Protests are a great way to draw attention to a cause by expressing your discontent. However, the message is in danger of being lost if violence, riots or vandalism intervene. If you are organizing a march, identify in advance the safest ways to legally demonstrate. Participants should use non-aggressive methods and avoid confrontations to gain greater exposure - this can be accomplished by working with the police and legal representatives to ensure that no law or personal rights are violated.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Organizing a Protest
Step 1. Determine what kind of protest you intend to organize
There are different types of peaceful demonstrations that can express dissatisfaction without resorting to violence, anger or riot. The venue, time and permissions may depend on the type of event you wish to organize.
- A picket is a type of rally where people display signs and chant slogans in protest. In some cases, permits may not be required for such events.
- A procession is a mobile gathering along the streets. It allows you to have more visibility, but requires more permissions and organization.
- A vigil is a form of peaceful protest in which people meet in silence in the evening, carrying candles with them. Usually, it is organized to commemorate a tragedy.
- A sit-in is a gathering in which people occupy a certain space or area. They can refuse to move unless their requests are met or acknowledged.
Step 2. Read up on local laws
In Italy the authorities cannot prevent the right to demonstrate, but they can impose rules in this regard. Inquire at the municipal administration or the police headquarters to find out if you need any permits to demonstrate in your city and ask what the relative regulations are.
- In principle, it is possible to demonstrate without a permit as long as only the sidewalk is covered and traffic is not obstructed.
- If you plan to organize a march, you will need a permit that allows certain streets to be closed.
- Permits may also be required for the use of megaphones.
- If you intend to organize a demonstration on private land, you will need the written consent of the owner to proceed.
Step 3. Obtain the necessary permissions
Usually, they are granted by the Municipality or by the police headquarters a few weeks before the event. You will have to communicate the day, time and place of the event. Remember that you cannot be denied permission based on the reason for the protest.
- Once permission is granted, police may be allowed to attend the event in order to maintain order.
- In the event that the permit is refused, you could insist by proposing alternative routes, times or places.
Step 4. Prepare for the worst
Many forms of civil disobedience, such as blocking trafficking, are illegal and you can be fined or arrested for such acts. Even at an authorized gathering there is always the possibility that some participants will be arrested. Be aware of these risks and be prepared in advance for any eventuality.
- Get legal help before the event. If you are arrested, ask to call your lawyer immediately.
- You may want to save some money as a preventative measure to pay any bail or fine. Ask your partner, friend, or family member to pay your bail if necessary.
- Avoid resistance in case of arrest.
Step 5. Recruit speakers to motivate the crowd
They can serve the cause by spreading the message of the movement you created and should also motivate the crowd to continue the protest. Short, concise, and purposeful speeches are the best choice.
Each speaker should receive your prior approval. Remember that this is a peaceful protest, so such people should neither incite violence nor encourage others to break the law
Step 6. Advertise the event
Once you have all the permits, you can start advertising. Be sure to specify that this is a peaceful protest; use bright colors and large fonts to grab people's attention. To advertise yourself you can:
- Post flyers in cafes, college campuses, libraries and other public places;
- Create an event page on social networks and share it with your friends;
- Inform the local television channel about the place of the event;
- Make an announcement at civil society gatherings, at a church, at a charity event, or at other public gatherings.
Part 2 of 3: Keeping the Protest Under Control
Step 1. Work with the police to make sure no violence occurs
A healthy and mutually respectful relationship with law enforcement is a great way to ensure that neither side becomes aggressive during the rally. Visit your local police headquarters prior to the event to speak with a representative about the best way to keep the protest peaceful.
- The presence of the police is not a bad thing. In the event that there are people who oppose your cause, it can protect the protesters and maintain order in the crowd.
- If you intend to request the presence of the police, inform the volunteers in advance and remind them that this is a protective measure: the police are not intended to harm or arrest people.
Step 2. Activate the presence of observers
The task of these observers is to monitor the demonstration to ensure that it takes place in compliance with the law. They can maintain order in the crowd by discouraging illegal acts and, in case there are arrests, they can interact with the police on behalf of the protesters. In the event of police abuse, the observer can take note of the details of the event to file a complaint later.
- An observer could be a lawyer or a staff member of a civil rights organization.
- This person cannot protect protesters if they break the law: their role is to ensure that the laws are respected, both by protesters and by the police.
Step 3. Mark the area where the demonstration will take place with cordons
It is a good idea to contain the protesters: it will not only keep the protest from getting out of hand, but it will also make the crowd appear larger and more organized in the photographs. This will be useful for publicizing your cause in future events.
Step 4. Appoint security officers to help crowd control
To keep the protest under control, a good number of trusted volunteers will be needed who are responsible for controlling the protesters, distributing leaflets and enforcing the rules.
- In the event that some protesters start harassing other people or committing vandalism, security officers can try to dissuade them before the violence spreads.
- In the event that the police behave aggressively towards peaceful protesters, such people can talk to officers to try to negotiate a peaceful solution.
- In the case of a procession, they can make sure that the crowd moves in an orderly manner, so as not to go outside the established boundaries.
Part 3 of 3: Attending the Event
Step 1. Wear easily identifiable clothing so that you are immediately associated with the cause
Different types of people can participate in a demonstration: police officers, doctors, counter-demonstrators and supporters. To identify with the peaceful protest, wear bright clothing with the logo, slogan or colors of the cause in question.
- For example, if you are at a demonstration for the rights of the LGBT community, you may want to wear rainbow clothes, which are a clear symbol of the cause.
- In the event that counter-protesters start to cause trouble, the clothes in question can identify you as a supporter of peaceful protest.
Step 2. Make signs describing your cause
A good protest will gain visibility if it is able to attract the attention of passers-by. Signs are a great way to demonstrate the reasons for the protest without directly addressing people.
- For your signs, make short but effective slogans. For example "Stopping pollution is the only solution" or "If you can read this, thank a teacher".
- Avoid slogans that may be intimidating, offensive, or ridicule other people. For example, if you are protesting against a local law, you should avoid offending politicians by labeling them as "idiots". Rather, he criticizes the law itself.
Step 3. Distribute flyers to advertise your cause
Instead of railing or attacking passersby, you should make sure they understand your reasons. Flyers should explain how to get more information about the cause. Make a list of websites, email addresses, and charities to contact.
- It might be a good idea to collect people's email addresses so that you can contact them after the event and continue the work started. Passers-by can leave their address to get more information.
- Informative leaflets should contain a list of the most significant facts and the most persuasive statistics.
- It might be worth adding some information on how to get involved in the cause. For example, you could include the email addresses of your political representatives or the dates of upcoming organizational meetings.
Step 4. Interact with the police in a calm and respectful way
In case you are arrested during the demonstration, do not resist, even if you feel that you have been treated unfairly. Instead, work with law enforcement to make sure you are not charged with any crime.
- Ask if they are putting you under arrest. If so, do not resist; if not, ask to speak to your lawyer or security officer.
- Don't lie about your personal details, so present your ID if requested. You don't have to answer any questions.
- If you believe that the police are unfairly arresting a person, remember that interfering with this act is a crime. Instead, document everything by filming or taking note of the agent's name and number, where possible.
Step 5. Be prepared in case something goes wrong
Protests can be unpredictable: even if you keep your behavior peaceful, there can still be some inconveniences. If so, make sure you're ready to get out of trouble safely.
- It is preferable to have a partner or a group of friends at the event. In the event that any problems arise, help each other out of the situation safely.
- Carry a basic first aid kit - including an asthma inhaler and an epinephrine auto-injector - even if you don't feel you need them during the event.
- Bring some extra cash with you in case you need to call a taxi or use a pay phone for help.
