How to Organize a Demonstration in Washington

By eHow Culture & Society Editor

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The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights guarantees "...the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." This includes demonstrating in Washington D.C. So you have decided to redress a particular grievance in a demonstration in D.C., now what do you do? Read on to learn how to organize a demonstration in Washington.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Step1

Decide on the type of demonstration. When it comes to demonstrations in D.C., most people are familiar with marches: March on Washington in 1963 where Dr. Martin Luther King gave his now famous speech I Have a Dream; Poor Peoples' March on Washington in 1968 and the Million Man March in 1995. Besides marches, there are the picket lines, nonviolent civil disobedience demonstration and sit-ins (popular during the Hippies' Era) which are both illegal.

Step2

Decide on your cause and be specific. Make sure you are focused on the message you want to send to those watching.

Step3

Contact other like-minded people or organizations. It is better to have a coalition rather than go it alone. Others will have contacts that you won't have, thus making your demonstration more effective.

Step4

Choose a date for the demonstration, and then determine who will be in charge of what and when the particular jobs must be completed. Create a calendar with a timeline including the date for the demonstration, and then work backwards listing every detail of what needs to be accomplished. To have a wonderful cause ruined by a lack of organization would be a waste.

Step5

Decide on the location. Demonstrate in a heavily populated place for the most exposure.

Step6

Secure a permit for your demonstration.

Step7

Contact the media and write press release information packets for distribution.

Step8

Write legible posters with correct spelling. Also, see to it that the letters are visible to those watching. The sayings on the posters should be catchy and memorable.

Step9

Abide by the laws. Those in your group who are short tempered will bring the wrong sort of attention to your cause. On the day of the demonstration, already have in place those you have appointed to squelch hints of disruption.