Do you have a message or statement that you've been squirming in your seat to get out? I know I feel like that almost every second of the day. The follow are a few tips on how you can get out your message effectively through a rally or non-violent protest:

1. Organize a group:

a. Social Networking: The best way to do this is to start a meetup group in your area on meetup.com. In the fall of 2007, meetup.com was where I found the Greater NYC Ron Paul meetup group that had over 1000 members. I participated in a large New Year's Eve rally with the through midtown in New York City, and it was a very successful event. You may also want to create a Facebook group as well, because the more social networks you use to create groups, the more people are likely to find out about your group.

b. Get to Know The Community: If you already have 1 or 2 friends, print out some information pamphlets and get out on the street with a sign or two and hand out information to locals in your community including the time and place of your meetings.

c. Meeting Events: Make sure to schedule events to take place during the meetings, such as guest speakers, or dinner and a documentary to boost attendance.


2. Give Titles to Different Group Members:

It is a good idea to assign titles to different group members to make them feel important. They will feel like a respected member of the group and will likely perform their jobs/tasks much more efficiently. Assign each titled member a specific task to get toward the final goal of the rally. It is often a good idea to group friends together to complete certain tasks, such as poster makers, pamphlet makers, incentive makers, transportation organizers, etc.


3. Hand Made Signs:

Hand made signs catch peoples' attention. Instead of looking generic, handmade signs symbolize a strong and healthy grassroots movement. Handmade signs beat pre-made signs any day.


4. Create A Large Banner:

Creating a large, print banner or spray painted banner will often create a core to your rally presence. If the hand-made signs don't catch the pedestrians' attention, surely a large banner with giant words or even pictures will. This kind of diversity in your statement is sure to draw attention.


5. Send Out A Press Release:

It is important to try to attract media coverage to your event. You may want to get a friend outside the group to call various media outlets ahead of time to "hint" them about a possible protest. You could also write up a press release and fax them to various news sources and TV news stations. Likewise, bring a video camera and digital camera so you can also document the event yourself and spread the news as well.

The Event:

6. Create Slogan Chants:

You may want to bring a megaphone for this to choose and have group members take turns being the leader for various chants. Try to create chants that rhyme and are catchy and fun to say. For example, at the Revolution March in Washington D.C. this past July, one of the chants we did was "Obama McCain, they're all the same!" It was very affective in attracting outside attention and it was fun to yell.


7. Inspirational Speakers:

If possible, try to schedule an inspirational speaker to come to the event. If the speaker is well known and respected in the field in which the protest lies, it will motivate more members to come out to support the cause.


8. Provide Incentive:

Not only is it important to reward the group members, but it is equally important to reward the pedestrian taking your pamphlet. It is usually a good idea to provide incentive for them to take the information. Try to think of something relevant to your group. For instance, I am a member of the Indiana University Students For Liberty, and our incentive motivator for them to take our pamphlets at our End The Fed Rally (protesting the Federal Reserve System) on 11/22/08 was chocolate gold coins. It was relevant to our protest because we were protesting to get rid of the USA's fiat money printing system and to return to a commodity-backed currency. The gold coins resembled a gold standard, and the fact that they were chocolate allowed the pedestrian to get rewarded for taking a pamphlet. Often times people took pamphlets after we told them that they would get chocolate coins. It works more times than not.


9. Reward Group Members:

It is a good idea to reward the group for performing exceptionally well. Another option could be to all go for a meal together, or some sort of post-rally leisure activity to bond the group more and to enjoy something after putting in all of that hard work. This kind of reward will excite and entice the group to hold more rallies and community events of activism.

I hope this was helpful information to get you started and motivated!

Until Next Time,
Sam