What if a new style of protest could make swing voters fall in love with Democrats?
We are not forecasting a possibility but declaring an imminent reality: In the 2024 cycle, we will revolutionize the concept of political protest, breathe new life into our democracy, and harnessing the influential force of performance to effect significant societal transformation.
Imagine if the fervor of the most enthusiastic Democrats consistently brought a broad smile to the face of every American.
By Mike Reid | May 2024
Picture this: a political protest where everyone is thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Participants dance, sing, and chant, holding up ingenious and amusing signs. This isn't an ordinary protest; it's one where actors and other talented performers are employed to foster a captivating and enjoyable environment. As a result, protesters have a fantastic time while Americans secure meaningful work and decent pay, creating a win-win situation.
In fact, employing actors at protests could generate an entirely new political industry, concurrently providing well-paying jobs for performers. This profession is notorious for its challenges, including scarce opportunities for stable employment. However, as protests become a prominent form of activism, performers might discover a new thrilling avenue to put their skills to use.
Consider a protest demanding that billionaires contribute their fair share of taxes for the common good. Performers collaborate to create an energetic and vibrant event that captivates everyone nearby portraying the lives of the wealthy elite, while protesters contribute with chants and songs urging an end to wealth and power concentration among the few.
The atmosphere is electric, the message is lucid, and everyone has a fantastic time. Through creative protest methods, messages are more effectively communicated, and more people are motivated and inspired to act. The protest garners attention and media coverage, spreading the call for change far and wide.
Performer
Make politics fun
DC, PA, NC, GA, MI, WI, AZ, & NV
$50/hour (including rehearsals)
Now, imagine a protest advocating for more affordable housing without the involvement of performers. Demonstrators sit sadly and quietly, holding banners and signs displaying the challenges faced by those struggling to find affordable homes. The messages on the placards reveal the grim reality of rising housing costs and the number of people being priced out of the neighborhoods.
While the cause is undoubtedly important, the atmosphere is somber and heavy, which could diminish the motivation and enthusiasm of the protesters.
Passersbys may take notice but might feel disheartened by the starkness of the situation, making them less inclined to engage with the protest. As a result, the opportunity to inspire more people to act and join the fight for affordable housing might be missed, limiting the protest's overall effectiveness.
Now, envision the same protest for affordable housing, but this time, performers and everyday Americans come together to create an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and energy.
The talent performs scenes between landlords and tenants, highlighting the struggles faced by those seeking homes while also injecting humor and empathy into the performances.
The performers even involve the audience in their performances, allowing them to experience firsthand the challenges of dealing with unscrupulous landlords or navigating the complexities of the housing market. The interactive nature of these protest engages people on a personal level, making the message of the protest even more powerful and relatable.
Head of Performances
Create as much excitement as possible
DC, PA, NC, GA, MI, WI, AZ, & NV
$100,000/year
By blending talented performers with passionate everyday Americans, we will create a protest experience that is both emotionally impactful and energizing.
But hiring performers for protests offers more than fun. It will also draw larger crowds to these events, including those who may have been reluctant to attend previously. While protests are often viewed as solemn and serious, the inclusion of performance will make them entertaining, increasing attendance dramatically.
Head of Protestors
Keep everything running seamlessly
DC, PA, NC, GA, MI, WI, AZ, & NV
$100,000/year
Naturally, there are potential drawbacks to this approach. Some traditionalists will argue that protests must maintain a serious tone, and hiring actors could detract from the message and trivialize the event. They will have concerns regarding the cost of hiring performers and whether it's a wise allocation of resources.
However, it's important to consider that a protest's efficacy lies in its ability to draw attention to a cause, generate conversation, and inspire change. If the addition of performance enhances these elements, then the objective of the protest remains intact.
Far from trivializing the message, performers bring an added layer of engagement and accessibility that may appeal to wider demographics and prompt more individuals to become involved.
As for the concern of cost, it's worth noting that many talented performers are currently unemployed or underemployed, seeking opportunities for creative expression and financial stability.
Therefore, hiring these performers for protests will provide a much-needed source of income for this struggling profession.
Finance Director
Manage 100 donor relationships
Location flexible
$5,000/month + 10% of what you raise
The potential benefits of hiring performers for protests extends beyond the immediate. This innovation will also contribute to the development of a more robust creative industry in America.
As the idea grows across America, we will see protest theater PACs spring up, providing stable employment for Americans and enhancing the creativity and effectiveness of political activism.
Looking forward into the future, the integration of performance in protests will revolutionize activism and civic engagement in unprecedented ways.
This innovative approach will challenge the notion that activism is a solemn and serious affair, instead promoting a new model where protests can be engaging, exciting, and even entertaining.
This infusion of creativity into the world of political activism also offers promising prospects for the arts industry.
As demand for performers in protests increases, so too will opportunities for secure consistent, meaningful work.
A new sub-sector will emerge within the performing arts industry, one focused on political theatre and activism.
Such an industry will further enrich the fabric of America, generating a host of new narratives, artistic expressions, and cultural productions that reflect the country's diverse political and social landscapes.
Recruiter
Get people excited to work in politics
Location flexible + travel to DC
Earn $5,000 for 50 hours
In short, the addition of performers in protests has the power to transform protests into dynamic, engaging, and unforgettable experiences. By combining their creative talents with the passion of everyday Americans, we can elevate the energy and impact of protests, attracting more people to join in.
Projects:
Embracing this innovative approach can revolutionize how protests are organized and perceived, ultimately driving real change and uniting us in the pursuit of a brighter future for all.
