Demonstrations

There are two basic types of demonstrations – rally and protest. A rally is held for something you support, and a protest is held for something you oppose. So you would have a vigil for world peace and a protest against war. There are different kinds of demonstrations; vigil, sit-in, march, and picket line.

Regardless which kind of demonstration you are organising a large turnout and a high visibility location are important. The location can be an historic landmark, town hall, government house, or transportation hub. A high traffic location is useful to gain maximum attention. Make sure you choose a date, time and place to maximise turnout. Who do you want to attend? When are they free? Where is a convenient yet prominent location for them?

When you have chosen the location get permission from the relevant authorities to hold a public event and make sure you are not contravening local police legislation. If you are going to have a public address system for speakers make sure you have permission for this as well.

Plan the event carefully. Make sure there is a clear focus and that the outcomes you want are clear. Take account of the needs of the participants eg water, food, protection from the elements. Creativity always gets attention – incorporate creativity in your planning and activities. Ensure the safety of participants and audience. If the event is covering a contentious issue make sure participants are well-schooled in non-violent action principles as little is achieved by violence – even violence in retaliation against the violence of authorities or police.

Most event cost money to organise and run. Seek cosponsors and volunteers to help lessen the costs. Costs may include, candles, public address system rental, banners, leaflets, printing, telephone calls.

Speakers can help to get your message across, especially if they are well respected, high profile speakers. Contact possible speakers well in advance to gain their support. Speeches need to be no longer than 10 minutes unless the speaker is particularly interesting and lively. If you have speakers you will need to have one person who acts as MC.

Organise a well prepared publicity campaign for your event. You need a large number of both participants and audience to be effective in getting your message across. You can use posters, leaflets, press coverage, public service announcements, and local radio and TV. You can prepare press packets with detailed fact sheets, letters to the editor, press releases, and clear recommendations for a solution to the issue for which you are demonstration. The more information and support you give representatives of the media the better they will be able to cover your event.

Key messages can be exposed in signs, banners, leaflets, chanting and speeches. Use of creativity in the messages, media you choose and the activities during the event will catch people's attention.