A major demonstration has been announced. It's all over the media and everyone's saying it's going to be the biggest thing since Seattle. Or, maybe it's just a local demonstration that'll involve 50-100 people. Either way, getting to the demo is the next step. Once the date, time and location of this event has been declared, you have to start dealing with your own logistics. How will I get there? What will I take? Do I know anyone from my community who'll be going too? When I get there, what am I going to do?

If it's a local protest, your logistical problems are a little easier to solve. In terms of transportation, it's just a matter of talking a bus, riding your bike or even walking out your front door. You can now begin the planning process, and that involves determining the purpose of the protest, outreach to other groups, actions and tactics, media contacts, researching the issues, picking up materials and scouting the demo location, just to name a few. However, if the protests are happening out of town or out of province, then you really have some work to do.

A good first step would be to become part of a coalition or group that has plans to participate in this out of town event. They're always looking for more members. When you're part of a group, you can share food, supplies, money and knowledge. The group can also work collectively to solve problems such as transportation.

The group I went with, DAISY-Q (Direct Action Is So Yummy - Quebec), rented a bus with two experienced drivers (two drivers is the law in Canada for long range bus trips). There was room for 50 people and each person paid $250 for the cost of the bus, drivers and lodging at the Quebec City YWCA. Others traveled by planes and trains. If this sounds too expensive to you, there are cheaper ways. Many small groups of protesters arrived in Quebec City in vans, trucks and small cars. You almost have to have the patience of a saint and a willingness to spend three days cooped up in a tiny vehicle with six other people to go this way. Otherwise, if you're claustrophobic, you're in for a rough journey. If you do plan to fly, scour the Internet and newspapers for seat sales and other ways to save your money.