How to Organize a Student Strike

By eHow Education Editor

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The right to strike has deep historical roots. Peasants in medieval times laid down their sickles and refused to work in the king's fields. There is strength in numbers and a student strike uses that message to protest an unfair school policy or encourage a better academic environment. Whatever your cause is, organizing a strike will get the administration's attention.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Develop your message. A successful student strike centers on a strong message. If you want a longer lunch period or better quality food, formulate your message clearly.

Step2

State reasonable demands. Requesting pizza for lunch every day or asking for the elimination of a dress code lowers your chances of having real issues considered. Organizing a strike for demands deemed frivolous can damage your credibility.

Step3

Spread the word. A successful strike depends upon a large number of participants.Hand out fliers communicating your message and a call for student solidarity. Encourage other students to take part in publicizing the strike.

Step4

Talk to sympathetic teachers to recruit their support. Set an appointment and present your case in a mature manner. Ask the teachers to attend strike events and act as mediators between the administration and the students.

Step5

Gather your strike props. Posters proudly displaying your message show spectators what your strike is all about. Paint your message clearly in large letters and include a graphic depiction, if possible.

Step6

Invite the news media to your strike. As more people become aware of your plight, assuming it is valid, pressure increases upon the administration to take action to rectify the problem.

Step7

Compromise. A successful strike is about coming together with the administration and making the academic atmosphere better for everyone. If you realize even a portion of your demands, your strike is a success.