Would like advice for newbie protesting

[dalaigh lllama]

Last Wednesday I went to my first protest ever at a Cindy Sheehan rally in Wentzville, MO. Altho it was exhilarating, I've since thought that certain things could have been done differently to make it more effective. Also, after reading about the taser/dog bite reaction at another protest, I would really appreciate some CYA advice from fellow DUers. Questions I have range from the mundanely practical to the legal do's and don'ts:

1. What size should posters be? What size lettering?
2. What's the best way to keep those dang candles lit?
3. Is there a better way to get notification of a planned protest? I've gotten notice from moveon.org in my e-mail sometimes a day ahead of an event and sometimes the day of an event. Is there a way to get the word out sooner?
4. Where is it legal to protest? Our group was told to meet in the Wal Mart parking lot. One of the women there said we should move out to the public sidewalk by the highway (which we did).
5. Do you need a permit to stage a protest?
6. What should one do if accosted by provocateurs?
7. What should one do if accosted by hostile police?
8. If one brings a video camera to a protest, what are our rights insofar as filming and keeping the film?

I'm sure other newbies will have other questions on the "how-to's" of protesting. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Horse with no Name]

1. Here is a link someone posted here to get you started

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=4314707

Good luck!

[dalaigh lllama]

4. Thanks. I'm printing this out. n/t

[Bigmack]

2. Signs...

Ever noticed that the Repubs always have mass-printed signs?

Progressive/liberal/peace groups always look so... so... ragtag. It deeply offends the Repub sense of Order. (Those orderly and pageantry-filled Nuremburg rallies in the 30's are a Repub wetdream.)

I've found that VERY short messages in large print are most visible. "Shame!" and "Vet for Peace" for example.

For god's sake check the spelling! Twice. Remember the "Moran" guy.

[dalaigh lllama]

5. We were all kind of amazed

that we all looked so ... normal. Our signs were indeed ragtag, but heartfelt. Thanks for the input.

[hippywife]

3. We've done quite a few

signs we use are regular poster/foam board size but the messages on each should be short and in bold,large letters. Most people only have a few secs to read them. The more legible the better.

Best way to keep candles lit is to push them up into a paper cup to shield them from the wind.

As far as notification, moveon.org doesn't do that many. Check for local peace groups in your surrounding area and get on their email lists.

Protests should generally be done on public sidewalks. As a taxpayer you do have the right to be there. If you are accosted by police, know your rights and let them know you do. As far, as provocateurs, ignore them totally. They are there to stir up trouble and emotions. Don't let that happen. If there are disruptors, ignore them, too. Don't confront or respond in kind.

Camera is your private property and, as far as I know, they can't take it away unless they place you under arrest. Even then, they need to return it to you intact upon your release. Anyone else know about this one? I've never run into it.

Google guidlelines for non-violent protest. There is some good advice to be had.

Glad you enjoyed your experience. It is one of the most fun, and I think most important, things we do as peacemongers. It takes alot of courage to stand before your community and openly espouse your principles. I have to steel myself to do it every time we go out, which is once a month, but once out there surrounded by other like-minded folks and the honks of support start, it's easy.

[dalaigh lllama]

6. I'm not sure if there ARE local peace groups

in my area. I live in rural Missouri and drove 60 miles to participate in the Wenzville rally. Lots of good advice in your answer and the others. Thank you.

[hippywife]

7. We live in a rural area too

and drive about 25 miles into town to participate. Not as far to go as you have. Heck! Start your own in your town. That's how they all start...totally grassroots. It doesn't take a professional. We do everything on a shoestring budget and everyone pitches in.