I need some advice on organizing a rally

[buckettgirl]

The letter that I wrote to the editor of my local paper (regarding the election and ignorance of voters) has generated some responses to me, requesting that I organize a rally or a protest.
I have never done anything of this sort, nor ever imagined that I would. I live in Ellis county, Kansas: the most democratic county in western Kansas (and it still went 65% bush).
I don't know how to start something like this. The only thing I can think of is doing one in a VERY public place to try to reach people who wouldn't otherwise listen. (I think if I could have organized one for the day after Thanksgiving in our walmart parking lot, that could have been interesting lol :) ) Also, I don't have the best leadership skills, I am better off working behind the scenes, and I could create some really good flyers and distribute them easily.
Mainly, I don't want to preach to a crowd of mostly likeminded people because I don't think that creates change. I want to reach many people, and try to impact the way they think - then *maybe* we could create change.

If anyone can help me get started on this, or if you live in Kansas or close to Kansas, come on over and help out!!

[Winamericaback]

1. I wish I could

But i'm in Florida and that is quite a drive ;)

The only thing I wanted to tell you is not to organize it on private property which is what a wal-mart parking lot would be. I think they can have you arrested for trespassing or organizing without a permit ir some such thing. Check into your laws. That is why you normally see protests held in front of Gov't buildings.

Good luck with it!

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. My dad grew up in Goodland

and my grandma lived in Colby when I was a little girl.

YOU GO!! out there in western KS.

If you come to KC, you can hook up with us here and join our rallies.

Good luck and good for you out there in Ellis County :)

[sangh0]

3. I'm not sure what you're asking for

Basically, you have to go out and find people who would want to hold such a rally, hold some meetings and choose a time and place for the rally.

Do you have any specific issues you need advice on?

[buckettgirl]

5. Well...

I don't know where to start. I have a few people who requested this, then I know several people (and I am sure they do too) who would be interested as well. I have one person who is willing to speak and he knows others who will speak as well.
The only thing is, I don't know where to hold one - it was suggested at the court house or at the college. But I think it should be in a more public place than that, however I don't know what the law is on doing something like this or what kind of permission is needed.
Its a good idea, but I haven't ever been to a rally, either, so I don't know what to expect.

[sangh0]

7. Two things then

1) You will probably need a permit to hold the rally in a public place. You should contact a local Dem (if any) to find out more about how to do this.

2) You should collect names of people who want to participate, and get them together to discuss the time and place, as well as what you're going to do.

[welshTerrier2]

4. sustained participation ...

i think a longer term plan may be more valuable than a "one shot" rally ... the goal of "not preaching to the converted" may be a mistake in the short term ...

many of those who attend your rally might be willing to form a group that could do more than just have a single rally ... a better focus would be to "preach to the converted" and try to get them to commit to subsequent action ...

also, there are many political organizations that already exist ... you might look to groups within the democratic party (Democracy for America, Progressive Democrats of America) or groups outside the party (e.g. United for Peace and Justice) for support ... if groups exist in your area, it might be easier to join with them rather than starting a new group ... if not, contact one of these groups and ask for help setting up a local chapter ...

communicating with those who disagree is a lofty goal but building an infrastructure for sustained action might be more effective in the long run ...

hope this helps ...

[Lisaben2619]

6. Find your allies.

If there are other groups in your area who do peace and justice work, contact them first. They'll probably already have extensive email lists, etc. and can help you put together a rally. Depending on how big your event gets, you might want these groups to help with "peace-keeping" so that no one gets out of hand. If you have a rally, make sure that you talk with the local police about it before-hand. They ususally appreciate a heads-up and will be more apt to protect you should you need them. Find out what your responsibilities are for reserving a park or closing off a street before you announce the event, so you don't have to change the venue at the last minute.

It there are local universities, find allies in those systems so you can get messages and event announcements on their listservs.
Also, try to build coaltiton with active union locals, LGBT organizations, and the liberal church communities.

Check area internet "groups" and post meeages on them. I have found a lot of progressive allies through Yahoo groups.

Expect little support from Dems as (in my experience) they usually don't want to "make waves" as a group, but will often participate as individuals. If you have a local Green party, reach out to them; they usually are much better at taking issues to the streets or will know who can help you if they can't.

Have one press/contact person who will send out press releases and then meet and direct the press on the day of the event. It leaves other people free to engage in the rally/protest when the press person is arranging for people to talk with them.

If you expect a counter-protest, you will have to decide when to release your event information (how much time they will have to organize against you). Typically speaking, if there is opposition, the Freepers find out about it somehow, anyway, but make sure that if your press goes out early that you remind people again when it gets closer to the event.