💥 Power to the People: Making an impact at Rallies and Protests
To make protests and rallies effective, we must be strategic and collective in our efforts. Here’s how we can take action.
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Going to a rally or protesting is a powerful tool for civic engagement, allowing individuals to voice their concerns, demand change, and unite with others around shared causes. To make the most of your participation, it's essential to be prepared, informed, and strategic. Here's a guide to help you make a meaningful impact at a protest.
1. Do Your Research
Before attending a rally or a protest, understand the cause you're supporting. Learn about the key issues, demands, and goals of the movement. Familiarize yourself with any specific legislation, policies, or public figures involved. This knowledge will help you engage in informed conversations and amplify the message effectively.
Here are some calendar sites listing events for your consideration. Please note that People Power United does not verify or endorse these events—we are simply providing these links as a resource for your research.
2. Plan Ahead
Preparation is key to a successful protest experience. Check the event details: date, time, location, and organizers. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Pack essentials like water, snacks, a fully charged phone, and a portable charger. Bring identification, but consider leaving unnecessary personal information at home.
3. Create Clear, Impactful Signs
Signs are a visual representation of the rally or protest's message. Use bold, legible lettering and concise language to convey your point. Powerful slogans, facts, or calls to action can resonate with the crowd and media. Consider waterproofing your sign if there's a chance of rain.
4. Stay Safe and Aware
Your safety is paramount. Attend with a buddy or group, and agree on a meeting point if you get separated. Be aware of your surroundings and exit routes. Know your rights as a attendee, especially regarding interactions with law enforcement. If tensions rise, remain calm and avoid confrontations.
How safe are protests? In 2020, during the Black Lives Matter movement that spread after the death of George Floyd, ACLED recorded more than 10,600 demonstrations across the country.
Over 10,100 of these — or nearly 95% — involve peaceful protesters. Fewer than 570 — or approximately 5% — involve demonstrators engaging in violence. 1
How to deal with disrupters: Ignore them completely—don’t look, don’t engage, and don’t respond. Turn your back and report any disruptive behavior to the main organizers. If needed, use whistles, cowbells, or bullhorns to drown out their noise.
Media: Be sure you’re speaking with legitimate journalists. Alt-right agitators sometimes infiltrate events, looking for soundbites to twist and sensationalize. Always ask for credentials before engaging.
5. Encourage Ongoing Organizing
While rallies or protests are impactful, sustained efforts create lasting change. Nudge the organizers to continue organizing around the issue beyond the protest. Suggest follow-up meetings, educational workshops, or community actions to maintain momentum. Offer your support to help build long-term strategies that drive systemic change. If they don’t continue to organize, pick up the torch and continue to champion progress!
6. Engage Peacefully and Respectfully
Peaceful rallies and protests are often more effective and garner broader public support. Chant, march, and express your views passionately but non-violently. Respect fellow attendees, law enforcement, and bystanders. Remember, your goal is to persuade and inspire, not to alienate. No littering! Keep public sidewalks clear to allow space for pedestrians. Keep your eye open to assist seniors or folks with disabilities.
7. Amplify the Message Online
Use social media to extend the reach of the protest. Share photos, videos, and updates with relevant hashtags to connect with a broader audience. Highlight personal stories, key messages, and the energy of the event. Digital activism can influence public opinion and attract media attention.
8. Follow Up
A rally or a protest is often just the beginning. Continue your advocacy by contacting elected officials, signing petitions, and supporting related organizations. Share your experiences to inspire others to get involved. Reflect on the event's impact and consider how you can contribute to ongoing efforts.
9. Take Care of Yourself
Going to rallies or protesting can be physically and emotionally exhausting. After the event, rest, hydrate, and process your feelings. Connect with fellow protesters for mutual support and debriefing.
The Power of Collective Action
While protesters are reasonable in feeling exhausted, they should not feel powerless. I have seen it myself: They are more powerful than they realize.
It’s largely ineffective for protesters to focus their energy on the government’s top decision-makers, such as the president and his political appointees. On most issues, these people have made up their minds. Protest won’t sway them, and may in fact tempt their antidemocratic instincts. But virtually every government policy must be developed and implemented by people far below those appointees. These people — who swear an independent oath to protect the Constitution — can be affected by public influence, and as public servants, should be. Activism can help them understand issues, and empower them to speak up against illegal or unjust policies. That’s true, even as Trump tries to purge the federal government of anyone who won’t be completely loyal to him.
Activists should think about which officials make and implement their most important policies, and what information will be most helpful to them. For instance, what office will choose which refugees are exempted from the ban on their entry into the United States? What panel will determine whether Covid vaccines remain available to children? Who will be told to shut off payments to disfavored recipients of government funds? For each issue, what arguments will be most persuasive to decision-makers to slow or stop illegal proposals, and what people or groups will be best positioned to make them? How might those already skeptical of such plans be empowered to make those arguments in government? Outsiders don’t just give insiders courage: They give them the arguments and language to best make their case. 2
Conclusion
Protests and Rallies are the spark that ignites the fire of change, but without sustained action, that spark can quickly fade. A rally or a protest is just the beginning of advocacy—a decisive moment to raise awareness, demand attention, and show collective strength. However, if the energy stops there, the momentum is lost, and the cause risks fading from public consciousness.
To create lasting change, extending the momentum beyond the streets is vital.
Use social media to amplify your message, engage with lawmakers to demand action, and continue building power by reaching out to your direct contacts. Every conversation, every share, and every follow-up is an opportunity to grow our movement.
Rallies and Protests can catalyze change when participants are informed, prepared, and committed to peaceful advocacy. Following this guide can make a meaningful impact, amplify essential issues, and contribute to a stronger, more engaged community. Remember: the protest is the start, not the finish line. Real change comes from what you do next.
Are you a rally or protest organizer? Do you want to share your event or story with our members? Click here to share.
Additional Resources
ACLU
Natural Resources Defense Council
NYU Law - The Center on Race Inequality and the Law
Sierra Club
Politico
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https://acleddata.com/2020/09/03/demonstrations-political-violence-in-america-new-data-for-summer-2020/
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/02/05/brendan-ballou-how-to-resist-trump-00202381