Activist WA State ROCKS – 2500 person rallies, TV, HOW TO’s

Self | 02/23/03 | Libertina

[Libertina]

Who would have thought that conservatives, much less conservative activists, could inhabit the land of Osama-in-Seattle Murray and Jim McDermRAT?
But this is the happy truth in Washington. And these once-quiet voices are now out in the streets every Saturday standing up for their Commander-in-Chief, supporting troops with flags flying, and being wowed in turn by thousands of other previously quiet patriots who wave wildly and play their horns like energetic marching bands.

[Libertina]

How did this all come about? A woman supports troops for 12 years. A Puget Sound FR Chapter Freeps every liberal bigwig and cultivates media friends. Nothing gets real traction. But in a heartbeat, timing and opportunity converge on a grandmother who has a grandson in the Marines. The community radio host, a fellow activist, suddenly sees a story. Not only does he announce the rally, he interviews the grandmother. He and another popular host say they will attend the rally. 1200 patriots and listeners show up. And it rocks! Billed as a Patriotic Support the Troops event, it is pleasant and non-threatening. Hundreds of families with kids and dogs fly flags, smile, meet new people and become friends. The passersby, long denied an outlet of expression for their disgust of Anti-Americanism, go wild honking horns, chanting “USA” and cheering. An American celebration! Not much in-your-face- politics, except for talking to the person next to you.

There is also intelligent marketing. From the beginning, at the smaller rallies, names, email addresses and phone numbers have been gotten on paper. A website is set up. (ron-siddell.com) Press releases are sent out with time, date, location, and emotional storyline. (For members of media who might not understand otherwise.) Parking has been sussed out. Organizers are on-site early. A big bucket holds flags and signs, which ralliers can checkout and use in case they haven’t brought their own. The organizers print bumper stickers and shirts to sell, in cooperation with local artisans. More names and email addresses go onto their list.

After the 1200 patriot rally, the media is shamed on-air by the indignant radio hosts (one who has run for Governor) for not covering the event - and the next Saturday rally is announced. The media has a difficult time ignoring the growing presence and the public slap on the wrist. They attend in greater numbers and send a helicopter. A busload of Vietnamese immigrants who love America come with a long banner and Vietnamese flags. Their banner says “The Vietnamese-American Community Supports America.” The crowd reaches 2000…

Talk radio hosts Kirby Wilbur and John Carlson build a website tied to their newly formed foundation MoveForward.org. Professionally printed Free Iraq signs have been selling and rally details are available.

Next, their community oriented radio station, KVI 570, and its activist hosts (urged on by new station competition, patriotic fervor, and disgust of WA Libs) announce a one-day fundraiser to buy television ads! The station management seeds the pot with $5700 for production and the soundtrack is played. The last sound bite says, “This ad paid for by the Listeners of KVI Talk Radio 570.” In one day (and one to count the proceeds) $100,000 is pledged. This is a first. No other radio station has ever done this. At $100 for a 30-second local spot, liberals will be driven crazy. Its “a good thing.” :)

The next rally is announced - 2500 turn up. And KVI, having built up a close relationship with the popular talk show host Sean Hannity, sends him the spot. It will now be played nationally.

Another email goes out from the organizer to her rally list members. A report, links to the American Legion and other groups who have been working with them, links to organizers, signs, website and mission statement are included. It revels in the amazing turnout and media coverage. Everyone feels like a winner.

This has all gone down in the space of approximately 6 weeks.

Free Republic has better graphics than any I’ve seen. We also have amazingly talented members, good with PR, good with planning, and thousands of successful Freeps under our belts. A lot of success depends on timing and luck, perhaps even on whom God chooses to be His vehicle. Yet, in the retelling of our Washington State tale there are tips that I believe will help others generate the kind of crowds we are seeing. “Making our own luck” so to speak. In this string of events, the Puget Sound FR Chapter is not the primary organizer, but part of a giant wave of conservative energy. We are getting to know people from many areas, passing out FR business cards, and have gotten permission to send out Press Releases announcing our participation in the events. We are connecting with great people and other conservative groups. All in all, “a VERY good thing.”

[Libertina]

[Libertina]

(((( P I N G )))))

[Libertina]

As BadRay requested...
FRee Republic Rally BUMP

[Libertina]

BTTT Pings for you :)

[Libertina]

LOL Well let's try those links again!
moveforward.org

KVI 570 Talk radio

[ezo4]

The rally in Silverdale was a good one today. Wish I had some pics to post. Lots of people.

[Libertina]

As you wish... ;)

[Libertina]

Time for this FReeper to go to bed. See you in the morning (later.) :)

[Mugwumps]

To all who participated - well done.

[anniegetyourgun]

You guys did a super job! Of course, it sure helps to have the #1 conservative talk radio station in the nation.....

[Ron H.]

Great report Libertina. A classic textbook example of grassroots organizing at its basic (and best) level to achieve a worthy goal. Others around here could learn from the example you folks in Puget Sound have set here. Thanks once again for your courage, dedication and relentless hard work. It has reaped dividends and will continue to in the future.

Other folks in other chapters could well learn from your chapters' example set out here.

Bumpin

[Eaker]

I wouldn't miss the March 1st rally for anything!!!

Hope to see all Houston FReepers there!

Stay safe; stay armed.
Eaker Freeper Status

"The Era of Osama lasted about an hour, from the time the first plane hit the tower to the moment the General Militia of Flight 93 reported for duty."

[Republican Red]

It wasn't just the listeners of KVI that participated. I live in Georgia and heard about their fundraiser on both FR and Hannity. I sent them a check. Way to go guys!

[Chong]

Thanks for the flag. Hope to see y'all at Jones Hall.

[Ron H.]

If you're there then you'll see me.

Bumpin

[Libertina]

Thanks Ron H for your kind words. Love your huge W Sam sign!

[Libertina]

You're RIGHT Republican Red. KVI reported that people listening to Sean's show had donated more than $8,000! Thank you. And the hope is that other stations can use KVI's commercial with their tag line and do the same across the country. We "hard working middle class families" don't have millions of $ each like the empty Hollyweird "stars", but together we are powerful. Infact, the RNC gets the majority of it's donations in small amounts - 25, 50, 100... That means WE are the majority. BUMP for your generous contribution R R!

[Libertina]

BTTT Hi Annie. I didn't know we had the number 1 conservative station in the US. (Though I do love KVI :) But, with due respect, I think that misses the point. What is in evidence here is that people & busineses working together, using multi-media and small contributions SUCCEEDS. This is what everyone can accomplish. I have been trying to introduce this idea to WA Republican fundraiser chairs - to no avail yet. LOL Anyway, if talk show station hosts across the country - and NOT just the big ones, join in, we will have a national campaign going. It took many good ideas, from many people - ALL WORKING TOGETHER

[Libertina]

BUMP Died online .com ROTFLMBO! I checked your status and am overjoyed to see you are still with us ;)

It doesn't hurt to be a plain speaking, interesting interview, or to be retired to get all this stuff done either ;) BTW, The organizers also brought in a banner sized piece of white plastic suitable for writing, and had attached pens hanging down. These signed *masterpeices* will be sent to her grandson's unit in the Middle East. Of course FRee Republic and our USO Canteen is prominently displayed.
Community participation BUMP