Remember that you are in for the long haul and depending on your ultimate goal, you are not going to achieve results overnight. In some instances, the fight may last years or even decades. Impatience will likely lead to poor decision-making and be detrimental to the cause at hand.

Identify and communicate the central message of the protest. Too often, competing messages between protesting camps sows confusion and sinks a campaign.

“During the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria, I witnessed how people lost their lives and property because they came out to protest against police brutality. I also saw how this youth movement repeated past mistakes because everyone was saying different things and there was a lack of coordination in message and action.“

- Ashiru Ayuba Dannomau, Nigeria.

What Makes a Successful Protest? (compliments of Chatham House)

• Dialogue must be your first priority

• Clearly communicate what you want

• Include digital means of protest participation

• Listen to everyone’s concerns

• Use social media, where one click makes a difference

• Create inclusive working groups

• Professionalize your media outreach

• Connect with social activists from across the world

• Citizen action should start in schools

• Combine all non-violent protest mechanisms

If applicable, follow the terms of any permits obtained.

Don’t leave your sense of humor at home. Per Srdja Popovic and Mladen Joksic, “There is a reason why humor is infusing the arsenal of the 21st-century protestor: It works. For one, humor breaks fear and builds confidence. It also adds a necessary cool factor, which helps movements attract new members. Finally, humor can incite clumsy reactions from a movement’s opponents.”

For a more in-depth look into the impact humor can have in counter-protest, read Why Nazis are so afraid of these clowns and Why Dictators Don’t Like Jokes.