The results of the 2008 election cycle sparked a wave of tax protests across America inspired by the Boston Tea Party of 1773.  Activists gathered by the hundreds – and even thousands – throughout the country to express their dedicated opposition to tax increases and out of control government spending.  While many Americans agree that taxes are far too high, politicians continue to raise rates. Tea Parties are great ways to take a visible stand against taxes and tax hikes.

This sort of protest can also be applicable for on-campus issues.  For example, has your college raised student fees to pay for the activities of leftist student groups while refusing to give equal funding to their conservative or libertarian counterparts?  Situations like this can be ideal for tea party protests.

Tax Day (April 15), the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party (December 16), or anytime politicians attempt a tax hike or try to increase government spending are all effective times to hold this event.  For information on past tea parties, currently scheduled tea parties, or how to organize your own tea parties, visit sites like www.teapartyday.com, www.taxdayteaparty.com, or www.reteaparty.com.

HOW TO TAKE ACTION

1. Collect the materials needed for the event.  You should acquire flags and flag poles – for this sort of rally you should collect as many American flags as possible. Flagpoles can be purchased from local hardware and discount stores, or made out of wooden dowels.  You can use flags of various sizes.  You might also carry Gadsden flags (“Don’t Tread on Me”), the flag of your state, or – if you have a large enough group – the flag of every state.  Other necessary materials will include poster board and materials for signs, informational flyers, and a megaphone.

2. Collect any theme-specific items you need.  You may want to bring additional items depending on the details of your protest. Colonial costumes would be appropriate for a Tea Party protest, as would tax forms to rip up.

3. Select a time and location for your demonstration.  The location you choose will depend on the type of tax protest decide to hold. For protests held on April 15, a centrally located Post Office may be best location.  People often line up outside to mail their taxes in at the last minute. If you are protesting against a proposed tax hike, then a government building such as City Hall or the state capital building may be your best option. At other times, any central and busy location will be appropriate, though a government building might be a good choice. Wherever you choose to hold your demonstration, make sure it is a highly visible location.

4. Get permission to hold your protest.  Depending where you hold your protest, you may need to apply for a permit, so investigate your local regulations. In general, a demonstration is permissible as long as it is on public property and does not block pedestrian, bike, or vehicle traffic. If you hold a demonstration on campus, you may need to check with the Student Activities Office first.

5. Invite allied organizations.  Ask other anti-tax organizations on campus or in the outside community to contribute to the purchase of supplies or join you in your protest.  This is a great way to strengthen cooperation between different groups in the anti-tax movement, and to increase attendance and volunteers in the form of members of the other groups.

6. Hold a planning meeting.  Before the rally, hold a planning meeting to make signs, create chants, design handouts, go over talking points, organize car pools, and prepare your publicity plans.  

7. Advertise!  Success depends on how well you publicize your event, so you should advertise early and often.  This doesn’t necessarily mean paid advertising; “earned media” may work even better for you.  Click here to learn several important publicity measures to use before, during, and after the event.

8. Prepare for opposition. Keep a video camera available at all times, and record any aggression – both verbal and physical.  If some behaves belligerently, ask why he or she objects to your exercise of your right to free speech. For more information on how to deal with opposition on campus, reference "Fight Back."

9. Contact all group members to remind them about the protest.  This should be done the night before the event to ensure maximum attendance.

10. Demonstrate!  On the day of the protest you should show up early to scout out your location. Contact your car pool drivers and make sure everything is running on schedule. When enough people arrive, stake out your location and begin your protest. Make sure group members maintain their enthusiasm throughout the event.

11. Advertise! (again)  The fact that your event is over does not mean that your public relations work is done.  Earned media can be extremely useful to you.  Click here to learn several important follow-up publicity measures to do after the event is finished.