The Point of Protests

What are the goals of the protests? Wouldn't it make more sense to effect change by actually doing something?

I heard these questions many times during the Wisconsin protests, and I'm hearing them again now during the Wall Street protests.  Here's my take.

The key function of the initial protests is not to actually make change but to build community. There is something incredibly deep and powerful about being with so many others who share frustrations and passions. To me, the protests are largely about connecting with others. The protests are simply the first phase of a larger movement.

During protests, people begin to connect with each other in more goal-oriented ways. In the Wisconsin protests, I saw small groups develop. Some focused on facilitating the recall votes. Others worked on preparing themselves for candidacy in future elections. Still others created continuous engagement with officials who needed constant vigilance. The second phase evolved naturally from the developing shared sense of purpose among groups of protesters.

Rather than starting with demands or a specific goals, protesters  start with passionate people who form goals as they forge bonds.

In past decades, protests involved a key figure or very specific goal. The power was centered. Now, power is diffused, and multiple goals and demands may grow out of the protests.

I am fascinated to watch what is happening with the Wall Street protests. I can see many possible paths in front of us. Which paths will we follow?

The point of the protests is to protest and to see what happens next. Connect with others, looking for one specific path that your own strengths can help build. The movement is much bigger than the protests, which are simply the first step in trying to make a difference.