There’s an unmistakable energy that crackles through the air during climate marches. Signs with hand-painted slogans are hoisted high, and in-unison chants sound through city streets as thousands become one in purpose: fighting for a safer, healthier planet for all generations. And, in case you were wondering, it works. A recent meta-analysis published in Current Opinion in Behavioral Scientists found that activism can earn more media coverage for climate causes, increase votes cast for climate-minded candidates, and generally goad politicians into speaking more about climate issues.
But behind every successful rally is more than just passion. Whether you’ve attended countless demonstrations or are about to join your first, understanding what makes a march effective—not to mention safe and enjoyable—can shape how we show up and how much impact we create.
So, what should more people know about attending a climate march? For that question, we looped in Kathleen Rogers, an environmental attorney, advocate, and the current President of earthday.org who, over the past 30 years, has organized and participated in numerous marches.
The most effective rallies, she says, are rooted in clear purpose, peaceful action, and thoughtful preparation. They also resonate across a range of people and issues to focus on what we’re fighting for, not just what we’re fighting against. “The purpose should always be valid and peaceful,” she says. “Rallies that have worked best have always been created with these values in mind.”
Rogers shared four tips for attending a climate march—or any other type of civic action. “The rules,” she adds, “should always be the same.”
1. Find ways to include as many people as you can
“Everyone should feel welcome and feel able to explain why they are rallying, making the case for why the issue matters to all of us. Whether it’s fighting pesticide pollution, climate change, microplastics, defending our children’s health and education or, more generally, bad government and corporate behavior, we must make it personal, or it won’t work. The Women’s March, for example, brought together religious groups, teachers, businesspeople, and more to the movement—people who felt that their lives were suddenly being controlled by our government. The March for Science did the same thing, bringing together a unique group of supporters, including scientists, educators, environmentalists, and business leaders.”
2. You have to be for, not just against, something
“These events must engage us in the issues but also make us feel good about standing up and standing with others for our beliefs. We should all walk away energized and forward thinking. We are all there to solve a problem, after all. As long as your heart is in the right place and not focused on demonizing other people or their beliefs, it will work. We have to be there for something, and never just there against things.”
“Open yourself up to conversations and engage with people around you. Exchanging ideas can be just as important as showing up.”
Kathleen Rogers, president of earthday.org
3. Always prepare beforehand
“You may have spotty cell service, so it’s important to look at the march route, meetup location, and endpoint in advance, so you have these details noted down. Make a placard or sign that shares a message that matters to you, but keep it simple, legible, and bold so everyone else can enjoy it, too. Dress practically and pack essentials; you’re going to be outside walking so be sure your shoes and clothes are comfortable and weather appropriate. Travel light but take a flask of water with you (not a single-use plastic bottle!). It’s also important to familiarize yourself with your rights in advance. For example, knowing where you’re allowed to march and where you can film.”
4. Stay connected to keep the momentum going
“Open yourself up to conversations and engage with people around you. Exchanging ideas can be just as important as showing up. Climate justice is a movement that includes people from all walks of life, so be respectful and open-minded and don’t forget that the movement doesn’t stop after one rally. Stay involved in your own community by contacting your local legislators, signing petitions, participating in cleanups, we have a map for example where you can find cleanups near you, join tree plantings, or join a local climate action group to continue pushing for change. Being part of a march or any event that matters to you is the beginning of your journey into activism. Stay on the path and enjoy it.”