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Tools and Resources

Demonstrations

A demonstration for farm animals can be an effective way to bring wide public exposure to factory farming and the establishments that profit from the abuse and exploitation of animals used for food production. You don't need hundreds of participants to make a demonstration successful. With proper planning, organization and the right materials, a handful of activists can reach and teach thousands of people about farm animal suffering, and create real change for these animals.

Tips for an Effective Demonstration

• When planning your demonstration, be sure to secure a place and time that ensures maximum exposure.
• Every effort should be made to plan and execute a legal demonstration. Contact city, county, or state officials to answer questions about your event. Depending upon the amount of people you anticipate, you might be required to fill out a permit. In some cities, you will need a permit for a group of 50 or more, but it varies from city to city, so be sure to know your rights.
• (this is now a new bullet point) During the demonstration, maintain control of your participants. Do not block traffic or city sidewalks. Most importantly, make sure your demonstration remains peaceful, no matter how challenging or hostile the situation.
• Bring literature and signs specific to the demonstration's purpose. Signage is very important, as you will want people driving by, those at a distance, and the media to be able to read your signs and know what your demonstration is about. A large banner can also make a small group of people look sizeable. Another tip for making any size group look prominent is to have everyone stand in a straight row on the sidewalk. Not only can straight lines pack more of a punch than a bunch of people huddled together, but it is oftentimes the law to stand in an unobtrusive, orderly row during your demo.
• If possible, set up a DVD to show movies illustrating the issue that you are targeting. For example, our video Culinary Cruelty video focuses on foie gras cruelty, and is an effective tool in convincing passers-by not to patronize an establishment that profits off of this cruelty. Showing this video at your foie gras demo can also educate the managers of the restaurant so that they will no longer serve foie gras. If you can successfully set up a viewing, Farm Sanctuary can provide selected videos for this purpose. Please keep in mind that it is not uncommon that you will not be allowed to use the video’s sound during your demo. It’s very important that you are aware of all of your city’s legalities for holding a demo. There have been many successful demos that included a video with footage and no sound. In order to play sound, you might need to obtain a sound permit. The same is true for using a megaphone.
• Notify the media at least a day before your demonstration is to occur. Send press releases to all major media outlets in your area to increase your chances of coverage. Be ready for the media when they show up. Make sure your group is prepared to be photographed and designate a spokesperson who can deliver an official statement detailing the purpose of your demonstration.

Order literature, posters, signs, buttons and videos from Farm Sanctuary for your demonstration.

If you would like to obtain Farm Sanctuary literature and/or posters for your demonstration, or would like additional information regarding grassroots activism, please e-mail activist@farmsanctuary.org or call 607-583-2225 ext. 229.

To get more involved in this and other activist projects, join Farm Sanctuary's Advocacy Campaign Team.