activist attendees. With the goal of helping organizers conduct productive protests and grow their activist groups. And to assist attendees with necessary information to know while attending protests.

You can access currently available articles. However this wiki is still a draft and not at an "official release" status yet. So many pages may still be incomplete while the information is created and updated. When the Wiki has been officially released then registration for select verified activists to be able to edit and add to the pages will be open. In order to prevent defacement of the Wiki editing privileges will not be available to all the general public. But everyone will be able to read all pages.

If you are an activist interested in contributing to the wiki please contact the Church Of Protest through ChurchOfProtest@Proton.me with information on your organization and background to be considered as a contributor once we open to initial release,

== Long Term Plans ==
After the initial release of the Activist Wiki sections on in person protest is completed with we'll be working on supplemental sections to help ensure that all activism is as effective at creating change as possible.

Planned Upcoming Sections Include

* Effective Communication For Changing Minds With Our Activism - Based on communication styles developed by the Deep Canvas Institute, Street Epistemology, Motivational Interviewing, and Sociological Research
* Alternative forms of activism - Calling Campaigns, Projector Protests, Boycotts, etc
* Activist Index - Links to major activist groups across the world and information on their focus
* Activism Calendar - A place for activists to share their upcoming events for potential attendees to easily find.
* Activist Tools - A list of resources including programs and apps to assist organizers
* Talking Points - Quick effective sound bite talking points sourced from the community as shortcut in crafting your own messaging
* People of Protest - A Podcast covering recent events from activist perspective, effective activism theory/psychology, and interviews with on the ground activist with experiences and lessons they've learned

Protests

2025-03-08T02:03:32Z

Collin: Updated Index

== Index of related important pages ==

=== In Person Protests ===

==== For Activists attending ====

* [[Attendee Protest FAQ In Person|Quick Protest FAQ]] (draft page available)
* [[Attendee Should I Attend In Person|Answering "Should I attend this Protest?"]] (draft page available)
* [[Attendee Pre Protest Prep In Person|Pre-Protest Prep]] (page not yet created)
* [[Attendee Protest Mindset In Person|Protest Mindset]] (page not yet created)
* [[Attendee Safety In Person|Safety]] (page not yet created)
* [[Attendee Pets And Children In Person|Protesting with Pets and Children]] (page not yet created)
* [[Attendee Post Protest|Post Protest Action]] (page not yet created)

==== For Organizers ====

* [[Organizer Should I Organize A Protest|Should You Organize A Protest?]] (draft page available)
* [[Organizer Form And Location In Person|Deciding the form and location of protest]] (page not yet created)
* [[Protest Permits]] (page not yet created)
* [[Organizer Pre Protest Messaging|Pre Protest messaging]] (page not yet created)
* [[Organizer Setting The Tone In Person|Setting The Tone For the Protest]] (draft page available)
* [[Organizer Safety In Person|Safety]] (page not yet created)
* [[Organizer Protest Equipment In Person|Protest Equipment]] (page not yet created)
* [[Organizer Protest Speakers In Person|People Speaking At Protests]] (page not yet created)
* [[Organizer Handling Counter Protesters In Person|Handling Counter Protesters]] (page not yet created)
* [[Organizer Dealing With Police In Person|Dealing With Police]] (page not yet created)
* [[Organizer Accessibility Accommodations Inclusivity In Person|Accessibility Accommodations and Inclusivity]] (page not yet created)
* [[Organizer Mapping Your March Route|Mapping Your March Route]] (draft page available)
* [[Organizer Leading A Safe March|Leading a Safe March]] (page not yet created)
* [[Organizer Contingency Planning In Person|Contingency Planning]] (page not yet created)
* [[Organizer Post Protest Action In Person|Post Protest Action]] (page not yet created)
* [[Organizer Resolving Issues With Other Organizers|Resolving Issues With Other Organizers]] (draft page available)
* [[Organizer Organizer Self Care|Organizer Self Care]] (page not yet created)

== What is a protest? ==
A Protest is a demonstration of people through action or by refusing to take action ([[wikipedia:Boycott|boycotts]], [[wikipedia:Pacifism|pacifism]]. etc) against a person, decision or policy that they disagree with.

Protests can occur spontaneously or be planned by organizers. Protests can be done by one person or [[wikipedia:Million_Man_March|a million people]]. The only limit is creativity in how someone can protest and there is nothing to stop you aside from your own creativity from finding a way you can express your dissent.

== Protest Types ==

=== In Person Protests ===
The most common type of protest that the word evokes in the mind is the in person protest. Where people gather together and march, listen to speakers, or occupy a space and refuse to leave.

In person protests are actually not the most effective form of activism, but they are an effective form of activism. When we look back at the Vietnam War and the [[wikipedia:Opposition_to_United_States_involvement_in_the_Vietnam_War|protests against it]]. It's easy to think that college students were against Nixon's policies. But the [https://news.gallup.com/vault/230501/gallup-vault-1969-college-students-resistance-vietnam.aspx majority of college students actually supported it.]. And even the majority of those who disapproved didn't protest.

However, when we look back we see not only the images of the protesters, but how their disapproval was so strong It helped create change.

As humans, we are social creatures and often want to [https://youarenotsosmart.com/2024/10/15/yanss-298-why-one-psychologist-believes-the-tribal-instincts-that-divide-us-can-be-leveraged-to-help-bring-us-together/ follow what others in our society do]. By physically protesting we signal to others what a group wants, and by positive amplification of the protest online and through media we can be the loudest voice to inspire others to reconsider their current standing.

We also send a message to leaders that there is strong visible opposition. An opposition that will actually show up and not just post memes to oppose their policy choices and actions.

In person protest is incredibly important but shouldn't be looked at as the only action we take and isn't our only action available if we can't attend in person. As much as we want them to, protests don't solve problems in a day. Civil rights wasn't solved with the [[wikipedia:March_on_Washington_for_Jobs_and_Freedom|March on Washington]]. It was a culmination of years of protests and effort both pushing from within policy and from outside. It is a tool in our toolbox but building a house requires more than one tool.

Organizer Setting The Tone In Person

2025-03-08T02:02:59Z

Collin: Initial Draft

As organizers there are ways we can also set the vibe of a protest before the protest even starts.

Before a protest we can make craft our messaging on the protest to make sure attendees know that even though they are angry and rightfully should be that our focus is using that anger for positive change on that day.

At the protest we can set the vibe before hand with music that's has power and inspiration behind it, but that pumps up the crowd in a John Legend "Glory" way and not a Rage Against The Machine "Killing in the Name" way (both great songs but for different times).

During the protest we can maintain that tone. We can let your speakers know in advance what the goals and tone of the protest are. Again it's not a "You shouldn't be angry", because we are all there because there is a very legitimate reason to be angry. But rather a focus on channeling that anger to actually make effective change.

We can also remind the crowd not to engage with counter protesters. Yeah those guys suck, but they'd also like nothing more than to draw focus from our protest and to make the headlines about we were the bad that punched their "poor wittle nazi faces" and gave them a boo-boo. And some of the counter protesters might like nothing more than an excuse to start violence, and may have even brought weapons for it. By not engaging with them we can keep the focus on why we are there and make it our win and not theirs.

Having a de-escalation team in place is also very helpful. Our de-escalation team can help remind people that are engaging with them that our focus in our our message and not theirs. That team makes it so we don't have to get on the mic every 5 minutes reminding our attendees not to engage with them since that will draw focus from our message.

A unconventional but successful de-escalation tactic is big boxes of Motts fruit snacks. Giving food is a universal peace offering. Other food can be used but Motts are a quick go to since they are yummy, chewy, vegan friendly, and liked by most people. Eating the food literally give 2 groups of people that are yelling at each other a moment where they have to yell at each other a little less. Bringing the tone back down for a little bit.

So when things are looking like they may get real rough between protesters and counter protesters, break out the Motts and just kindly go down the line offering them to both sides that are yelling. We want to offer then to both groups not only to foster de-escalation on both sides but to subconsciously ensure everyone that the food isn't dangerous, poisoned, etc. Even if they just have to say no to the offer of food that's a quick distraction to bring down the tone without actually tone policing anyone.

Organizer Should I Organize A Protest

2025-03-08T01:47:55Z

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Yes! But the good news is, you might not have to do it alone. Are there other people upset about the same thing you're upset about? Were there people upset about this before you?

Starting a new organization means that you get to lead a protest group. But have you ever led a protest group before? You'll get to learn how to lead one along the way. However, that means any mistakes you learn along the way can affect your group and whether or not your voice ends up actually being heard.

So before starting a new group, you may want to check around to see if there are any existing organizations that are aligned close to the voice you want heard. You may also be able to find out why that group isn't holding a protest when and where you wanted to plan one. Do they have a protest on a different day? Do they not have enough resources to hold a protest right now?

You might not immediately get to immediately lead it, but you'll be able to learn how to lead. And the existing organization probably has more resources and support to get your message out more effectively.

Ask yourself. Which do I think will have more impact. 10 protests with 100 people or 1 protest with 1,000 people?

If you're not leading there are things you may notice that could be done better. You can voice those improvements to help strengthen the organization.

Protest Permits

2025-03-08T01:45:06Z

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temp

Attendee Should I Attend In Person

2025-03-08T01:43:21Z

Collin: Updated correct term for Women's Sufferage

== Answering the question: Should I Attend (insert protest here) In Person Protest? ==

==== The guidance provided in this page is not definitive but is compiled from activist organizers that have attended/organized hundreds of protests with 30+ organizations involved with a variety of rights issues. ====

We are going to see a ton of new groups starting to organize in 2025 we are in a historic time that is firing up lots of people. Every major times of social movement see not just one but many groups created to counter. Not all protests will be the same since like people organizational groups are different and will have different approaches, goals, and experience.

Every existing group at one time or another was new. [[wikipedia:2017_Women's_March|Women's march]], [[wikipedia:March_for_Our_Lives|March for our Lives]], [[wikipedia:Black_Lives_Matter|Black Lives Matter]], even the original [[wikipedia:Civil_rights_movement|civil rights marches]] and [[wikipedia:Women's_suffrage|Women Suffrage]]. All of them started somewhere. New groups can start and hold first protests that are done well. So don't automatically let "new group" be a "don't attend". However, there are important things to look for with any group, new or old, organizing a protest.

=== Checking the Tone Before The Protest ===
You can look at the tone of the posts and messages that are out there before the event. If you are wanting to attend a peaceful protest does the current messaging say specifically they are focused on a peaceful protest. Or is the protest tone focused more on a "burn it all down" mentality. Not that peace focused ones won't go bad, or that protests not messaging that will go bad, but it at least lets you know the priorities the organizers have when it comes to public statements which will likely be reflected in their organizing style.

=== Organizations History ===
What's the history or track record of the organization. If they've held protests before now then how'd they go? If they're a new group looking at post history of organizers can help you know how the tone will be. If they've never even been to a protest before they likely won't know the logistics necessary to ensure a good and productive protest that stays within the message goal.

Many organizations are also decentralized or chaptered. Meaning that they may stand as part of a movement but they aren't organized directly by a main group. If a group is decentralized then the history of the movement as a whole may not be reflected in the protest that you are attending. Looking at the local chapter of the organization will give you a better idea of how the protest you attend will go and what the goals are.

Although looking at news articles can give you some idea how protests by the group have gone in the past they may not be a fully accurate reflection of the protest you will attend. "If It Bleeds It Leads" is an old ethos in media that is reflected often in social media and any bad news about a protest will get reported while good news is overlooked. Organizations can also grow and learn over time. With that growth you will often be able to see their statements countering any bad news you have seen published and see their actual perspective on their goals for protest.

If their was an story covering violence or destruction that may have been committed by an attendee at the protest was the organizations response

* "Yeah we f***** s*** up! If things don't change just wait till next time."
* "We are protesting because of deaths and cruelty occurring that are ignoring peoples basic humanity and rights. You can replace a broken window but you can't replace a life. We stand have always stood for peace and did not encourage those, but we stand for fighting for peoples lives first and that's our priority"
* "We do not condone violence at our protests. We welcome everyone to join in our protests as long as they support our causes while maintaining our stated goals and stance on non-violent protest"

Our stance is in favor of protests planned as peaceful as the often best option to generate change through getting the public on your side and increasing your numbers for effective change. However, which type of protest you attend is up to you. Organizations responses to past incidents can give you a heads up as to whether their planned goals match the type of protest that you want to attend

None of these considerations on history are an automatic reason not to attend a protest that aligns with your values. But if there's 10 protests and you can only go to 1 then they can help you pick which one you want to attend for the maximum effect of your expressing your voice.

If you know protest organization another thing you can do instead of shirking off a new groups is to offer to help them out and find their footing. In offering to help out it will also give you answers to the protest tone and ensure that the protest you attend is the protest that you would want to attend.

=== Asking the Organizers Questions ===
You can reach out to organizers with questions you may have about the protest and then share those answers so that others don't have to ask. Do they have a safety/de-escalation team or at least a plan? Do they have a plan at all aside from "Let's meetup here"? Plans don't have to be perfect but without plans it's a lot easier for things to go wrong.

You may also reach out to related organizations you know and see if they know anything about the tone and organization of the protest. They may have heard things through the grapevine that hadn't been stated somewhere before. They may support the protest but not have be able to co-organize it or post about it. A good organizer is going to have questions they know to ask when another activist mentions or requests their support of a protest. So they may have 3rd hand information about the groups planning, experience, safety, goals, and tone.

=== No Protest is Perfect ===
"Activist time" is a real thing. A lot of protests even from well established groups aren't going to start at the exact minute that they're scheduled. That doesn't mean we have to plan on showing up late, but it means we'll likely have some times where we can to get to know and talk to other people at the protest, bond and make potential new friends before it starts.

It also gives you a chance to scope out the crowd. If you walk into a punk rock show you can feel the vibe difference from a Coldplay concert. Protests are voluntary on your part so if you show up and the vibe feels real off to you it's always an option to decide that's not the right protest for you. Which means even if you're not 100% sure about a protest you see posted online you can still always go and then decide that maybe it's not the right fit.

== '''Now Is The Time For Action''' ==
Right now we're in a time, in the US especially, where government is specially being weaponized to target any voices of dissent. So with any protest at all that isn't in favor of the goals of the state know there could be consequences down the line. But that isn't a reason not to attend. If anything it's a reason to be even more active. Unless you want to spend the rest of your life with no voice, and no rights '''NOW''' is the time to stand up for those rights.

Even if you don't feel comfortable attending a protest in person there are other ways you can support changing the world and environment to one that supports equal rights, protection and voice. If you decide not to act in one way we highly encourage you to act in whatever way you can. This is [[wikipedia:The_Blip|Thanos]]. We are about to get snapped. Every one of us avengers needs to be doing all of the most effective things we can to prevent half of the world from being snapped out of existence.

Organizer Mapping Your March Route

2025-03-08T01:41:13Z

Collin: Initial Draft

== Why Map a Route? ==
Have you ever been at a protest that didn't seem to know where it was going? That didn't seem to have someone leading the March? Did that make you feel like there was a plan and purpose? Did you feel safe from cars, counter protesters, and police?

Establishing an official route will help keep your protest organized and it will help keep the energy of the protesters channeled. Your route helps you shape your message and maintain the safety of those marching. Leading a safe protest will build your credibility and encourage others to attend your future protests.

Having a root and march leaders not only keeps the confidence in the protesters following you. It helps make sure your protest doesn't get hijacked or distracted from it's vision. By someone else taking over who may not share the same goals or organization of your group.

You worked really hard to organize your protest. And having a plan for your march will help that hard work pay off in sending the message that matches your goals.

== What Message Are You Sending? ==

== Accessibility ==

== March length ==

== Making Your Protest Easy To Find ==
Have you ever been with a group moving around and had to use the restroom in the middle and had a hard time finding your group after? Have you ever been arriving late to a group on the move (like a bar hop) and had a hard time figuring where they were at?

It's not uncommon for people to be late to a protest or for people to hear about your protest and want to come later. It's also not uncommon for people to have to split off your group to use the bathroom or quickly grab food.

While designing your protest route take into consideration the need for it to be visible not just to the general public but those that want to participate but may not know where you are.

We can help those trying to join us with a some simple considerations when planning the route.

* Posting the march route in advance if one is planned
* Keeping the march on the biggest well known streets.
* Having chants so we can be heard from blocks away.
* Keeping our march in as straight of a line as possible

When needing to make a turn in your protest route consider making it a "U turn". Having the march loop around with a path 1 block away will make it easier for people that have to dip out fir a couple minutes to rejoin the march.

== Local Laws of Street Vs Sidewalks ==
Some cities may have laws requiring that protests stay on sidewalks. While others may actually require marching in the street after our march reaches a certain number of people. Unfortunately several cities have made it not only illegal for a standing protest in the street but have even

Although our goal is to "fight the power" taking into account local laws can lower the chances of our protests ending in arrest or police violence.

Checking your local laws on when and where your protest would need to be in the street can help keep coverage of our protests focused on the message we want to send. Instead of having coverage drawn from our message by police violence.

== Safety ==

== End of March Call to Action ==

Attendee Protest FAQ In Person

2025-03-08T01:37:39Z

Collin: Intial Draft

== Where can I find out about protests going on near me? ==
Most existing protest groups will have social media pages, websites or e-mails. If you search for protest and specific in your city, you'll likely find posts from groups about previous protests to know what groups to follow. Some cities also have social media groups dedicated to all protests in the city. Oftentimes protest groups will also share protests from other organizers.

You can also ask your friends if they have information on protests. When you find out about protests make sure to share the information with all your friends directly with secure messaging apps like Signal. That way you'll have a network that's not dependent on search algorithms that could be suppressing information on protests!

== What should I wear to a protest? ==
Comfortable shoes and clothes that fit being out in for several hours. If you have clothing that matches the theme like a Bans Off Our Bodies T-shirt for a women's rights protest that's great!

Unless the protest suggests it wearing all "Black Bloc" of black clothing, ski masks, scarves, sunglasses, helmets, and bringing weapons is likely not a great idea. As it may send the wrong message of what you're there for to other protesters.

If it's sunny make sure to put on some sunscreen before you go. If you can, wear glasses instead of contacts and avoid wearing oil based makeup incase police decide to not honor 1st amendment rights via tear gas.

Avoid wearing anything that can be grabbed or pulled. If you can wear your hair up or bring a scrunchie in so you can put it up if needed.

== What should I bring with me? ==
A small bag or backpack with a water bottle with a squirt top and snacks will help you in hot sun and long marches. Only bring ID and a little bit of cash. Don't bring anything you'd want to lose if it was taken.

If you bring your cellphone make sure to disable fingerprint and face ID access since that can be used to unlock your phone without a warrant but you can't be forced to tell your password.

And bring a sign if you want! Doesn't have to be fancy. You can cut down that old Amazon box and use some markers if you don't have time to grab poster board.

== How do I know who is running the protest? ==
Some protests will specify the group will be posted from their account. If the group isn't specified, reach out to the original poster and see if they organize it or if they know who did. And once you know, as long as it wasn't requested to be confidential, make sure to comment so that everyone else can know too.

== How will I know if a protest is safe? ==
Good organizers should state in posts about the protest the goal of it being a peaceful protest. Graphics, wording of posts and imagery should also give you a good idea of organizers goals. You can also ask if the organizers have a safety plan or team in place.

Even well organized peaceful protests can have outside agitators or police cause violence. But organizers who have stated peace and planned for it will have a higher chance of success.

And remember, you can always leave a protest if you arrive and the vibe feels off from what you wanted to support.

== What safety measure should I take and what should I do if I'm arrested? ==
Before you go make sure at least one person not attending the protest knows that you're going so they can check up on you. Write the number for your local ACLU and numbers of a emergency contact who's not attending on your body with sharpie before hand in a place that won't smear.

Exercise your right to remain silent, beyond any requirement to identify yourself that your state may have. No one talks themselves out of getting arrested even if they didn't do anything. The cop that arrested you may be a bastard, but calling him that won't make you any less arrested and may escalate your arrest.

Request specifically to speak to a lawyer and have that be the only person you discuss your arrest with. Not even with other protesters that may be in jail arrested alongside you. As anything you say to them can be used in court as testimony.

As of February 2025 arrests are generally rare, occurring at only a small number of protests. And in a group of 1,000 if 50 people are arrested that's still only a small 5% chance. Avoiding any areas of the protest where people may be destroying property and protesting peacefully yourself will help lower your odds.

There is safety in numbers and protesting now makes sure you have numbers rather than waiting until rights have been completely stripped and they can pick everyone off 1 by 1 at home. Protesting now is safer waiting to object in a full authoritarian future.

MediaWiki:Sidebar

2025-03-08T01:34:27Z

Main Page

2025-03-08T01:31:20Z

Collin:

= Welcome To The Church Of Protest Wiki =
(currently under initial construction)

Right now we are working on a Wiki to provide live updated and activist sourced information. This Wiki will initially contain information for both activist organizers and activist attendees. With the goal of helping organizers conduct productive protests and grow their activist groups. And to assist attendees with necessary information to know while attending protests.

You can access currently available articles. However this wiki is still a draft and not at an "official release" status yet. So many pages may still be incomplete while the information is created and updated. When the Wiki has been officially released then registration for select verified activists to be able to edit and add to the pages will be open. In order to prevent defacement of the Wiki editing privileges will not be available to all the general public. But everyone will be able to read all pages.

== Main Wiki Topics ==

=== [[Protests]] (organizing and attending) ===
[[Church Of Protest:About|About The Church Of Protest]]

If you are an activist interested in adding to the wiki please contact the Church Of Protest @ChurchOfProtest@Proton.me with information on your organization and background to be considered as a contributor once we open to full release

Church Of Protest:About

2025-03-08T01:27:28Z

Collin: Created page with "The Church of Protest is a legally (re)filed church based in the United States currently filed in the state of Utah as of 2022. We believe "All people are created equal" and it is our spiritual obligation to seek equality, so all may pursue life, liberty, & happiness. As a member, organizer, or organizing protests with The Church of Protest you are provided additional 1st amendments consideration in protest. Since protest for equality is a sacred and required act for m..."

The Church of Protest is a legally (re)filed church based in the United States currently filed in the state of Utah as of 2022.

We believe "All people are created equal" and it is our spiritual obligation to seek equality, so all may pursue life, liberty, & happiness.

As a member, organizer, or organizing protests with The Church of Protest you are provided additional 1st amendments consideration in protest. Since protest for equality is a sacred and required act for members of the church of protest extending into a religious act and not just an expression of free speech.

We are inclusionary and everyone is welcome as a member as long as they seek the same goals of equality. Being a member does not require leaving any current religious group you are a part of. There are no fees, dues, tithing, or any requirements to be a member other than to try to fight for equality when you are able.

The Church of Protest is non-partisan and does not advocate for any candidate. We support efforts, bills, and groups that seek to reach the goal of equality and stand up against forces that would seek to remove that sacred right of equality from anyone.

== History ==
Although the Church Of Protest documentation was filed in 2022 the existence of the Church and it's calling can be seen to exist throughout history. With influence on the hearts of many who, even if imperfectly, were

About The Church Of Protest

2025-02-07T05:04:47Z

Collin: Intial Draft

Attendee Should I Attend In Person

2025-02-07T05:03:44Z

Collin: /* Organizations History */

== Answering the question: Should I Attend (insert protest here) In Person Protest? ==

==== The guidance provided in this page is not definitive but is compiled from activist organizers that have attended/organized hundreds of protests with 30+ organizations involved with a variety of rights issues. ====

We are going to see a ton of new groups starting to organize in 2025 we are in a historic time that is firing up lots of people. Every major times of social movement see not just one but many groups created to counter. Not all protests will be the same since like people organizational groups are different and will have different approaches, goals, and experience.

Every existing group at one time or another was new. [[wikipedia:2017_Women's_March|Women's march]], [[wikipedia:March_for_Our_Lives|March for our Lives]], [[wikipedia:Black_Lives_Matter|Black Lives Matter]], even the original [[wikipedia:Civil_rights_movement|civil rights marches]] and [[wikipedia:Women's_suffrage|Women Suffragettes]]. All of them started somewhere. New groups can start and hold first protests that are done well. So don't automatically let "new group" be a "don't attend". However, there are important things to look for with any group, new or old, organizing a protest.

=== Checking the Tone Before The Protest ===
You can look at the tone of the posts and messages that are out there before the event. If you are wanting to attend a peaceful protest does the current messaging say specifically they are focused on a peaceful protest. Or is the protest tone focused more on a "burn it all down" mentality. Not that peace focused ones won't go bad, or that protests not messaging that will go bad, but it at least lets you know the priorities the organizers have when it comes to public statements which will likely be reflected in their organizing style.

=== Organizations History ===
What's the history or track record of the organization. If they've held protests before now then how'd they go? If they're a new group looking at post history of organizers can help you know how the tone will be. If they've never even been to a protest before they likely won't know the logistics necessary to ensure a good and productive protest that stays within the message goal.

Many organizations are also decentralized or chaptered. Meaning that they may stand as part of a movement but they aren't organized directly by a main group. If a group is decentralized then the history of the movement as a whole may not be reflected in the protest that you are attending. Looking at the local chapter of the organization will give you a better idea of how the protest you attend will go and what the goals are.

Although looking at news articles can give you some idea how protests by the group have gone in the past they may not be a fully accurate reflection of the protest you will attend. "If It Bleeds It Leads" is an old ethos in media that is reflected often in social media and any bad news about a protest will get reported while good news is overlooked. Organizations can also grow and learn over time. With that growth you will often be able to see their statements countering any bad news you have seen published and see their actual perspective on their goals for protest.

If their was an story covering violence or destruction that may have been committed by an attendee at the protest was the organizations response

* "Yeah we f***** s*** up! If things don't change just wait till next time."
* "We are protesting because of deaths and cruelty occurring that are ignoring peoples basic humanity and rights. You can replace a broken window but you can't replace a life. We stand have always stood for peace and did not encourage those, but we stand for fighting for peoples lives first and that's our priority"
* "We do not condone violence at our protests. We welcome everyone to join in our protests as long as they support our causes while maintaining our stated goals and stance on non-violent protest"

Our stance is in favor of protests planned as peaceful as the often best option to generate change through getting the public on your side and increasing your numbers for effective change. However, which type of protest you attend is up to you. Organizations responses to past incidents can give you a heads up as to whether their planned goals match the type of protest that you want to attend

None of these considerations on history are an automatic reason not to attend a protest that aligns with your values. But if there's 10 protests and you can only go to 1 then they can help you pick which one you want to attend for the maximum effect of your expressing your voice.

If you know protest organization another thing you can do instead of shirking off a new groups is to offer to help them out and find their footing. In offering to help out it will also give you answers to the protest tone and ensure that the protest you attend is the protest that you would want to attend.

=== Asking the Organizers Questions ===
You can reach out to organizers with questions you may have about the protest and then share those answers so that others don't have to ask. Do they have a safety/de-escalation team or at least a plan? Do they have a plan at all aside from "Let's meetup here"? Plans don't have to be perfect but without plans it's a lot easier for things to go wrong.

You may also reach out to related organizations you know and see if they know anything about the tone and organization of the protest. They may have heard things through the grapevine that hadn't been stated somewhere before. They may support the protest but not have be able to co-organize it or post about it. A good organizer is going to have questions they know to ask when another activist mentions or requests their support of a protest. So they may have 3rd hand information about the groups planning, experience, safety, goals, and tone.

=== No Protest is Perfect ===
"Activist time" is a real thing. A lot of protests even from well established groups aren't going to start at the exact minute that they're scheduled. That doesn't mean we have to plan on showing up late, but it means we'll likely have some times where we can to get to know and talk to other people at the protest, bond and make potential new friends before it starts.

It also gives you a chance to scope out the crowd. If you walk into a punk rock show you can feel the vibe difference from a Coldplay concert. Protests are voluntary on your part so if you show up and the vibe feels real off to you it's always an option to decide that's not the right protest for you. Which means even if you're not 100% sure about a protest you see posted online you can still always go and then decide that maybe it's not the right fit.

== '''Now Is The Time For Action''' ==
Right now we're in a time, in the US especially, where government is specially being weaponized to target any voices of dissent. So with any protest at all that isn't in favor of the goals of the state know there could be consequences down the line. But that isn't a reason not to attend. If anything it's a reason to be even more active. Unless you want to spend the rest of your life with no voice, and no rights '''NOW''' is the time to stand up for those rights.

Even if you don't feel comfortable attending a protest in person there are other ways you can support changing the world and environment to one that supports equal rights, protection and voice. If you decide not to act in one way we highly encourage you to act in whatever way you can. This is [[wikipedia:The_Blip|Thanos]]. We are about to get snapped. Every one of us avengers needs to be doing all of the most effective things we can to prevent half of the world from being snapped out of existence.

Attendee Should I Attend In Person

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== Answering the question: Should I Attend (insert protest here) In Person Protest? ==

==== The guidance provided in this page is not definitive but is compiled from activist organizers that have attended/organized hundreds of protests with 30+ organizations involved with a variety of rights issues. ====

We are going to see a ton of new groups starting to organize in 2025 we are in a historic time that is firing up lots of people. Every major times of social movement see not just one but many groups created to counter. Not all protests will be the same since like people organizational groups are different and will have different approaches, goals, and experience.

Every existing group at one time or another was new. [[wikipedia:2017_Women's_March|Women's march]], [[wikipedia:March_for_Our_Lives|March for our Lives]], [[wikipedia:Black_Lives_Matter|Black Lives Matter]], even the original [[wikipedia:Civil_rights_movement|civil rights marches]] and [[wikipedia:Women's_suffrage|Women Suffragettes]]. All of them started somewhere. New groups can start and hold first protests that are done well. So don't automatically let "new group" be a "don't attend". However, there are important things to look for with any group, new or old, organizing a protest.

=== Checking the Tone Before The Protest ===
You can look at the tone of the posts and messages that are out there before the event. If you are wanting to attend a peaceful protest does the current messaging say specifically they are focused on a peaceful protest. Or is the protest tone focused more on a "burn it all down" mentality. Not that peace focused ones won't go bad, or that protests not messaging that will go bad, but it at least lets you know the priorities the organizers have when it comes to public statements which will likely be reflected in their organizing style.

=== Organizations History ===
What's the history or track record of the organization. If they've held protests before now then how'd they go? If they're a new group looking at post history of organizers can help you know how the tone will be. If they've never even been to a protest before they likely won't know the logistics necessary to ensure a good and productive protest that stays within the message goal.

Many organizations are also decentralized or chaptered. Meaning that they may stand as part of a movement but they aren't organized directly by a main group. If a group is decentralized then the history of the movement as a whole may not be reflected in the protest that you are attending. Looking at the local chapter of the organization will give you a better idea of how the protest you attend will go and what the goals are.

Although looking at new articles can give you some idea how protests by the group have gone in the past they may not be a fully accurate reflection of the protest you will attend. "If It Bleeds It Leads" is an old ethos in media that is reflected often in social media and any bad news about a protest will get reported while good news is overlooked. Organizations can also grow and learn over time. With that growth you will often be able to see their statements countering any bad news you have seen published and see their actual perspective on their goals for protest.

If their was an story covering violence or destruction that may have been committed by an attendee at the protest was the organizations response

* "Yeah we f***** s*** up! If things don't change just wait till next time."
* "We are protesting because of deaths and cruelty occurring that are ignoring peoples basic humanity and rights. You can replace a broken window but you can't replace a life. We stand have always stood for peace and did not encourage those, but we stand for fighting for peoples lives first and that's our priority"
* "We do not condone violence at our protests. We welcome everyone to join in our protests as long as they support our causes while maintaining our stated goals and stance on non-violent protest"

Our stance is in favor of protests planned as peaceful as the often best option to generate change through getting the public on your side and increasing your numbers for effective change. However, which type of protest you attend is up to you. Organizations responses to past incidents can give you a heads up as to whether their planned goals match the type of protest that you want to attend

None of these considerations on history are an automatic reason not to attend a protest that aligns with your values. But if there's 10 protests and you can only go to 1 then they can help you pick which one you want to attend for the maximum effect of your expressing your voice.

If you know protest organization another thing you can do instead of shirking off a new groups is to offer to help them out and find their footing. In offering to help out it will also give you answers to the protest tone and ensure that the protest you attend is the protest that you would want to attend.

=== Asking the Organizers Questions ===
You can reach out to organizers with questions you may have about the protest and then share those answers so that others don't have to ask. Do they have a safety/de-escalation team or at least a plan? Do they have a plan at all aside from "Let's meetup here"? Plans don't have to be perfect but without plans it's a lot easier for things to go wrong.

You may also reach out to related organizations you know and see if they know anything about the tone and organization of the protest. They may have heard things through the grapevine that hadn't been stated somewhere before. They may support the protest but not have be able to co-organize it or post about it. A good organizer is going to have questions they know to ask when another activist mentions or requests their support of a protest. So they may have 3rd hand information about the groups planning, experience, safety, goals, and tone.

=== No Protest is Perfect ===
"Activist time" is a real thing. A lot of protests even from well established groups aren't going to start at the exact minute that they're scheduled. That doesn't mean we have to plan on showing up late, but it means we'll likely have some times where we can to get to know and talk to other people at the protest, bond and make potential new friends before it starts.

It also gives you a chance to scope out the crowd. If you walk into a punk rock show you can feel the vibe difference from a Coldplay concert. Protests are voluntary on your part so if you show up and the vibe feels real off to you it's always an option to decide that's not the right protest for you. Which means even if you're not 100% sure about a protest you see posted online you can still always go and then decide that maybe it's not the right fit.

== '''Now Is The Time For Action''' ==
Right now we're in a time, in the US especially, where government is specially being weaponized to target any voices of dissent. So with any protest at all that isn't in favor of the goals of the state know there could be consequences down the line. But that isn't a reason not to attend. If anything it's a reason to be even more active. Unless you want to spend the rest of your life with no voice, and no rights '''NOW''' is the time to stand up for those rights.

Even if you don't feel comfortable attending a protest in person there are other ways you can support changing the world and environment to one that supports equal rights, protection and voice. If you decide not to act in one way we highly encourage you to act in whatever way you can. This is [[wikipedia:The_Blip|Thanos]]. We are about to get snapped. Every one of us avengers needs to be doing all of the most effective things we can to prevent half of the world from being snapped out of existence.

Protests

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== Index of related important pages ==

=== In Person Protests ===

==== For Activists attending ====

* [[Attendee Protest FAQ In Person|Quick Protest FAQ]]
* [[Attendee Should I Attend In Person|Answering "Should I attend this Protest?"]]
* [[Attendee Pre Protest Prep In Person|Pre-Protest Prep]]
* [[Attendee Protest Mindset In Person|Protest Mindset]]
* [[Attendee Safety In Person|Safety]]
* [[Attendee Pets And Children In Person|Protesting with Pets and Children]]
* [[Attendee Post Protest|Post Protest Action]]

==== For Organizers ====

* [[Organizer Should I Organize A Protest|Should You Organize A Protest?]]
* [[Organizer Form And Location In Person|Deciding the form and location of protest]]
* [[Organizer Pre Protest Messaging|Pre Protest messaging]]
* [[Organizer Setting The Tone In Person|Setting The Tone For the Protest]]
* [[Organizer Safety In Person|Safety]]
* [[Organizer Protest Equipment In Person|Protest Equipment]]
* [[Organizer Protest Speakers In Person|People Speaking At Protests]]
* [[Organizer Handling Counter Protesters In Person|Handling Counter Protesters]]
* [[Organizer Dealing With Police In Person|Dealing With Police]]
* [[Organizer Accessibility Accommodations Inclusivity In Person|Accessibility Accommodations and Inclusivity]]
* [[Organizer Mapping Your March Route|Mapping Your March Route]]
* [[Organizer Leading A Safe March|Leading a Safe March]]
* [[Organizer Contingency Planning In Person|Contingency Planning]]
* [[Organizer Post Protest Action In Person|Post Protest Action]]
* [[Organizer Resolving Issues With Other Organizers|Resolving Issues With Other Organizers]]
* [[Organizer Organizer Self Care|Organizer Self Care]]

== What is a protest? ==
A Protest is a demonstration of people through action or by refusing to take action ([[wikipedia:Boycott|boycotts]], [[wikipedia:Pacifism|pacifism]]. etc) against a person, decision or policy that they disagree with.

Protests can occur spontaneously or be planned by organizers. Protests can be done by one person or [[wikipedia:Million_Man_March|a million people]]. The only limit is creativity in how someone can protest and there is nothing to stop you aside from your own creativity from finding a way you can express your dissent.

== Protest Types ==

=== In Person Protests ===
The most common type of protest that the word evokes in the mind is the in person protest. Where people gather together and march, listen to speakers, or occupy a space and refuse to leave.

In person protests are actually not the most effective form of activism, but they are an effective form of activism. When we look back at the Vietnam War and the [[wikipedia:Opposition_to_United_States_involvement_in_the_Vietnam_War|protests against it]]. It's easy to think that college students were against Nixon's policies. But the [https://news.gallup.com/vault/230501/gallup-vault-1969-college-students-resistance-vietnam.aspx majority of college students actually supported it.]. And even the majority of those who disapproved didn't protest.

However, when we look back we see not only the images of the protesters, but how their disapproval was so strong It helped create change.

As humans, we are social creatures and often want to [https://youarenotsosmart.com/2024/10/15/yanss-298-why-one-psychologist-believes-the-tribal-instincts-that-divide-us-can-be-leveraged-to-help-bring-us-together/ follow what others in our society do]. By physically protesting we signal to others what a group wants, and by positive amplification of the protest online and through media we can be the loudest voice to inspire others to reconsider their current standing.

We also send a message to leaders that there is strong visible opposition. An opposition that will actually show up and not just post memes to oppose their policy choices and actions.

In person protest is incredibly important but shouldn't be looked at as the only action we take and isn't our only action available if we can't attend in person. As much as we want them to, protests don't solve problems in a day. Civil rights wasn't solved with the [[wikipedia:March_on_Washington_for_Jobs_and_Freedom|March on Washington]]. It was a culmination of years of protests and effort both pushing from within policy and from outside. It is a tool in our toolbox but building a house requires more than one tool.

Organizer Organizer Self Care

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Organizer Resolving Issues With Other Organizers

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Organizer Post Protest Action In Person

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Organizer Contingency Planning In Person

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Organizer Leading A Safe March

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Organizer Mapping Your March Route

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Organizer Accessibility Accommodations Inclusivity In Person

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Organizer Dealing With Police In Person

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Organizer Handling Counter Protesters In Person

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Organizer Protest Speakers In Person

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Organizer Protest Equipment In Person

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Organizer Safety In Person

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Organizer Setting The Tone In Person

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Organizer Pre Protest Messaging

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Organizer Form And Location In Person

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Organizer Should I Organize A Protest

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Attendee Post Protest

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Attendee Pets And Children In Person

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Attendee Safety In Person

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Attendee Protest Mindset In Person

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Attendee Pre Protest Prep In Person

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Attendee Should I Attend In Person

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Attendee Protest FAQ In Person

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