Street Campaigning (Campaign Toolkit)

From Democracywiki

This page is part of the Campaign Toolkit.

1 Introduction
2 On The Streets Checklist
3 Case Studies
4 Links

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Introduction

Street activity is a way of creating an immediate impact in a locality, with very little cost. It might be seen as the most traditional of campaigning techniques, as old as organised society, and the physical manifestation of your campaign and its supporters.

In recent memory, states have been brought down by mass demonstrations and 'people power', such as the velvet revolution in Czecho-slovakia.

Activities might include:

Leafleting
Street stalls
Petitions
Surveys
Demonstrations
Pickets
Stunts

However, as a method of communication, activity on the streets is not as effective as other, more expensive, ways of reaching people, which is why you always see the Socialist Workers Party out on the high streets on a Saturday morning, but rarely Heinz, Levis, or Coca Cola.

In Britain you are at liberty to conduct peaceful campaigning on the public highways, including leafleting, petitioning, surveys, and street stalls. You must ensure that you and your activities do not obstruct the highway or cause 'danger or annoyance' which would put you in breach of the 1980 Highways Act. Some shop managers get shirty if they think your leafleting outside their premises is putting off their customers.

Be clear what your street activity is designed to achieve, and that all the participants are clear what their role is. Arrange a briefing beforehand.
High street surveys and leafleting can be intimidating to some people, so ensure that your techniques are not putting people off and serving to undermine your cause.
Large numbers of people need managing with clearly-identifiable stewards and organisers linked with walkie-talkies or mobile phones. For big demos and pickets, you should liase with the local police beforehand to avoid confrontation and arrests.
If you're organising a demo - make sure that you are targeting the right people, not simply holding up the traffic and alienating your potential allies.
By using imaginative stunts or costumes, you can generate a carnival atmosphere and attract media attention. Six people dressed as chickens can get more TV coverage than six hundred chanting slogans in Hyde Park.

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