At the No Kings demonstration in Tampa on June 14, I saw firsthand how a well-organized protest can elevate voices, spark conversations and push society forward. 

But while protests are often powerful, they can also be unpredictable. 

As tensions rise nationwide around social and political issues, more students are joining protests to make their voices heard, which is a great thing. 

But being passionate isn’t always the same as being prepared. So, let’s examine further how to protest safely, effectively and with purpose. 

Related: A guide to activism on the USF Tampa campus

Peaceful protest is a powerful civic tool that requires just as much planning as passion. Based on my experiences, I believe protesters should come prepared physically, legally and mentally. 

This means knowing your rights, taking care of your body and staying focused on your message, not the opposition. If students take these steps, their protests will be not just impactful, but also responsible and safe. 

Protesting is protected under the First Amendment, but that doesn’t mean anything goes. Laws vary by location, and organizers must often work with local authorities to secure permits.

At USF, the right to protest is protected as long as it doesn’t disrupt university operations or endanger public safety. Understanding these guidelines is necessary to get your message across.  

Nationwide student-led demonstrations show that young people care deeply about the future. But as student protestors rise up, they must also think critically to remain effective. 

One of the easiest ways to undermine a protest is to ignore the rules. That doesn’t mean selling out your beliefs, but rather protecting your credibility.

When protesters step outside legal boundaries by damaging property or blocking traffic, it gives critics an opening to dismiss the movement altogether. 

The physical side of protesting is just as important as the political. Long hours in the sun can quickly drain your energy, especially during Florida’s brutal afternoons. Hydration and food are essential in a sustained demonstration. 

Related: USF admin shuts down protest calling for free speech

Beyond snacks and water, bring signage that’s clear, memorable and true to your cause. Humor helps, but clarity is king. 

Chalk is also a great medium because it’s easy to share and leaves a mark long after the crowd disperses. 

At most protests, the opposition will be there exercising their right to free speech. Sometimes they care for the cause they stand for, at other times it is just a desperate plea for attention. 

The best way to handle attention seekers is not to shame them away, but rather to ignore them and continue to protest. This will undermine their reason for causing a disruption in the first place. 

Sometimes, when people are personally affected by a pressing issue, their passion can come out forcefully. Engaging respectfully with opposition is harder than yelling, but far more effective. 

You’re not just protesting to feel heard. You’re protesting to change someone’s mind. 

Related: OPINION: Student activism at USF matters. Here’s why.

Some may argue that strict rule-following neuters the radical potential of protest. They say civil disobedience is sometimes necessary to shake up unjust systems. 

But history shows us that nonviolent protests, such as the lunch counter sit-ins of the Civil Rights era, have their place. 

For most student-led protests today, particularly on public campuses like USF, strategic, peaceful protests can be more effective in winning both media and administrative attention.

Being thoughtful doesn’t mean being spineless. It means being smart. 

Protesting isn’t just about speaking, it’s about being heard. And the way to be heard isn’t by yelling the loudest, but by being the most prepared.

March smart, stay safe and keep pushing for change.