Toolbox for Peaceful Protests
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are HERE
The ability to protest is one of the foundations of free speech and in any democracy. The point of peaceful protests is to bring attention to the situation, and with the help of the press and other media, to make the general public more aware of the situation.
The only kind of protest that is of any value is a peaceful one. Those that do not agree with your position will do their best to portray your protest as 'not peaceful' – and thereby defuses the message of the protest or position taken – as well as ‘painting’ your protest or actions in a negative light.
There are some very definite ‘tried and true’ formulas for success in peaceful protests:
- Be consistent, organized, polite but firm in your message and intent
- Presenting complaints without solutions is ineffective; be prepared to offer documentation, photographs, facts and research to present your cause along with possible solutions to the situation
- BE KNOWLEDGABLE ABOUT THE TOPIC AND THE PUPPY MILL INDUSTRY – emotional sentimentality, abusive language, belligerent tones, etc. do nothing to further the cause – KNOWLEDGE is POWER in peaceful protests
- Peaceful protests is all about getting the media to carry your message to the public – the “KISS” method works the best (i.e. “We are against puppy mills because ….. “). Always keep the bigger picture in mind (“What is my objective?”) and avoid being sidelined by personas and conflicting opinions who oppose your ultimate goal
- Make sure all involved in your protest know the goal and objective, who to send further questions to, etc. Have brochures, pamphlets and other tools readily available that can easily be given out and/or quoted
- If it is a physical peaceful protest which will carry signs, always make sure you have extras already made up and available to be carried – peaceful protests attract attention and supporters on the spot
- Contact the media prior to your protest; assign someone to photograph or videotape the event to be assured you have footage or photos for further actions. Remember that if the media doesn’t know in advance and see/record what you are doing, you have failed in communicating this onto the general public
- Become aware of all local ordinances or codes that might affect any peaceful protest you decide to initiate – failure to do so results in arrests and/or fines that will become the news, instead of the goal and purpose of the protest
- Remember the object of any peaceful protest action is not to educate those involved in an opposing view (i.e. puppy millers)… it is to gain the attention of the general public, legislators who have the power to create laws, and gain supporters for the cause.
- Also remember the
media doesn’t have to agree with your position or even
understand it, but they are the springboard and platform for
your message against the puppy mill industry.
If you have done all of these things, you will find others who agree with the position and want to be involved for your cheerful and friendly but firm approach to social protesting of the puppy mill industry is a great idea!
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