Actions

We know your first protest, rally or activist event can be really scary. There is lots of information in this page and our legal resources page that should give the confidence to step into action for the first time.
Action is the antidote to despair and every one of us can make an impact – jump on in!

Lots of us can feel really passionately about an issue and want to jump straight into tactics, or protest events. It is a great idea to slow down, research the issue, see who is working on it now – and maybe who has done in the past. We aren’t taught social movement history in school so its great to self educate in this area, as well as work out who you could talk to or connect with who are already working on the issue.

Check out our campaigning page for more information about how to plan not just single actions, but campaigns.
There are brilliant resources out there we have collated that can help you plan your strategy, build your group, and raise money for your cause.

There is a lot to think about and consider when planning an action. Please see our checklist and stay tuned for more info in 2024!

It can be helpful to have agreements about how we will behave collectively and reflect our shared values in action together – there is lots of nuance to this and we’ll be adding more, but in the meantime here is a sample participants agreement.

During Action describes some of the things you might want to consider. This includes both logistics as well as the roles that need to be filled by trained people.

There are many supportive roles that need to be filled to undertake a successful action. Make your actions count by ensuring that everyone understands what their role entails.

Police Liaison | Legal Observer | Peacekeeper | Marshall | First Aid Officer | Community Liaison | Media Liaison

Here is a Media Checklist and link to further resources for traditional and social media in the lead up to an action, including some considerations for nonviolent direct actions.

It is really critical to debrief after every action – and also to be aware that big feelings may come up in the few days afterwards, particularly if there is conflict within the group, or harassment from police or others. Check out our safety and well being page for how to manage this.

A blockade is an act or means of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving. A blockade camp is a temporary camp site set up near the site of a proposed project or activity that people are trying to highlight, or an area people are aiming to protect. Camps and blockades are effective to halt imminent destruction or proposed projects.

The logistics of large rallies, protests and other activist events contain complex dynamics. We have some tips for you on the Mass Actions page.

This whole world changing business should be fun. Here is a bit of inspiration for that, of some of the creative actions that help lighten things up.

People using civil disobedience and direct action have successfully created change for hundreds of years. The civil rights movement, suffragettes and people power driving the overthrow of dictators have inspired many. Check the Direct Action page for multiple links and info.