Have any of you organized a protest before?

I've written to every large, progressive organization I can think of to try to get a point organization for a protest in Washington DC on January 20th, 2005. So far, no takers. So, I need advice, not about whether I should do this but the hows and whats of it.

BTW, since someone is likely to say that such a protest is not going to change anything so why bother, let me just say that I am aware that this will not keep Bush from being inaugurated. However, hopefully, it will regalvanize and restrengthen the progressives who came out to defeat this regime and just as importantly, it will put this regime and their media lapdogs on notice that we are here, we are pissed and we aren't leaving!

So,advice on the nuts and bolts please.

Thanks,

Terri

About a group already organizing an anti-inauguration protest. But without search capability, I can't find it. I do remember it had parts A, B, C, D. You could try googling and see what you get. Sorry I can't help you on the organizing...

I would rather do this with the progressives. That said, I've learned pragmatism in a big way in the last year, so I'll check it out.

As an aside, I just realized this could possibly be even more useful than an "ask me anything" post to increase my post numbers. Luckily, that' isn't why I'm doing this.

If they're the only ones in town, though, I plan to be there with them.

Why is that a problem?

They don't lack for intensity, but they could sure use some polish. Every speech for two hours covers the same points, the war in Iraq is wrong and Israel is a horrible oppressor of the Arab Palestinians. A little developmental material would be nice.

They did get Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton to speak at some of the antiwar rallies in 2002, and maybe 2003.

To their credit, at least they do organize a rally.

The best thing is to get a core of 10 people and one really extensive fax list - the key is to getting the notice in a good-sized paper and if someone you know has contacts with the media, that's your key.

I would contact the local Dems, Greens, Sierra Club and go from there. If there is a local protest, maybe that will spark interest in a national protest.

For more advice, the Sierra Club website I believe has good tips on organizing

I am going to take advantage of Answer's protest myself, but you are right, we need more independent groups protesting and protesting the election directly, not just the war.

You have to work with every organization you can think of, and get everyone else to spread the word also. You are at least going to need a sponsoring organization- they can take donations in your name and lend a home page. It may be better to go with a smaller one who has a more flexible mission statement. You are far better off using the phone than e-mail.
You don't need to have a 'large' organization sponsor it, but ask them to join and spread the word. Ask for links, again by phone. Ask for PSA's, and consistently write press releases. Use all progressive radio stations. Ask for regional organizers.
To start, I would choose a venue, time and date, and then ask for assistance.
It's a lot of work, but it feels great when you pull it off.
Go for it!