Make Now: Protest Signs for Teens

Grades 7-12

Make your own powerful protest sign and earn a volunteer hour. This activity was pulled from the book “You Are Mighty: A Guide to Changing the World” by Caroline Paul and illustrated by Lauren Tamaki

Send a picture of the protest sign you make posted in your window or yard to teen@nileslibrary.org and we’ll give you a volunteer hour. Remember, your voice matters.

HOW TO MAKE AN AWESOME PROTEST SIGN 

by Caroline Paul and illustrated by Lauren Tamaki, pulled from You Are Mighty: A Guide to Changing the World

Sometimes the best way to communicate your support, or your concern, is to hold up a big sign with a message on it. 

As you can see, these messages are short and clear. There isn’t a lot of space on your poster, and you want your message to be seen and understood! 

This is why you shouldn’t write this: YOU KNOW WHAT, I’M JUST NOT SO SURE I LIKE WHAT’S GOING ON WITH THE AIR AND THE WATER AND THE TREES (NOT TO MENTION THE POLAR BEARS!), BECAUSE IT JUST SORT OF REALLY, REALLY MAKES ME MAD. 

Your protest sign should make a statement (We Shall Overcome), support a cause (Peace on Earth), or ask for a change (Stop Animal Testing). Once you’ve made your sign, you can press it against the car window, attach a stick to it and wave it about, or prop it up in your yard.

WORKBOOK

Here’s what you’ll need to make a wise, impactful (and maybe even humorous) protest sign:

1. A cause! 
2. Something to write on
3. Stick and tape (optional)
4. Something to write with
5. A sense of purpose (possibly outrage!)
6. A message
7. A good design: Big letters! Bright colors! Bold drawings! 

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