March10: RISE UP : RESIST : RETURN

ORGANIZE A PROTEST

"We who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive. We bring it out in the open, where it can be seen and dealt with. Injustice must be exposed, with all the tension its exposure creates, to the light of human conscience before it can be cured."
-Martin Luther King, Jr., American Civil Rights Leader

Direct action has been a successful tactic in many movements throughout history. The success of Gandhi's campaigns in India, the campaign against Apartheid in South Africa or the U.S. Civil Rights Movement are just a few well-known examples. Since the beginning of the modern environmental movement, the campaigns against nuclear power, to save ancient forests, to end ocean dumping all have incorporated significant direct action components.

STEP 1: Determine if you want to shout your message loud and clear with an in-your-face protest, or stage an equally effective silent vigil.

STEP 2: Educate the public about the issue and cultivate public opinion. Write letters to newspaper editors and stage town hall-style meetings. Publicize the protest/demo/vigil in the papers. **If you live near a Tibetan community make sure to contact them prior to organizing your own protest just in case they they are already organizing their own protest. If that is the case offer your support as SFT'ers with regard to People power, banners, contacting the media and other resources.**

STEP 3: Pick a popular and highly visible location, such as the town square, a centrally located park or a busy shopping mall parking lot. But be certain that the rally spot also relates to what you are protesting. For example, if you live in a city or town without a Chinese consulate or embassy nearby you can plan a demonstration in a heavily trafficked area downtown.

STEP 4: Choose effective, high-profile speakers such as a city councilor or local celebrity. If you have any leaders of the Tibetan community in your town or city, contact them to see if they would be willing to speak at your event. A heartfelt speech from a member of the Tibetan community can be a source of inspiration and solidarity for not just SFT'ers but for the local community in general.

Overall Tips & Warnings

* Check with local law enforcement about permit requirements, setting up roadblocks and safety regulations.
* Discuss how you'll handle disruptive behavior and destruction during the protest. Share the information from the police with the leaders of the protest or march prior to the event.
* Designate crowd leaders to be responsible for keeping the protesters in line.



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	ORGANIZE A PROTEST "We who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive. We bring it out in the open, where it can be seen and dealt with. Injustice must be exposed, with all the tension its exposure creates, to the light of human conscience before it can be cured." -Martin Luther King, Jr., American Civil Rights Leader Direct action has been a successful tactic in many movements throughout history. The success of Gandhi's campaigns in India, the campaign against Apartheid in South Africa or the U.S. Civil Rights Movement are just a few well-known examples. Since the beginning of the modern environmental movement, the campaigns against nuclear power, to save ancient forests, to end ocean dumping all have incorporated significant direct action components. STEP 1: Determine if you want to shout your message loud and clear with an in-your-face protest, or stage an equally effective silent vigil. STEP 2: Educate the public about the issue and cultivate public opinion. Write letters to newspaper editors and stage town hall-style meetings. Publicize the protest/demo/vigil in the papers. If you live near a Tibetan community make sure to contact them prior to organizing your own protest just in case they they are already organizing their own protest. If that is the case offer your support as SFT'ers with regard to People power, banners, contacting the media and other resources. STEP 3: Pick a popular and highly visible location, such as the town square, a centrally located park or a busy shopping mall parking lot. But be certain that the rally spot also relates to what you are protesting. For example, if you live in a city or town without a Chinese consulate or embassy nearby you can plan a demonstration in a heavily trafficked area downtown. STEP 4: Choose effective, high-profile speakers such as a city councilor or local celebrity. If you have any leaders of the Tibetan community in your town or city, contact them to see if they would be willing to speak at your event. A heartfelt speech from a member of the Tibetan community can be a source of inspiration and solidarity for not just SFT'ers but for the local community in general. Overall Tips & Warnings * Check with local law enforcement about permit requirements, setting up roadblocks and safety regulations. * Discuss how you'll handle disruptive behavior and destruction during the protest. Share the information from the police with the leaders of the protest or march prior to the event. * Designate crowd leaders to be responsible for keeping the protesters in line.