Protests

Index of related important pages

In Person Protests

For Activists attending

• Quick Protest FAQ (draft page available)
• Answering "Should I attend this Protest?" (draft page available)
• Pre-Protest Prep (page not yet created)
• Protest Mindset (page not yet created)
• Safety (page not yet created)
• Protesting with Pets and Children (page not yet created)
• Post Protest Action (page not yet created)

For Organizers

• Should You Organize A Protest? (draft page available)
• Deciding the form and location of protest (page not yet created)
• Protest Permits (page not yet created)
• Pre Protest messaging (page not yet created)
• Setting The Tone For the Protest (draft page available)
• Safety (page not yet created)
• Protest Equipment (page not yet created)
• People Speaking At Protests (page not yet created)
• Handling Counter Protesters (page not yet created)
• Dealing With Police (page not yet created)
• Accessibility Accommodations and Inclusivity (page not yet created)
• Mapping Your March Route (draft page available)
• Leading a Safe March (page not yet created)
• Contingency Planning (page not yet created)
• Post Protest Action (page not yet created)
• Resolving Issues With Other Organizers (draft page available)
• 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 (boycotts, 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 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 protests against it. It's easy to think that college students were against Nixon's policies. But the 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 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 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.