We had an interesting discussion two weeks ago in this space about the impact of different types of action. Are protests helpful? Is direct action effective?

Both James and Emma made important points– James was skeptical and Emma argued in support of protests– that I agree with. One thing I took away from their debate was that it’s important that organizers think outside the box if they want their actions to be effective. In a world where people protest everything, protest organizers need to come up with creative ideas to attract crowds and make an impact.

There’s a protest happening in my backyard tomorrow that I think fits that bill.

Fred Phelps and his not-so-merry band of hatemongers are coming to the DC metro area to protest at sites as diverse as suburban high schools, the Turkish Embassy, and the White House. Rather than just stage counter protests (though they’re doing that too), movement activists here in DC are using the Phelps’ appearance to raise money for local causes.

The concept is simple– for every minute that the Westboro Baptist Church protests, supporters of equal rights are pledging donations.

DC Bilerico reports:

This upcoming Monday, March 30, Phelps and his clan from the Topeka-based Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) will be bringing their so-called “Love Crusade,” also known as “God Hates Fags” or “God Hates America,” to the DC area to picket Fairfax High School, George Mason University, several embassies, and the White House. Phelps and WBC have gained notoriety over the last fifteen years by waging a publicity war against America, which Phelps calls a modern-day Sodom and Gomorrah. WBC takes every opportunity to protest events ranging from LGBT Pride Weeks to the funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now it’s our turn – and I can’t wait.

On Monday, join us from 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM in front of the White House for one of the DC area’s three Phelps-A-Thons. Started by Boston-based LGBT activist Chris Mason, Phelps-A-Thons are an easy way to harness the voices of hatred in support of a good cause. The way it works is simple: for every minute that they spread their hate, they’ll be raising money for organizations that support LGBT rights through your pledges and the pledges of supportive friends and family members.

I should disclose that I volunteer with some of these organizers for other local LGBT causes like DC for Marriage, but even if I didn’t, I would really admire the creative concept of this protest. If you’re in the DC area and want to join in, check out the Phelps-a-thon website.

Fred Phelps hates. Activists pledge. We all raise money for LGBT rights.

Stop by the Phelps-a-thon website to pledge to stop the hate.