...
identify the purpose and objective of your event, as well as the message you are trying to convey
notify your city police and other officials of the vigil , this is usually required for marchesor march (each country will have its own set of rules on marches, so double check with your local authorities)
notify your local US Embassy or Consulate (the regional security officer (RSO) at a minimum) - be alert to security concerns, terrorist threats to large groups of Americans, etc.
notify local press before and after the event
use your DA social media platforms before, during and after the event; share fotos, etc. on DA Facebook and Twitter
consider meeting ahead of time to make posters together. This will help shape the dialogue at the vigil
create a Democrats Abroad {your country} banner to carry
reach out to Our Revolution and other local American groups to see if they would like to join in
if other groups are also joining, be clear about the message of DA
find a place to meet before and after the march
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iconic spots in your cities/towns (main squares, in front of recognizable bldgs)
or near the US Embassy or US Consulate
not in front of local gov’t offices – we’re not talking to local governments, but to ourselves and people of the world
begin somewhere where you talk with attendees to discuss goals of march, go over do’s and don’ts
meet afterwards at restaurant or pub to continue the conversation
Do’sDO’s:
- do focus on the positives – what we support: tolerance, equality, human rights, civil rights for all, an economy that works for all, liveable wage, equal pay, family leave, quality affordable education, Obamacare/quality affordable quality health care, progress on climate and the environment, protection and expansion of voting rights, multilateral foreign policy, comprehensive immigration reform, bridges rather than wallsand on , evidence-based policy decisions
- do talk about what we are not for, but in a positive wayfocus on issues not personalities. We’re not for: concentration camps, walls, racism, sexism, cronyism, trickle down economics, unilateral unilateral impulsive foreign policy
thank President Obama for his/our efforts and accomplishments
follow the lead of Obama, Clinton, the DNC and accept the results of the election (although re-counts or audits are possibly being requested and may be in order in some states)
- , ignoring science, etc
- do point out that as loyal opposition we will stand firm, keep fighting for our values and common sense policies, will try to achieve our policies , and to prevent implementation of policies harmful to USA or the worldforward to holding world
- do hold the Republicans in WH and Congress accountable as they are now responsible to govern
- forward to do talk about working to win back Congress in 2018 the WH and the WH US senate in 2020
- do welcome all to join, other US citizen organizations and non-Americans, but focus is on DA members/ US citizens talking about what we as Americans believe in and need to do in the USA
Don’tsDON'Ts:
- don’t focus on don't use anti-Trump
don’t question the legality of the election
we’re not anti-USA
- don’t USA language or signage
- don't hold the US flag upside down, and never suggest burning the flag
- don't mix the DA brand with other political party brands during events
- don't endorse any local political party or candidate, likewise don't do not condemn any local political party or candidate
- don’t invite any local political party or candidate to speak at a protest that DA organizes
- in short - avoid discussing local politics and policy
in general - don’t comment on US foreign policy (Some exceptions: for example, ok to express support for Paris climate accords. If uncertain, check DA Comms talking points in the wiki or consult with your RVC.)
Questions: Please feel free to ask for specific guidance as you think through any unique situation/complexities in your country - email Julia Bryan at secretary@democratsabroadthe Global Comms team at comms@democratsabroad.org or the Chair at chair@democratsabroad.org