"Forming a Professional Protest Group: A Comprehensive Guide"

Abstract 

Protesting is a powerful tool for social change, but it can be difficult to do effectively. This book provides a comprehensive guide to forming a professional protest group that can achieve real results.

The book begins by discussing the importance of clear goals and objectives. What do you want to achieve with your protest? Once you know your goals, you can start to develop a strategy for achieving them.

The book then covers the basics of protest planning, including how to choose a target, how to organize your group, and how to raise awareness of your cause. It also provides tips on how to stay safe and legal while protesting.

Finally, the book discusses the importance of evaluating your protest and making changes as needed. No protest is perfect, but by learning from your mistakes, you can improve your chances of success in the future.

This book is essential for anyone who wants to form a professional protest group that can make a difference. It is packed with practical advice and insights that will help you achieve your goals.

Here are some additional points that could be included in the abstract:

* The importance of diversity and inclusion in protest groups.

* The need to build relationships with the media and other key stakeholders.

* The importance of staying positive and optimistic, even in the face of setbacks.

* The power of social media to amplify the reach of protest movements.

Introduction 

Starting a professional protest group involves several steps, including defining your mission, forming a team, registering your group, raising awareness, and securing funding.

1. Define Your Mission:  Clearly articulate what your group stands for, what it aims to achieve, and how it plans to do so. This mission statement should guide all your activities and communications.

2. Form a Team: Assemble a group of dedicated individuals who are passionate about your cause. This team will form the backbone of your organization.

3. Register Your Group: Depending on your location and the nature of your activities, you may need to register your group as a non-profit organization or other legal entity. Consult a legal professional to understand your obligations.

4. Raise Awareness: Use various platforms to spread the word about your cause. Social media can be a powerful tool for this. You can create a Facebook page, Twitter account, Instagram profile, etc., to share updates, news, and calls to action. Be consistent and engaging in your posts to build a strong online presence.

5. Secure Funding: Fundraising is crucial for your group's activities and sustainability. You can organize fundraising events, apply for grants, or set up an online donation system. Platforms like GoFundMe, Kickstarter, and Patreon can help you raise funds.

6.*Engage the Community: Hosting community events, participating in local activities, and partnering with other local organizations can help you gain community support. This will not only help in raising awareness but also in securing more resources and volunteers.

7. Scale Up: Once you have a solid foundation, you can start thinking about expanding your reach to a national level. This might involve coordinating with similar groups in other locations, launching national campaigns, or advocating for policy changes at the national level.

Remember, running a professional protest group involves significant responsibility. Always ensure your activities are legal and ethical, and be prepared to face opposition and challenges. Stay true to your mission, and keep your focus on making a positive impact.

Experts on Starting a Professional Protest Group 

1. Srdja Popovic:  Popovic is a Serbian political activist and executive director of the Centre for Applied Nonviolent Action and Strategies (CANVAS). He was one of the founders of the student movement Otpor! that helped topple Serbian dictator Slobodan Milošević. His book "Blueprint for Revolution" provides insights on how to use nonviolent tactics to achieve social and political change.

2. Gene Sharp: Sharp was a political scientist who wrote extensively about nonviolent struggle. His book "From Dictatorship to Democracy" has been used by various protest movements around the world.

3. Marshall Ganz: A senior lecturer in public policy at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Ganz is known for his work on organizing, leadership, and social movements. He played a key role in organizing the United Farm Workers movement in the 1960s.

4. Saul Alinsky: Known as the father of community organizing, Alinsky's book "Rules for Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals" is a guide for future community organizers to effectively create and effect social change.

5. Bill Moyer: Moyer was a social change activist who developed the "Movement Action Plan" – a strategic model for protests and social movements. His book "Doing Democracy: The MAP Model for Organizing Social Movements" is a key resource for understanding the process and stages of social movements.

6. Frances Fox Piven and Richard Cloward: Both sociologists and political activists, they co-authored "Poor People's Movements: Why They Succeed, How They Fail," which delves into the strategy and tactics of several major social movements in the 20th century.

7. Erica Chenoweth: A political scientist at Harvard University, Chenoweth's work focuses on political violence and its alternatives. She co-authored "Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict," which presents a compelling argument for the effectiveness of nonviolent resistance.

These experts offer invaluable insights into forming and running a professional protest group. Their works provide practical strategies, historical case studies, and theoretical frameworks that can guide the formation and operation of a successful protest movement.

Journals Written on Starting a Professional Protest Group 

While there aren't specific journals dedicated to starting a professional protest group, there are numerous academic journals that publish articles related to social movements, activism, and advocacy that could be helpful. Here are some of them:

1. Mobilization: An International Quarterly: This is the leading peer-reviewed journal specializing in the study of social movements, protests, insurgencies, revolutions, and other forms of contentious politics.

2. Social Movement Studies: Journal of Social, Cultural and Political Protest : This journal provides a forum for discussion and advancement of research on social and political movements, and protest globally.

3. Journal of Civil Society: This journal focuses on understanding civil society, volunteerism, non-profit organizations, and philanthropy.

4. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly: This is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes research on non-profit organizations, voluntary action, and citizen participation.

5. American Journal of Sociology: While its focus is broader than just protest movements, this journal often includes articles on social and political activism.

6. Journal of Social Issues: This journal often publishes issues dedicated to specific social causes, and includes research on social advocacy and activism.

Remember, accessing some of these journal articles may require a subscription or purchase. You might be able to access these resources for free through a university library if you are a student or faculty member.