How To Organize A March
Freedom of expression, speech, and association are universal rights. One way to exercise the rights is through an organized march. A march is a public demonstration that aims at raising awareness over a critical public issue. Contrary to popular opinion, there is much to a rally than mobilizing people to turn up in the streets. The success of the march depends on the planning and execution.
Before the March
Below are some activities to conduct before the march:
1. Create a plan: The first action is to develop a plan for the march. A good plan should have precise objectives. Then think about the activities and strategies you will use to achieve your goal. More so, identify the logistical, financial, and human resources needs for the plan. Plan for safety since your rally can attract opponents.
2. Settle for a rallying theme: Every march must have a meaningful and relevant theme. Ideally, the theme should be based on the issues you are supporting or protesting. Think of a theme as the key message you want to communicate. Then craft a phrase that is simple, memorable, but powerful. For instance, an environment protection march could have the theme "Earth First."
3. Get a permit: Always ensure that you get a permit to hold a march. A permit acts as the legal document authorizing a rally. In most cases, the permit is obtained from local authorities and security agencies. When applying for a permit, you need to state the reason, date, and location of the march. Remember to make the application in advance.
4. Mobilize for support: A triumphant march has sizeable and enthusiastic supporters. Firstly, speak to various stakeholders interested in your cause. These may be organizations and activist groups. The interest groups can bring insights, resources, and valuable networks to your cause. Then mobilize the general public to show up for the rally. In this case, you will need to market your event on media or do door-to-door mobilization.
During the March
To start with, ensure there are communication materials for the rally. The materials provide information about your cause and sensitize the public. You can have banners, posters, and t-shirts. Make certain you invite the media to publicize the event. Also, plan for public address systems, speakers, and microphones. Notably, ensure you invite critical speakers who can speak in support of the cause.
After the March
Do not forget to thank your key supporters, volunteers, and participants. More so, consider doing a press release on your march. Keep highlighting your issue using other channels as you plan for the next rally.
The best way to organize a march is to have a plan. Think through each planning phase and create a checklist. Remember, you can always enlist the services of event organizers.