How do I effectively organize a peaceful protest?

Question

I want to organize an anti-war protest in my city and target all the local universities for participation. Does anyone have suggestions for how to recruit participants, guarantee media coverage, assure that all laws are followed, or just generally organize a successful, PEACEFFUL protest? Thank you!

I realize that a protest isn't the answer to everything, but if it is timed right, it will reach more politicians than a letter writing campaign would. Plus, college students are often angry at political issues without knowing what actions they can take. The hope is for the protest to be both peaceful and educational, and for it to make our strong opposition known. A lofty goal, I know, but if we don't aim high then what's the point?

Answer 1

Most protests turn hostile, both with those that disagree with the protest idea, and simply agitators. Many protests invite hatred because of ill-conceived rhetoric. No matter what you do, and the good intentions of your idea, it will go sour easily. I suggest a different method to see the polemics of the issue. Compose a letter to the editors of your local papers and watch for the response. If many of the views are favorable, perhaps you could try it, but if the views are negative...back away from the issue. For laws, you need to obtain a permit in most cities, to insure adequate police protection and crowd control, and a talk with the police chief is a good idea. A simple press announcement issued to the TV, Radio and newspapers will draw a response depending on the editorial policies and the theme. Remember Kent State, Tianamen Square, etc...things can get out of hand, and as an organizer you may be liable even in legal actions.

Answer 2

The "King Pin" for going to war was the attack on the WTC's. If you can show others that this is not a legitimate reason, they will be more apt to listen. Showing that the WTC attacks, were an inside job, is not so hard to do. Just do a little research, most everything will fall in place. It took me about a week to become informed. You can start with these videos:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1519312457137943386&q=loose+change
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2842384983834100001

Be Careful with those antiwar demonstrations, If you look back at the Viatnam War protests, you'll see they can become deadly. The government, can plant one of their own, in the crowd, to act up. This will give the government a reason to smash and destroy the rest of the protesters.

Edit ............................

I just had an idea for a type of protest. There are people who plan to pass out "Loose Change" CD's, at the opening of the movie WTC. Rather than pass out CD's, one could pass out the following pictures from this website:
http://911blimp.net/vid_fakeOsamaVideo.shtml

Answer 3

Good luck. The vast majority of anti-war protests I have ever seen are far from peaceful. You are stirring up emotions in people, put them on the street and tell them that they are the only moral ones in the country, and then expect them to behave rationally when approached by someone with an opposing viewpoint. That's asking a lot, esp. from college students who have no exposure to the real world.

I would suggest refraining from cussing out people who don't agree with you and refrain from demanding that the President's daughters be put in the military. It only makes your arguments look ridiculous.

Answer 4

Why protest period? Take action, dont just write signs and walk around with it attached to a long stake. Write letters, go to press confrences where the people you are after are forced to answer, and dont ever give up. Not saying go to violence, just be smart about it, not dramatic.

Answer 5

start recruiting help on college campuses, talk to people, hang signs at grocery stores and laundromats...places where lotsa people go. Check with city hall and see if you need a permit!!! That's an important one!

Answer 6

First go to Michigan ave&Madison st in downtown chgo Then run 1 mile east and you will be on thr right road

Answer 7

first of all make sure that you tell all who want to come this is peacefull people only no others. tell local tv station and newspaper or have someone with camcorder and send to news on tv local channel.

Answer 8

Good luck. I wish I could protest with you.

Answer 9

First, go to Iraq and ask the American soldiers what they think. Have you forgotten the WTC dead already?

Answer 10

isn't attendance at a university a protest to all things that make America great?