Grassroots Peace Rally: Would you come?

[CornField]

I'm working on organizing event and I'd like some input from my fellow DUers. (Let's face it, if the majority of DU thinks the idea sucks, I'll probably have a difficult time getting the non-activists locally to show up.)

Family Peace Rally, Nov. 19th -- in a downtown park with pavilion

Live music (probably 2 bands -- one pop/rock, one folk)

Collections in Pavilion (coats for kids, goods for local food pantry, blankets for local shelters, care boxes for local soldiers)

Perhaps speakers (haven't decided yet)

Face-painting for the kids

Memorial Wall

----

Simple question: Is this a stupid, pie-in-the-sky idea?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. We've done that sort of thing in my county

In fact, the only demonstrations I've been to have been locally organized, grass-roots events. Until recently, I was the ONLY DUer in the group, in fact. These events get pretty good coverage in the local weekly, and during the buildup to the war, we were even part of a feature in the Democrat-Gazette, a state-wide paper.

So I'd say-go for it! We need more grass roots demonstrations!

[deutsey]

4. We also have done similar things and it works (we're in a relatively

conservative area, too). You'll probably be surprised at the large turnout.

[kansasblue]

2. i think.....

it sounds a little less radical. That might be a cool idea.

more of a family peace rally, work with churches, kids,

peaceful, not so angry,

peace....

[titoresque]

3. DO NOT LISTEN

to nay-sayers! Of course you can do it!
Look at what Cindy Sheehan has accomplished. She and her sister started out in a ditch. Pure. Honest.
Keep it simple and don't get discouraged......if 100 people say they will be there, expect 25......be happy with 25. Those are the numbers. Out of those 25 you will identify 2 of them that you can count on for further help, like fliers, phone calls, organizing.
But in the end......and at the beginning of then planning an even better protest...you've now got 3 people instead of one!

Good luck! You can do it!!!!

[kimpossible]

5. I'd come

Sounds like a great idea. And a lot more productive than those of us who spend our time sitting around DU talking about what great things we'd do, if everybody would do everything our way...

:evilgrin:

[DanCa]

6. If i had a car or transportation from someoe else i would - nt

[donco6]

7. Can you get some food?

Even just ice cream for the kids will get people to come. It's a lot harder to get them to show without food. But it's a good idea overall. You should try it.

Look at it this way, no matter what you do, you'll have more show up than at a typcial Freeper rally!

[Coexist]

8. Okay - let me first put on my flame-proof suit -

Here is my take as a suburban mom. I am not interested in attending a peace rally. I don't go to our local "St. Pete for Peace" rallies, partly because they are really far away, but partially because the name brings up a lot of sixties, dreamy, unrealistic expectations for humankind stuff.

I would, however, attend a "Bring the Troops Home" rally. Or an "Out of Iraq" rally.

I am not just not against fair use of military force as a last option. Even though we may have the same objective, how it is packaged is very important if you want to reach the mainstream in your community.

I love the idea of having family things to do, instead of just speeches and music that everyone may not like (as often happens at political rallies!!!)

I would strongly recommend something fun that everyone can get behind like a "dunk-the-Osama-tank" with someone dressed up in a Bin Laden mask and white robe. Everyone hates Bin Laden - whether or not you hate Bush. The proceeds from that and a bounce house or something can go to a local school or charity - or to care package stuff for the troops.

Sorry - I am not a peacenik. But I agree with a community event.

[CornField]

10. No flames here!

These are some of the same ideas I've been wrestling with -- what to call it? How to get the word out? What activities to offer for families?

In short, I appreciate your input!

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. that is NOT a pie in teh sky idea

it is actually a good idea.. go fer it