Holding a Demonstration

Holding a demonstration is a fun, effective, and easy way to show people how animals are abused on factory farms, on fur farms, in laboratories, and in circuses. It’s one of the easiest ways to reach a lot of people, and if your event is covered by the media, you have the potential to reach thousands more.

Watch PETA’s fun video that provides you with simple steps on how to organize and lead a demonstration:

1. Plan ahead

Before you get started, contact PETA’s Action Team by e-mailing [email protected]. We’ll help walk you through the steps and send you free posters and leaflets. Some cities require that you obtain a permit, so call your local police department and ask if you need a permit to organize a peaceful demonstration. You’ll definitely want to invite others to join you, so create a Facebook event, too!

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 2. Before the demo

Make sure that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the demonstration. Wear your PETA shirt and clean clothes in order to make a good impression on people. Don’t hide your face at the demo—keep those sunglasses off!

3. During the demo

Make sure that everyone is holding their signs so they can be read easily (and aren’t hiding their faces) and ask people to refrain from talking on the phone or texting. Have the majority of the people holding signs and waving at cars but have a select group handing out leaflets to people who are passing by.

4. Keep Your Cool

Remember to smile and be polite. You’ll change more people’s minds by being respectful and having engaged conversations, as opposed to yelling at them or intimidating them. If the police do arrive, calmly tell them that you already have your permit (or that you were told you didn’t need one when you called earlier).

5. After the demo

Remember to collect all your materials so that there isn’t any litter and get everyone’s contact information (to send them pictures from the demo later and to let them know about future events)—then thank everyone for attending your demonstration!

Now wasn’t that simple?! Congratulations on organizing and leading an animal rights demonstration!