The more the merrier and more powerful we become.
Getting others to join our peaceful protests is all about connecting with people, clearly explaining our cause, and making it easy and appealing for them to participate.
Here are some of the best ways to get people to join you and us on Saturdays.
1. Clearly Define Your "Why" and "What"
Be Crystal Clear on Why You Attend: Before you ask anyone to join, be able to explain what you're protesting about and why it matters in a simple, straightforward way.
What's the main problem? What change are you hoping to achieve? Is it community? Fairness? Humane Treatment of people? Our children’s and grandchildren’s future? Veteran care? Fiscal responsibility?
Use the issue you are passionate about because PASSION is infectious!
Highlight the Impact: People want to know their time and effort will make a difference. Explain how their presence, even just one person, adds to the collective power and how the protest can contribute to long-term change.
AND how you FEEL after a protest. That it makes you feel connected and happier. (I hope it does… if not grab me at a protest and I’ll see what I can do to fix that!)
2. Think About the Communities You Belong to…
Reach Out to Family, Friends, and Neighbors: Start with the people you know. A personal invitation from someone they trust is incredibly powerful. This has worked so well for many of you.
No Kings is an example of that! I would estimate about 1/3 of the people there came because they were invited by friends and family!
Community Groups: Think about groups already active in your area:
Faith-based organizations: Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples often have strong community ties and a history of social justice.
Senior centers and retirement communities: These are places where people are often looking for ways to stay engaged and make a difference.
Civic and service clubs: Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions Club, women's clubs, veterans' groups – many of these have members committed to community betterment.
Book clubs, hobby groups, social clubs: Even informal groups can be a great place to spread the word.
Local Organizations: Are there any local non-profits, advocacy groups, or community centers that share your cause or mission? Collaborate with them. They may have existing networks of volunteers and supporters.
3. Make it Easy and Welcoming
Provide Clear Information:
When and Where: Be very specific about the date, time, and exact location…AND that they can come early… late… stay for the whole protest or leave early. Just showing up for a few minutes is extremely powerful!
How to Get There: Offer transportation tips… where to park… accessibility… etc. Or let me know and I can send them a welcome email that gives them all the details. 😊
What to Bring/Wear: Suggest comfortable shoes, water, signs (or offer to provide some), and weather-appropriate clothing. Let them know many people bring chairs and sun umbrellas.
Address Concerns: Be prepared to answer questions about safety and what to expect. Reassure people that it will be a peaceful and happy gathering.
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: People are more likely to join if they feel safe, respected, and part of a community.
When they come, let everyone around you know, including myself and the yellow vests. We’d love to congratulate and welcome them!
4. Inspire and Motivate
Share Stories: Real-life stories of how the issue impacts people can be very powerful and create empathy.
Highlight Past Successes: Remind people that peaceful protests do work and point to historical examples (like those in the blog post Power of Peaceful Protesting). This builds confidence.
Emphasize Community: Frame the protest as an opportunity to stand together with like-minded people for a common good. Many people value connection and purpose.
Be Passionate (but Calm): Your own genuine belief in the cause will be contagious.
Hope to see you with a friend at a Saturday Honk and Wave soon! Please let me know about your successes!
By focusing on clear communication, leveraging existing community ties, making participation easy, and inspiring others, you can effectively recruit people to join your peaceful demonstration and amplify your message for change.
What Worked For You Convincing Someone To Attend?
Let’s share some tactics!