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Protest: How-To Guide(s)

Women protesters during Iran's election. Photo by Hamed Saber.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
--Margaret Mead

10 Ways to Change the World

1. Start with one cause. Too often, people want to protest everything, from student loans to sex slavery to scientology. Even if they start out with a main focus, this can quickly devolve into a full-frontal assault on everything fucked-up in the world.

It's true, everything's connected. But it's much better to start on one issue and work your way outward from there. Pick one cause--slavery, for example--and then...

Save Beck: one of many injustices in the world. Photo by Jason Scragz. 2. Act Locally. - Yes, a cheesy slogan, containing a great truth. Find a shelter, an organization, an office, or a nonprofit that deals with this issue locally. 3. Volunteer - Even two hours a week can make a real difference. If you are already over-committed, consider donating money instead.

4. Be Kind.

5. Lobby Politicians. Write letters, ask to meet the politician in person. Always be polite and professional.

6. Become media literate. Educate yourself on traditional prejudices of different media forms.

7. Learn as much as you can about your subject. Find studies. Try to find as much data as you can. Interview women and men who are affected by your issue.

8. Publish zines, flyers, magazines, leaflets, and other awareness-raising texts.

9. Organise fundraisers, concerts, seminars and other events to help raise money for your chosen charity or cause.

10. Attend and organize protests.

A (Very) Short Guide to Civil Disobedience

Rape Affects Us All. Photo by Lisa Norwood.

The best way to learn about protests is by going to them. Find websites, like Indymedia or protest.net, that lists upcoming events in your area. However, if you've never been to one before, or if you want to organize something but don't know where to begin, these tips might help you.

  1. Decide what you want to protest. There are many injustices in the world; you'll be more successful if you focus on just a few.
  2. Research the topic thoroughly. Look in books, articles, websites, and newspapers. Talk to people for more information - but try to confirm all facts via independent sources.
  3. Double-check your facts. Be certain you're on the right side.
  4. Use all your resources. Social networking is a powerful tool, get the word out on facebook, and put video on youtube.
  5. Find a good place to protest. If the organization or business you are protesting against is located on private property, you may have to stand on the street or sidewalk. Check with the local police to make sure what you're planning is legal - you may need a permit in some areas. Make sure you don't impede foot or motor traffic or break any other laws.
  6. Make posters, fliers, visual aids, or pamphlets to help communicate your concerns to others.
  7. Use your vehicle as a promotional tool. A simple sign or even bumper stickers can get your point across effectively during your everyday travel.

Further Reading

The Activist's Handbook.

Activism For Teenagers: It's Your World. If You Don't Like It...Change It.

Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky.

Letters to a Young Feminist by Phyllis Chesler.

Manufacturing Consent by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky.

"Green Wave" photo by Hamed Saber.
"Rape Affects Us All" photo by Lisa Norwood.
"Save Beck" photo by Jason Scragz.
All photos used under a CC Attribution License.
Some of the above guidelines come from wikihow, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share-Alike license.


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