Climate strike organizing checklist

A climate strike needs more than a date, a meeting point and a few signs. You need to confirm the location, route and permit early, then coordinate police, emergency services, traffic measures, speakers, sound and volunteers. This checklist also covers practical details people often leave too late, including toilets, first aid, power, weather protection and clear signage. Work through the plan in sequence so the demonstration is safe, visible and easy for participants to follow.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Secure the event location
2 people
Check the permit
2 people
Determine the route for the demonstration
3 people
Submit the report to the municipality
Inform the police and emergency services
Coordinate traffic measures
2 people
Approach speakers
2 people
Contact Musicians
2 people
Recruit volunteers
3 people
Send invitations
2 people
Publish social media posts
2 people
Send press release
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Record the speaker schedule
2 people
Assign volunteers
2 people
Arrange first aid volunteers
2 people
Reserve toilets
Reserve the sound system
Order print materials
Design banners
2 people
Check the shopping list
2 people
Do the shopping
3 people
Collect materials
2 people
Paint banners
6 people
Assemble info packs
4 people
Sort wristbands
2 people
Prepare the volunteers briefing
2 people
Check the weather forecast
Send weather update
Inspect venue
3 people
Set up tables and tents
6 people
Set up the sound system
3 people
Connect power supply
2 people
Set up information stands
4 people
Prepare catering
4 people
Hang banners and signs
4 people
Put up route signs
3 people
Set up the first aid station
2 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Give volunteer briefing
3 people
Test the equipment
3 people

Event

Welcome speakers
2 people
Welcome participants
6 people
Register sign-ups
3 people
Hand out information materials
3 people
Hand out campaign boards
3 people
Serve coffee and tea
4 people
Refill drinks
3 people
Serve snacks
4 people
Guide the opening speech
2 people
Guide the demonstration route
12 people
Secure intersections
6 people
Announce the speakers
Support the stage program
3 people
Guide music program
2 people
Collect audience questions
2 people
Empty waste stations
3 people
Escort participants to the exit
4 people
Make final announcements
2 people
Turn off the sound system
2 people

Aftercare

Gather signs and banners
5 people
Take down tables and tents
6 people
Sort waste
5 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the venue
6 people
Return materials
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Store leftover materials
2 people
Send thank-you message
2 people
Share photos and information
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 30
High tablesqty 6
Waste binsqty 12

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Speakersqty 4
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 6
Megaphoneqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 6

Decorations

Bannersqty 8
Campaign signsqty 150
Cardboard platesqty 250
Wooden polesqty 200
Paper arrowsqty 20
Ropeqty 4
Cable tiesqty 300
Painter's tapeqty 12
Waterproof markersqty 40
Poster paintqty 20
Brushesqty 20

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 400
Reusable platesqty 250
Reusable cutleryqty 300
Thermos flasksqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Water jugsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8
Bowlsqty 12
Ice packsqty 24
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee filtersqty 200

Catering

Groceries

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 20
Flashlightsqty 12
Work glovesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 6
Traffic conesqty 20

Registration

Registration formsqty 600
Pen setsqty 30
Name stickersqty 600
Clipboardsqty 20
Wristbandsqty 600
Information leafletsqty 600

Cleaning

Litter pickersqty 8
Broom setsqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Mopsqty 4
Waste sorting binsqty 12

Transport

Transport cartsqty 4
Ratchet strapsqty 12
Storage cratesqty 20
Tarpaulinsqty 6

Tips

Start with the route, location and permit process before announcing the event. Municipal review can take several weeks, and the route affects traffic measures, emergency access, toilets and where you can place sound equipment.
Confirm speakers, musicians and the running order at least 2 weeks before the strike. Record arrival times, speaking slots and technical needs so the sound operator can prepare the mixer, speakers and wireless microphones.
Assign volunteers by job, not just by headcount. Plan separate people for route guidance, registration, first aid, speaker support, sound, waste and distributing campaign signs, with a short briefing before participants arrive.
Test power and sound before the event starts. Check extension cords, power strips, power banks, microphones and the megaphone, and keep LED lamps available if the demonstration continues after daylight.
Prepare weather-resistant wayfinding and campaign materials 1–2 days ahead. Paint banners and signs early enough to dry, then pack wooden poles, rope, cable ties, painter’s tape, waterproof markers and paper arrows together so setup is quick.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize a climate strike?: Start planning at least 6–8 weeks before the strike. Use the first 2 weeks to secure the location, check the permit requirements and define the route before publishing detailed information.
Do I need a permit for a climate strike?: Often, yes, especially for a demonstration using public roads or affecting traffic. Check with the municipality as soon as the location and route are drafted; submit the required report several weeks before the event if that is the local deadline.
How many volunteers do I need for a climate strike?: For a small strike, plan at least 1 volunteer per 20–30 participants, plus dedicated first aid and sound support. Add separate route marshals at entrances, crossings and turns rather than relying on one general volunteer team.
When should I reserve toilets and a sound system for a climate strike?: Reserve both as soon as the date and location are confirmed, preferably 4–6 weeks ahead. Recheck delivery, power, setup time and collection details 3–5 days before the strike.

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