Get Prepared:
- 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 marches
- 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, choose chants and or music, craft statements and discuss equipment needs.This will help shape the dialogue at the event.
- 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
Choosing a location:
- 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’s:
- focus on the positives – what we support: tolerance, equality, civil rights for all, economy that works for all, equal pay, family leave, quality affordable education, Obamacare/affordable quality health care, progress on climate and the environment, multilateral foreign policy, bridges rather than walls
- and on what we are not for, but in a positive way. We’re not for: walls, racism, sexism, cronyism, trickle down economics, unilateral 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)
- 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 toUSAor the world
- forward to holding the Republicans in WH and Congress accountable as they are now responsible to govern
- forward to working to win back Congress in 2018 and the WH in 2020
- welcome all to join, otherUScitizen organizations and non-Americans, but focus is on DA members/UScitizens talking about what we as Americans believe in and need to do in theUSA
Don’ts:
- don’t focus on anti-Trump
- don’t question the legality of the election
- we’re not anti-USA
- don’t endorse any local political party or candidate, likewise don't condemn any local political party or candidate
- don’t invite any local political party or candidate