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Table of Contents >
   Part I. Organizing for Effective Advocacy
(Chapters 3... >
      Chapter 33. Conducting a Direct Action Campaign >
         Section 14. Organizing Public Demonstrations >
             Tools & Checklists - A checklist that summarizes the major points contained in the section. >

Organizing Public Demonstrations

  

Tools & Checklists

 Contributed by Phil Rabinowitz Edited by Bill Berkowitz and Kate Nagy

Checklist

Here, you'll find a checklist which summarizes the major points contained in the text.


__You know what a public demonstration is.

__You know the goals of a public demonstration, including:

  • Advocacy
  • Support
  • Protest
  • Counter-demonstration
  • Public relations
  • Action

__You know which goal(s) you would like your demonstration to accomplish.

__You know the different forms a demonstration can take:

  • Marches/parades
  • Rallies
  • Picketing
  • Sit-ins
  • Vigils
  • Street theater

__You know which form you would like your demonstration to take.

__You know why you might organize a demonstration:

  • Other methods have failed
  • Timing
  • Public impact
  • To energize your constituency
  • To draw attention

__You have decided when to have your demonstration.


The four bases of putting together a public demonstration have been covered:

__Planning, planning, planning

__Lead time

__Communication

__Follow-up


Planning, planning, planning -- you have:

__Decided what you want to accomplish

__Decided on specifics you would like to see happen at the demonstration

__Decided who you are trying to reach

__Planned your program

__Chosen a place for the demonstration

__Decided on a specific date and time

__Figured out how to get people to attend

__Worked out the logistics

__Been proactive in your efforts to confront possible problems


Lead time -- you have:

__Allowed yourself plenty of time to reach your demonstration goals

__Found a large space in advance

__Booked guests far in advance


Communication -- you have:

__Designed an effective communication system

__Developed a plan for publicizing the demonstration

__Orchestrated media coverage

__Ensured good communication before, after, and during the demonstration


Follow-up -- you have followed up, both immediately following the demonstration and on the long-term by:

__Contacting your intended audience

__Keeping up with your constituents

__Publicizing your success

__Attempting to attain media coverage

__Organizing other events with the same focus

__Institutionalizing the demonstration