GET ACTIVE!

The reasons to engage in political protest are simple. We act to alert the public about government plans (cuts to health, education), dangerous hazards (ecological destruction), hidden agendas (corporations NOT paying taxes) and society's failings (racism). Political actions are often dismissed as mere publicity stunts. That's exactly what they are, and we should not apologize. A great action or protest is designed to get as much attention from people as possible. You can get attention directly by talking to people, distributing information or getting petitions signed. You can achieve results through the media by staging events that will be viewed by a larger audience on TV or in the newspapers. It doesn't matter what you do, just make it happen. Here are some ways to wake people up to what's really going on.

Direct Action

Direct action is often viewed as violent confrontation. Wrong! We are definitely confronting Right-wing corporate agendas when engaged in direct action, but we should not use violence as a tactic. Violence only gives our opponents good reasons to dismiss us and the problems we're addressing, and provokes the police to be violent against us. Good quality non-violent direct action should focus people's attention squarely on the problem. Here are some well known direct action tactics:

-Occupy space: Government offices, legislatures and access roads to nuclear powerplants are good targets for "sit-ins". This action says, "we are here to talk about this problem and we're not moving until something is done to solve it." Occupy space to delay or hinder the movement of logging trucks, scab labour and CEO's and their government lackeys entering conference centres to ink free trade deals. Go a step further and turn the "sit-in" into a "teach-in" and educate yourselves, the media and the public about the cause. This is best done with lots of people.

-Lock arms: As you occupy space, make it harder for the cops to end your sit-in. Wrap your arms around each other's wastes. This is safer and makes it harder for the cops to break up the chain with their batons. You can create the chain with handcuffs or chains, but make sure the protester on the end is chained to something sturdy and immovable. Otherwise, the cops will be very happy you brought your own handcuffs to secure your transport to jail.

-The Puppy Pile: You need to ensure the safety of all members of your affinity group at the protest. If a member is in danger of being isolated by the police to be arrested or worse, beaten, rush to that person's aid immediately. Surround or pile on top of that person, and try to move away from the cops. Force the police to deal with a much larger problem, but be careful. Some cops don't mind beating and arresting all of you. The Puppy Pile should only be used at mass protests as a last resort to defend your people. A last note: DO NOT TOUCH THE COPS! This may escalate the situation and result in assault charges being laid.

-Go limp: If the police are about to move you, make your body go limp.  Make the cop do all the work.  

-Hanging banners: We've seen this many times on TV. A protester hangs a banner from a nuclear reactor tower or fence or oil tanker to make a strong visual point. If danger is involved, make very sure you are trained in climbing or skydiving or whatever your mode of entry is. Visit the Ruckus Society website for information on this (in Radical Links section).  All good protests should have signs, placards, banners and flags to enhance the visibility of your efforts.  

-Make lots of noise: Sing, chant, crank up the boom boxes, make incredible speeches, bang on drums or play musical instruments. You're there to draw attention. Noise is exciting for onlookers, builds morale and moves the protest forward. One unique form of noise creation is chanting "ommmmmm". Get your affinity group to sit down in a circle and look as peaceful as you can. This scene is very disarming for the police in particular, who tend to expect the worst kind of violence.

-Guerilla theatre: Write a play with a distinct political message. Make some flashy props, puppets and costumes.  For added flavour, make it a musical!  Make info leaflets to distribute to your audience.  Find a public place in your hometown where people like to gather to relax, work on their tans and be entertained. Parks, markets and sports venues are good examples. Get your friends together and go perform it. Don't ask for permission. Just go perform your play until the final scene is done, or until the security guards kick you out, whichever comes first.

-Jailhouse Solidarity: Unfortunately, mass arrests are common at mass protests like Seattle or Quebec City. The cops pick protesters up to get them out of the game and intimidate others into silence. The usual charges are mischief and disrupting the peace, and are so minor that people are released from jail at the end of the demonstrations. However, just because you're locked up doesn't mean you have to stop protesting. Smudge your finger prints to prevent easy identification. Don't cooperate with the authorities. Demand legal representation. You have the right to remain silent. Stay together and talk and chant amongst your fellow prisoners. Give the cops headaches. For those on the outside, organize outside the jail. Let the people inside jail know they are not alone. The people inside must hear you!

These are some great direct action tactics you can use to change the world.  If you know of more ways to cause a ruckus, let me know.  If direct action isn't your thing, that's fine.  There are lots of ways to get active behind the scenes.  At major protests like Quebec City, volunteers are always needed by the organizers.  Help with the vital but often overlooked role of information distribution.  Hand out leaflets to people in the community so they know why you are protesting.  We can't rely on the corporate media to deliver our message, so we must do it ourselves. 

Other volunteer opportunities: legal observers, street medics, communications, food and water distribution, organizer HQ office help, photography and video, housing, sign making, transportation, recycling and environment, independent media, information distribution.

Find something you can do really well, and get active!