I'm planning on taking part in a protest against this circus over here..and it would be my very first protest ever (handing out flyers for three days and then a big protest near the circus)..
Since I don't really know how protests go, and I'm pretty nervous about this one 'cause I'm afraid I'll somehow manage to screw up.

^That, plus i have this annoying control habit where I sort of need to know what to expect>_<...it's like, in extremes, my perfect world would be one with instructions on every street corner like where to go and what to do in case the giant purple spaghetti monster with a hint of glitter attacks:p
(I'd say 'run!' by the way)

I was wondering if you could share how your first protest went, like what you felt like before/afterwards..were you on your own or with friends?..
and all that:)


Was also wondering if there are any specific do's and don'ts when it comes to protesting?
I suppose not using any form of violence would be one of them..staying friendly towards the public...but the rest..er...

So yeah...please do share your story if you feel like it..
and excuse my sucky English:\

*screen starts to get wavy*:D

I've never protested, but I know what you mean about needing the comfort of knowing what to expect. I am exactly the same way!

I found this site about protest gear to bring. It's about political rallies, but I bet a few points would transfer over to leafletting:

http://www.brainshrub.com/essays/protestkit.htm

Good luck!

Thanks!

Just read it:)
It looks like a pretty useful article so I'll definitely keep it in mind when the protest gets closer..(it's still a month away..but yeah 'cause of the control thing I like to be as prepared as possible).

My husband and I had attended a KFC demo as our first demo and Ringling Bro's as our 2nd. So, we were new to the demo thing basically when Ringling Bro's rolled around. The protest was in Tampa and only about 20 people turned out to protest it. There were swarms of circus goers against our 20 people. The cops were out and had the street corners marked where we could stand. People walked right by us and were stopped by the stop lights so they were standing right by us waiting for the light to allow them to cross the road. We were bombarded with insults and it was quite intimidating for some of us newbies. But, I kept in mind the poor animals that were abused and that kept my courage up. We heard everything from 'your shoes are leather' to 'get a life'. However, I noticed that some of the kids were actually listening to what we had to say and reading our signs. Some of the adults actually took our leaflets which made it all worth while. We remained calm at all times though it was difficult with some of the idiots. With us staying calm and some of the parents flipping out we appeared more rational to the kids and I think most of the kids noticed that. If nothing else, people had to think for a moment about the animals and perhaps they would chose a non-animal circus for their next outing. You never know who you will touch and that's why it's so important to attend demo's. I look at it as if I only touch one person it's totally worth it.

Do look people in the eyes, don't ever harass them. Kindness is the way to get the message out no matter how much you want to punch them in the face. Do try to get as many people as possible to take leaflet, furthering their education and giving them sources to gather more information. Do know facts so you can answer questions. Do not block anyone's path, it's illegal. Do know where you can legally stand as lots of cops are all too happy to haul you to jail, though that's never happened at any protest I've been to. Do have a good time and remember that what you are doing is right. Make sure you are a total vegan, your clothing etc. Take a list of upcoming non-animal circuses that you can share with people or have a list to hand out with your regular leaflets because people love alternatives. Don't come off as a 'know it all', come off as a 'I had to learn too'. Bring something to drink so you don't have to leave the protest, every minute counts. We don't have kids but some of the protesters brought their kids which I think was a plus for this particular event since it was kid oriented. Kids like to hear what other kids have to say. I tried to give my attention equally to the cars passing by and the people. I would turn my sign toward passing cars and then back to the people attending the circus. If the media covers the event, smile at the camera and hold your sign toward it to get your message out to the tv viewers. There are probably other good tips for your protest but that's about all I have now. Good luck to you and keep up the good work.

Sorry only protest I have ever done was a protest in protest of a protest of Fred Phelps.

Er that is about as clear as mud is'nt it?

Basicly I protested against some fanatical hater who was protesting against gays.

Ugh...Fred Phelps.

Ugh...Fred Phelps.
That about sums up my feelings also :furious:

Thanks Butteflywaters*hugs*

The chances that I'll back out of this protest are getting smaller and smaller.
I'm definitely going to try and remember the tips you gave..
And I have to agree that the friendly/understanding aproach works best, it's less intimidating so people won't feel like they have to defend themselves as fast.
I mean I suppose it's just like when, say, my sister tries to 'catch me' ..and is all in my face about all the things I do wrong as a vegan and stuff heh...it doesn't go down too well:P

I think apart from my fear of not knowing what to say/ having a black out...
I wonder what I should do when, say, a cop's all:
Excuse me but I urge you to leave right now/ Do you have a permit or permission to protest?

I mean...do you stay?
Where would you get a permit...or does the person that organised the protest have one?
...

Sorry if my questions are dumb..I just need to know what to do in case I get asked those questions heh.

Also:
Fred Phelps = :down: :wall:
Funny though 'cause the day after you mentioned him there was an article about him in one of the 'trashy' (= of pretty bad quality, but free at the trainstation:D) newspapers here.

and a P.S....and apology for all these questions..

how much should you know about say...a certain 'evil' company to protest against it?
The entire history? Or just the red line and maybe some details about their methods?
'Cause there is a protest coming up next week, I'm free that day...
but I don't know all that much about the companies (though if I go I will read up on them as much as possible)..

Anyway, thanks for reading and the support:)

I wonder what I should do when, say, a cop's all:
Excuse me but I urge you to leave right now/ Do you have a permit or permission to protest?

I mean...do you stay?
Where would you get a permit...or does the person that organised the protest have one?


Well, the protest we attended was hosted by a veg group and they had done all the groundwork for the protest, contacted the media in hopes that they would come out and cover the story which is a very important way of reaching more people. I don't know if he had a permit or not, just call and ask the host of the protest if they need help in coordinating the event and ask them to teach you the ropes. I know it's against the law to impede traffic so be careful of that. Asking the cops, if there are any what you can and can't do is one way to get them on your side or at least find out what they will arrest you for. I've never seen anyone arrested at any of the protest I've attended so don't be over concerned but it is best to know what you're up against. If you've never been to a protest you should go because it's a real experience and something to remember always. They are addictive and you will want to attend lots. Find a local animal rights group and join them, it's a great way to stay up to date with protest, seminars, and meet local activist. The last protest I attended was at the end of 2005, a fur protest. Enough people came out nationwide to take on stores like J Crew and Neimen Marcus that it resulted in J Crew pulling fur from their shelves!! See, you can make a difference so go for it. Look on the Peta.org website to get more info about protests. Good Luck and Have Fun

That's awesome! That you got to stop them from selling fur:D

I think I will go, in fact, I think I'm going to send them an e-mail today so I won't be able to back out of it hehe.
'Cause I really think I'll love going to protests and stuff, it's just because it's new it's hard to actually start. But I suppose I'll never know what it is if I don't go.
I'm thinking about signing myself up for the Food Not Bombs organisation in this town nearby as well, since I really enjoy cooking..so I mean...cooking + helping others out = a perfect combination:D

I suppose carrying a form of ID'd be a good idea too...I mean when attending protests...though it's obligatory here anyway..

Thanks again Butterflywaters!

The protests I have been involved in - the cops have been there to protect us! Do not get me wrong, if you do, say something stupid they will get on ya. But mainly, they are there to protect your right to free speech. I am not sure where you live, but you should have a .gov web site where you can go to get city ordinances for public demonstration... if that fails , and you feel it necessary for your peace of mind, ask the organizer of this event if they have all the necessary info about the legalities and can you get a copy?
Having said all this , just be friendly- as ridiculous as it sounds considering your reason for being there -- Smile. People will respond better - and always empathize. If someone does stop to speak with you "relate" to them.... sentences like " I used to believe that too..." or "I went to circuses too, now I know...."
Good Luck!
maybe you'll get hooked....:up:

http://www.peta.org/actioncenter/AAactguide12.asp

This may help also....