First Protest Any Advice? Update-Here's How it Went!
Hi Again!
I'm just going to type this on top of the orginal post! So my first protest was awesome! There was only 5 of us, but we had really big signs and one of the PETA orginizer wore a yellow bikini so whe drew lots of attention!Enerything went really well, the weather cooperated and people responded really positively! We had tons of people drive by honking and waving--some people even yelled out thank you's and other encouraging words to us--we even had KFC workers come out and get info! While we were there the parking lot stayed empty and only a few people went through the drive through. Most people that pulled in got info then left! It felt so good to see that kind of response! We only had two negative remarks--one old lady gave us the finger and another women yelled something like "the chicken looks better" to the PETA girl in the bikini. So all in all it was really awesome! I'm so gald that I did it and I can't wait for the next--and to add to the day, I was able to take over the office of vice president for my animal rights group! I ure anyone who can, to go to one of these protests--or run your own-it was a really awesome experience!
:-*
Hi Everyone!
Well! After months of talking about it, I am finally going to my first KFC protest! This one is being held by a PETA member so I am not responsible for any of the major components, so that's a relief--I have no idea how I would even talk to the media so I'm glad I just get to be a warm body for the cause! Anyways, I was wondering if any of you have been to a KFC protest, or any other animal rights type ralley--I could use any advice on protocol and what not!
Thanks!
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w235/samanthas625/300-VEG338.jpg
My friend goes to a lot of political protests. I'd imagine it'd be similar. She stands in a group, holding a sign, and maintains a degree of energy. Some people driving by support the group and some don't. I think the big thing is not responding negatively to the non-supporters.
Edit: I forgot to say, "Cool!"
Big thing is try to keep your cool otherwise you run the risk of looking like one of those fanatics instead of a normal human being with a point. If your a fanatic I mean no ofense I just think the passerbyers relate better to a 'normal' person and you have a better chance of reaching them. I think most people just tune out the fanatics. If you are one though, more power to you.
GOOD LUCK!!!!
If anyone offers you a Molotov Cocktail, it's not a drink.
Great - for you and the animals :)
I would second what others have said as far as don't react to the negative comments and DON'T let anyone provoke you into an argument. I have found that meat eaters get incredibly defensive when someone questions their choices, so try and keep your cool and a positive attitude. Let us know how it goes!
If anyone offers you a Molotov Cocktail, it's not a drink.
;D
capture, to be honest with you i prefer a "rally" to a protest, where speakers give, ah, speeches and such. but i think in a protest it's important not to think of others as "the enemy". it's easy to get swept up in the heat of the moment, and say or do something you normally would not have. also, know your stuff! if a camera crew came up to you and wanted an interview, you should be able to tell them where you stand, your relation to the group hosting the protest, and also specifics (like why KFC and not just any fast food place)
good luck and have fun!
Oh good! Good for you!!!!
First of all, its easy to feel stupid at a protest. What I mean is, you're this (usually) small group, and you're there to make noise, chant, protest, etc and draw attention. And PEOPLE STARE. They laugh, take photos, give you looks of disgust (or the finger), and taunt you (I can guarantee someone will stop in front of you and eat KFC chicken. Just smile and ignore him...because it will be a guy!). Ocassionally someone will applaud you, and that will feel so good!
So, you may feel dumb, but just keep at it and don't waver. The stronger your voice, the better the message. I don't mean continually shout, but if you're chanting or whatever, make sure your voice is strong.
Also, try and get a bit away from the group, if you have pamphlets, and quietly talk to people. Be pleasant, smile. Don't say things like 'Do you KNOW what they do to the baby chickens?!' but rather: 'We're here because we don't agree with the inhumane practices that KFC chooses to undergo, rather than taking on a less cruel program. Do you want to hear about it? I have some pamphlets, we're not asking you for money' etc.
Be persuasive and compassionate, and have a thick skin.
AND HAVE FUN!!!
You're great for doing this!
Oh, and if it is a noisy protest, bring noise-makers, like those things you spin at New Year's, or one of those voice projector thingies, the name of which escapes me...
Smile, keep smiling, and smile some more.
Try not to be drawn into shouting matches with indignant people. Do not engage people who have small children with them at all, because you don't want to upset them. And please don't feel desperate: make information available, and accept that some people won't want it.
Good for you, Capture.
I guess this goes more for political protests, but the media will use any opportunity to say that protesters are violent/hostile/out of control. Make sure you don't do anything that could be construed as any of those. I agree with a previous poster, just give out the information you have and be cool about it. You know what will make people defensive, so just try to share your opinion in a non-threatening way.
Good luck and THANK YOU for contributing to a good cause!
If anyone offers you a Molotov Cocktail, it's not a drink.
:D ;D :D
I think what you are doing is wonderful, Capture!! I have never had the privilege of doing a protest, except personal ones. I agree with everyone else, though. You should just be a normal person with a cause. Don't come across as the "angry vegan".
I used to back down from the inevitable fight but now I just look at them like they are more worth feeling sorry for, for being uninformed, than fighting with.
Inform if you can, if not....pitty (sp) them for their ignorance. :)
And PEOPLE STARE. They laugh, take photos, give you looks of disgust (or the finger), and taunt you (I can guarantee someone will stop in front of you and eat KFC chicken. Just smile and ignore him...because it will be a guy!).
LOL!!! ;D Great advice, AmandaBrooke!
Way to go, Capture!!! Thanks for doing this!
Wear comfy shoes! Don't do a lot of talking tonight!
I was in a small anti-war demonstration at one time. 2 people were very rude. Now I'm not saying it's going to happen what I am saying it might and it might not. But if it does call the cops and say they are bothering you.
Thanks for all the great advice people! I knew I could count on my veg webbers!
OK! I'm going to smile, stay positive and wear comfy shoes! Everything should go pretty good-the protest is being organized by a PETA rep so they will defentely have someone to handle any media--so I won't have to do that! And one of the girls is going to wear a yellow bikini! I bet she draws the most attention! The area we're in will not have much foot traffic, but there wil be lot's of auto traffic, this KFC is really close to the espress way--I just hope no one throws stuff at us--the jerk eating chicken in front of us I expect, but with any hope it will be pretty mellow! And it's only an hour long demonstration so I bet by the time we get our chants down we'll be down :D
Thanks again everyone--all the nice comments were super awesome! :)
Let us know how it goes, Capture. Good Luck!!!!
Everything should go pretty good-the protest is being organized by a PETA rep so they will defentely have someone to handle any media--so I won't have to do that!
I think what everyone was saying is that the meda will ask anyone questions not just the organizer. You can always decline, but should be prepared. Because they will ask "that girl in the back" not the PETA people.
I'm a protesting guru, I'm not an organizer but I always manage to get interviewed for some reason. Not trying, I swear! I think it's because I'm not the fanatic but very focused on and passionate about the cause. I learned you DO need to have something concise and clear (and not fanatic) to say when a reporter asks, "Why are you here today?" If you just think about it in advance you'll be glad you did. Trust me.
I've had nightmares from years ago about answering a reporter's question about why I'm an American in London protesting GW with, "You know, because he's terrible and Kyoto and stuff." What a ridiculous answer! LOL :-[
LOLOL!!!!
;D ;D ;D
Yay Capture! Be sure to fill us in. :)
The KFC protest may have already passed, but I offer up the following, in the event that other vegwebbers participate in future protests:
--Eat a hearty breakfast and/or lunch and carry healthy snacks with you. You may be out there awhile and you will likely be very limited in your eating choices, even if you are able able to break away to a restaurant nearby.
--Notify at least a couple friends or family members just in case the demonstration turns into a long march and you need a ride back to your car from the other end of town.
--Wear comfortable shoes, preferably ones without shoelaces or any metal in them. (Tough security inspections if you get arrested. Shoelaces, belts, etc. could be seen as possible weapons, and could be taken away from you, hard to get back when released.).
--Wear, or bring layered clothes in case it gets too hot or too cold. You won't have time to rush back and forth to your vehicle.
--But don't carry too many things with you. Just what you need. You don't want to lug all your stuff during the whole protest or lose anything.
--There will likely be folks trying to provoke you, trigger anger or debate. Smile and remain compassionate at all times. They will go away.
--If approached by news media, be ready to deliver a quick soundbite that is educational, not one that sounds angry or militant.
--If you do get arrested, the food options in jail are very limited for vegans. Don't drink the fruit juice they offer because, even though it might be vegan, your bladder will be ready to burst and you definitely don't want to use a jail bathroom stall. (Icky toilets, many without doors)
--Don't follow the herd, especially if they bring anger with them to the demonstration. (At one PETA protest, I saw a few adults shoving graphic pictures of slaughtered animals before the eyes of small children walking by with their parents. Targeting innocent young children, who must have been in 2nd or 3rd grade, was really insensitive and confrontational.) Not how I want to communicate a message of peace.
--Show peace. Be peace.
The KFC protest may have already passed, but I offer up the following, in the event that other vegwebbers participate in future protests:
--Eat a hearty breakfast and/or lunch and carry healthy snacks with you. You may be out there awhile and you will likely be very limited in your eating choices, even if you are able able to break away to a restaurant nearby.
--Notify at least a couple friends or family members just in case the demonstration turns into a long march and you need a ride back to your car from the other end of town.
--Wear comfortable shoes, preferably ones without shoelaces or any metal in them. (Tough security inspections if you get arrested. Shoelaces, belts, etc. could be seen as possible weapons, and could be taken away from you, hard to get back when released.).
--Wear, or bring layered clothes in case it gets too hot or too cold. You won't have time to rush back and forth to your vehicle.
--But don't carry too many things with you. Just what you need. You don't want to lug all your stuff during the whole protest or lose anything.
--There will likely be folks trying to provoke you, trigger anger or debate. Smile and remain compassionate at all times. They will go away.
--If approached by news media, be ready to deliver a quick soundbite that is educational, not one that sounds angry or militant.
--If you do get arrested, the food options in jail are very limited for vegans. Don't drink the fruit juice they offer because, even though it might be vegan, your bladder will be ready to burst and you definitely don't want to use a jail bathroom stall. (Icky toilets, many without doors)
--Don't follow the herd, especially if they bring anger with them to the demonstration. (At one PETA protest, I saw a few adults shoving graphic pictures of slaughtered animals before the eyes of small children walking by with their parents. Targeting innocent young children, who must have been in 2nd or 3rd grade, was really insensitive and confrontational.) Not how I want to communicate a message of peace.
--Show peace. Be peace.
This is a great outline for protests! Do you mind if I print this out and share it with my group when we do our own? That would be awesome!
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